Watch The Galloping Major

The Galloping Major, released in 1951, is a British comedy film which follows the exploits of a retired horse racing jockey, Sergeant Peter Ramsbottom (played by Basil Radford), who becomes the owner of a racehorse. The film is set in the picturesque countryside of England, with rolling hills and verdant pastures serving as the backdrop for the story's unfolding.

Sergeant Peter is a likeable character who is passionate about horse racing and has a deep love for horses. He is a retired jockey who had a successful career as a rider in his younger days, and has now settled into a quiet life in the countryside with his wife, Susan (played by Dora Bryan). However, his passion for horse racing is rekindled when he acquires a horse named "Harmony," who he believes has the potential to be a champion racehorse.

Together with his friend, the young and enthusiastic Bertie Skidmore (played by Jimmy Hanley), Peter sets out to train Harmony for the upcoming Grand National race. The two friends face numerous challenges as they attempt to turn a mediocre horse into a champion, from coping with financial hardships to dealing with unruly stable hands.

The film's plot takes a comical turn when, to raise money for the horse's training, Peter and Bertie decide to enter a local horse show. At the show, they dress up in jockey uniforms and disguise themselves as horse racing professionals. The charade works, and they end up winning the horse show competition, netting themselves a handy sum of cash which they can use to fund Harmony’s training.

As the day of the Grand National approaches, Peter and Bertie become increasingly nervous about their chances of winning. They are plagued by doubts about their ability to turn a once-mediocre horse into a true champion. However, with the help of Susan and a group of local supporters, they manage to overcome their insecurities and decide to give it their all in the big race.

The day of the Grand National finally arrives, and the excitement in the air is palpable. The racing scenes are filmed expertly, and viewers can feel the tension and excitement building up as the horses come closer to the finish line. As the race progresses, it becomes clear that Harmony is a true contender, much to the delight of Peter, Bertie and the rest of their supporters.

The climax of the film is as exciting as any good racing movie should be, with viewers on the edge of their seats as the horses come closer to the finish line. The ending is not predictable, and viewers will be surprised by the outcome of the race.

Overall, The Galloping Major is an entertaining and enjoyable film which showcases the beauty and excitement of horse racing. The film's endearing characters, beautiful scenery, and humorous plot make it a true gem of British cinema. Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast or just an admirer of classic cinema, this film is one that is not to be missed.