Watch The Story of Seabiscuit

The Story of Seabiscuit is a 1949 American film, directed by David Butler and starring Shirley Temple, Barry Fitzgerald, and Lon McCallister. The movie follows the true story of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit, who became an unlikely champion and a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. Seabiscuit is a small, unremarkable horse with a bad temper and a tendency to lose races. But when he is bought by a group of three men, Charles Howard (played by Barry Fitzgerald), Tom Smith (played by Donald MacBride), and Red Pollard (played by Lon McCallister), they see something in him that no one else does. Despite his shortcomings, they believe that with the right training and care, Seabiscuit could become a great racehorse.

Smith, a horse trainer and former rodeo rider, takes on the task of training Seabiscuit. He teaches the horse to trust him and to run with his heart, not just his legs. With Pollard as his jockey, Seabiscuit starts winning races and become a fan favorite. But as he rises to fame, he faces obstacles and setbacks, including an injury that nearly ends his career.

Meanwhile, Howard, the owner of the horse, has his own struggles. He is a successful businessman but is haunted by the loss of his son and the collapse of his marriage. Through Seabiscuit, he finds a new purpose and begins to heal.

Throughout the movie, the themes of perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the power of friendship are prominent. Seabiscuit becomes a metaphor for the resilience and courage of the American people during a time of hardship. The movie is also notable for its portrayal of the horse racing industry and the bond between horse and rider.

Shirley Temple, who was a child star in the 1930s, plays the role of Howard's granddaughter, Virginia. Although her character is fictional, she adds a touch of warmth and humor to the movie. Fitzgerald, McCallister, and MacBride give strong performances, but the real star of the movie is the horse Seabiscuit himself. The scenes of him racing are thrilling and dramatic, and the way the camera captures his movements and expressions is impressive for the time period.

The Story of Seabiscuit received mixed reviews upon its release but has since become a classic among horse racing enthusiasts and fans of inspirational movies. The film also won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing. It's a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of hope and determination, and the bond between man and animal.

The Story of Seabiscuit is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.