Rocking Horse Winner, The (ITV 1977, Kenneth More, Nigel Rhodes)

Period drama. When a young boy rides his rocking horse he finds himself able to correctly predict winners in real horse races.

Quite an odd one for a stand alone half hour drama but the short running time does suit the story better than the feature length 1949 movie that was also made based on the same story. That starred John Mills and child actor turned TV producer John Howard Davies.

production details
UK / ITV – HTV / 1×25 minute episode / Broadcast 10 August 1977

Writer: Julian Bond / Executive Producer: Patrick Dromgoole / Story: D.H. Lawrence / Director: Peter Medak

cast
Kenneth More as Uncle
Nigel Rhodes as Paul
Angela Thorne as Mother
Peter Cellier as Father
Chris Harris as Bassett
Gwen Nelson as Nancy

 

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.