Watch The Rocking Horse Winner

In 1949, The Rocking Horse Winner was released, based on a short story written by D.H. Lawrence. It tells the story of a young boy, Paul, who lives with his mother in a luxurious mansion in England. Despite their wealth, the family is deeply unhappy, and the tensions within their home soon become apparent. Valerie Hobson plays Paul's mother, Hester, a selfish, cold woman who is desperate to maintain her status in high society. John Howard Davies plays Paul, a sensitive boy who is deeply affected by the discord within his family. Ronald Squire completes the main cast as Uncle Oscar, Hester's lovesick brother who serves as a source of income for the family.

One day, Paul discovers that he has a unique talent for picking winning horses. He becomes obsessed with horse racing and spends all his time studying form and trotting odds. He becomes convinced that the only way to save his family from financial ruin is to win a large sum of money through horse racing.

Paul's obsession with gambling leads him to believe that his rocking horse, a childhood toy, has magical powers that can predict the future outcomes of horse races. Paul spends hours rocking back and forth on the horse, pushing himself to a frenzied state of mind where he can receive messages about the next race.

As he becomes more and more fixated on winning, Paul's mental state begins to deteriorate. He becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends, consumed by his obsession with the rocking horse. His extraordinary gift soon turns into a curse.

The Rocking Horse Winner is a story about greed and the destructive power of materialism. It explores the consequences of loveless family relationships and highlights the toxic influence of material wealth on the human spirit.

The performances in the film are excellent. Valerie Hobson as Hester delivers a nuanced performance, portraying a woman who is consumed by greed but who is ultimately emotionally vulnerable. John Howard Davies as Paul offers a touching portrayal of a young boy struggling to find meaning in a world that is suffocating him. Ronald Squire's portrayal of Uncle Oscar is particularly notable, delivering a performance that is both humorous and heartbreaking.

The film is beautifully directed by Anthony Pelissier, who brings a haunting quality to the story. The cinematography is particularly stunning, with the film making use of shadows and light to create a sense of foreboding.

Overall, The Rocking Horse Winner is a timeless tale that explores themes that are just as relevant today as they were in 1949. It is a poignant reminder that happiness cannot be found through the pursuit of material wealth, but through warmth, love and genuine human connection.

The Rocking Horse Winner is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.