Edmond Beloin wrote a sentimental story for Uncle Charley and a retired horse. This comes off more as a scenario for a classic movie, perhaps with bits borrowed from one of Shirley Temple's films. It sure has that feel. Don't forget the STORY OF SEABISCUIT. The stuff all us kids grew up on back in the day.
Uncle Charley, who must have been quite an adventurer in his younger years, gets a bit of the spark back and decides to buy an 11 year old race horse, that still may have potential. Keep in mind the average retirement age for a race horse is between 4 and 5 years, although there are exceptions --but eleven years is a STRETCH.
Miraculously, the horse WINS, though the competition consists of even older horses that should have been retired years ago. That's the catch here, and you really feel sorry for Uncle Charley and his big dream. Charley was in lots of these stories, reminiscing about the past. The sad music always tugs at your heart.
The wardrobe crew dressed William Demarest in a sporty outfit, even better in color. Remember, most of us kids saw this episode in black and white!
Is there a happy ending? There always is, probably better for the horse!
This episode was likely filmed at either famous Santa Anita Park (obviously on an off day) or Hollywood Park. Writer Edmond Beloin was quite famous, writing GI BLUES for Elvis. He also served as producer for FAMILY AFFAIR.
Look for the great character actor James Westerfield as Doc Wetherford, a role he was made to play. Westerfield played a ton of doctors and sheriffs in westerns. He was a natural, a founding member of Hollywood's famed GREEK THEATRE.
SEASON 8 EPISODE 22 remastered color.
Uncle Charley, who must have been quite an adventurer in his younger years, gets a bit of the spark back and decides to buy an 11 year old race horse, that still may have potential. Keep in mind the average retirement age for a race horse is between 4 and 5 years, although there are exceptions --but eleven years is a STRETCH.
Miraculously, the horse WINS, though the competition consists of even older horses that should have been retired years ago. That's the catch here, and you really feel sorry for Uncle Charley and his big dream. Charley was in lots of these stories, reminiscing about the past. The sad music always tugs at your heart.
The wardrobe crew dressed William Demarest in a sporty outfit, even better in color. Remember, most of us kids saw this episode in black and white!
Is there a happy ending? There always is, probably better for the horse!
This episode was likely filmed at either famous Santa Anita Park (obviously on an off day) or Hollywood Park. Writer Edmond Beloin was quite famous, writing GI BLUES for Elvis. He also served as producer for FAMILY AFFAIR.
Look for the great character actor James Westerfield as Doc Wetherford, a role he was made to play. Westerfield played a ton of doctors and sheriffs in westerns. He was a natural, a founding member of Hollywood's famed GREEK THEATRE.
SEASON 8 EPISODE 22 remastered color.
