Here is a film of stereotypes-an innocent, wide-eyed lad who wants to become a jockey (Johnny Stewart); a cynical manager who is down on his luck (William Holden); an avaricious owner of horses (Ed Begley). The script is incompetent with unbelievable responses to situations, with solutions that are too easy. The direction is pedestrian and the camera work uninspired. This is typical 50s escapist fare that fails to look at the underlying problems of the leads. A great cast of character actors is wasted-Harry Morgan, Ralph Dumke, Ed Begley and Basil Ruysdael (who does the most with his role as Preacher). However, listen to this early score by Elmer Bernstein, an indication of greater soundtracks to come. The movie, however, is watchable but with no scene memorable.
Review of Boots Malone
