RIDING HIGH

RIDING HIGH is an American comedy-drama movie released in 1950, starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time - Bing Crosby, Coleen Gray, and Charles Bickford.

The movie centers around the world of horse racing, a theme which instantly provides an opportunity for drama and tension. Bing Crosby plays the lead role as Dan Brooks, a charismatic horse trainer with a reputation for his unconventional yet successful methods. Crosby brings his iconic charm and wit to this role, making the character likable and compelling, while also delivering some of his best-known songs throughout the movie, adding a touch of musical flair to the narrative.

Dan Brooks is on a mission to convince the owner of a horse named 'Broadway Bill' to part with his prestigious animal so Dan can train it. Here's where the owner's daughter, Alice Higgins, played by the radiant Coleen Gray, comes into the story. Alice is a determined and confident woman who is not easily swayed by Dan's charm, but nonetheless finds herself drawn to him. Gray shines in this role, bringing a mixture of strength and vulnerability to Alice that makes her a complex and likeable character.

Meanwhile, Charles Bickford plays J.L. Higgins, Alice’s stern and austere father. He’s the owner of Broadway Bill and a domineering, hard-headed businessman whose primary concern is maintaining his wealth and status, making him dismissive of Dan's dreams of training Broadway Bill into a champion racehorse. Bickford's performance as the formidable patriarch is stellar, rounding out the main trio of characters with a more antagonistic yet not entirely unsympathetic figure.

The narrative follows a blend of personal ambition, romance, and the elaborate and dramatic ambiance of horse racing. The charismatic Dan and the pragmatic Alice form a romantic bond during the course of the story, their relationship evolving alongside the plot, adding a layer of romantic interest to the story. The subplot around this burgeoning romance is treated with respect, adding a layer of complexity to the main narrative.

At the same time, the narrative never loses sight of its primary focus - horse racing. The film goes to great lengths to depict the intricacies of horse racing and Dan's unique training methods. The races themselves are shot with a sense of realism and excitement, making the audience feel like they are right there on the race track. In fact, most of the horse racing scenes were filmed on location, lending an extra air of authenticity to those moments.

And amidst all these, there are also elements of comedy interspersed throughout RIDING HIGH. The film never gets too heavy, always finding ways to sprinkle in levity to balance out the drama. It manages to juggle the serious moments with the humorous ones, ensuring that the narrative remains balanced.

RIDING HIGH cements its place in cinema history not just with its engaging story and charismatic performances, but also with its technical prowess. The film has been well-preserved over the years, its cinematography still standing out for its precision and attention to detail. The use of lighting and composition contributes to the overall visual aesthetic and showmanship of the film. Furthermore, the music, beyond Bing's interludes, enhances the film's atmosphere, capturing the excitement of the races and the tension of the more dramatic scenes.

Overall, RIDING HIGH is a movie that blends romance, comedy, and drama, all set against the exciting backdrop of horse racing. It may be a product of the 1950s, but it carries a timeless charm thanks to its well-rounded characters, well-paced storytelling, and the superb performances of its lead actors. While it may seem like a movie purely for fans of horse racing or Bing Crosby on the surface, RIDING HIGH is more than that. It's a testament to the magic of classic Hollywood, where character-driven stories and top-tier performances reigned supreme, and is most definitely worth a watch for anyone interested in vintage cinema.