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HORSE RACE GREATS: BRITISH MOVIETONE NEWS
This feature provides a permanent record not only of the races themselves but also of the social conditions of the time. From the 1930's Epsom Downs with its funfairs, bookmakers, gypsies, Pearly Kings and Queens, Prince Monolulu and, of course, proper royalty to the more sedate Royal Ascot with its contemporary fashions and Royal processions, while particularly poignant is the 1940 Aintree Grand National with its predominance of servicemen in uniforms amongst the crowd. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were earnestly welcomed at all three venues in 1937 - Coronation Year.
Races covered include: Royal Ascot, the Grand National, The Epsom Derby, Cheltenham, St. Leger and the Kentucky Derby.
A detailed breakdown of what to expect in this feature is the following: 1930 Ascot Gold Cup (BOSWORTH), 1932 Ascot Stakess (SON OF MINT and SANDY LASHES); in 1933 Lord Derby scores a very popular victory when HYPERION ridden by T. Weston, not only wins at Ascot but sets a new stakes record...also shown is KING SALMAN (second place) and STATESMAN (third)...see extensive footage before and after the race of HYPERION. In addition the 1934 National Hunt Steeplechase at Cheltenham is shown with KILLADOR falling at the first fence fatally injuring his rider Heber Percy (CROWN PRINCE first, BROADWAS second and ALEXENA third), 1934 Epsom Derby (WINDSOR LAD), famed jumper GOLDEN MILLER is shown in the 1935 Cheltenham Gold Cup, BAHRAM the first European Triple Crown winner since ROCK SAND in 1903 is shown in the 1935 St. Leger, 1936 Epsom Derby and the Aga Khan's MAHMOUD, 1936 Kentucky Derby in which BOLD VENTURE just beats BREVITY at the wire, LAWRIN the winner of the 1938 Kentucky Derby, 1937 Epsom Derby of MID-DAY SUN, BOIS ROUSSEL in the 1938 Epsom Derby, 1939 Epsom Derby featuring FAIRFAX, HELIOPSIS, BLUE PETER and CASANOVA and five runnings of the Grand National at Aintree (1936-1940) featuring REYNOLDSTOWN in the 1936 renewal.
The Derby of 1929 was featured in the very first newsreel film from British Movietone News featuring TRIGO and was the first time that a horse race was covered with sound. Also shown is very rare footage of the Royal Family through this era along with other famous dignitaries and glimpses of the fashion and trends at that time. In addition to the multitude of races covered, this particular feature is rich in the atmosphere of a time gone by.
(57 Minutes)
Listing Info: | |
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Listing ID: | 363 |
Format(s) Available: | DVD And VHS |
Category: | National Hunt / Jumps / Steeplechase |