Watch RIDING HIGH

Riding High is a musical comedy film that was released in 1950. Directed by Frank Capra and produced by Harry Cohn, the film stars the legendary Bing Crosby in the leading role, with supporting performances from Coleen Gray and Charles Bickford. The film follows the story of Dan Brooks (Crosby), a former horse trainer who has just inherited a sizable amount of money. Despite having never previously run a business, Dan decides to use his newfound wealth to purchase a horse racing stable. With the help of his friend and former jockey, Stretch (William Demarest), Dan sets about revitalizing the failing stable and training his horses to compete in high stakes races.

Dan’s journey to success is not without its challenges, however. He must navigate the complicated world of horse racing, dealing with corrupt bookies and rival stable owners who will stop at nothing to see him fail. He also has to contend with the stubbornness of his own horses, who refuse to race unless they feel like it.

As Dan faces these obstacles, he also finds romance in the form of Alice (Gray), the daughter of a wealthy horse breeder. With Alice’s support, Dan is able to overcome the odds and win the big race that he has been working towards throughout the film.

Riding High is a classic example of the feel-good movies that were popular in the mid-twentieth century. The film is filled with catchy musical numbers, including the hit song “Sunshine Cake,” which became a radio favorite upon the film’s release. Crosby’s performance in the lead role is charming and affable, making him an endearing protagonist that audiences can’t help but root for.

The film is also notable for its impressive production design, particularly in the racing scenes. Capra and his crew went to great lengths to capture the excitement and tension of a real horse race, using a combination of practical effects and careful editing to make the scenes feel as authentic as possible. This attention to detail makes the racing sequences some of the most thrilling in the film.

Despite its lighthearted tone, Riding High does touch on some serious themes. The film explores the corrupt underbelly of the horse racing industry, including the shady dealings that go on behind the scenes. It also examines the issue of animal cruelty, particularly in the way that horses are often pushed beyond their limits in order to win races. These themes add depth to what could have otherwise been a superficial movie, making it a more nuanced and interesting viewing experience.

Overall, Riding High is a fun and entertaining movie that showcases the talents of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. With its catchy songs, exciting racing sequences, and charming performances, it’s easy to see why it has remained popular with audiences for over 70 years.

RIDING HIGH is a 1950 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.