Watch Uncle Joe Shannon

Uncle Joe Shannon is a 1978 drama film starring Burt Young, Doug McKeon, and Madge Sinclair. Directed by Joseph C. Hanwright, the film tells the story of a young boy named Charlie who discovers a talent for horse racing under the guidance of his uncle Joe. The film begins with Charlie, a troubled teenager who struggles to fit in at school and at home. He lives with his aunt and uncle, Joe and Cora, who have taken him in after the death of his parents. Joe is a hard-drinking, rough-around-the-edges horse trainer who spends most of his time at the track. Cora is a devout Christian who tries her best to instill some discipline in Charlie, but he resents her for it.

One day, Charlie sneaks out of the house and meets up with a group of teens who hang out at the track. He is drawn to the excitement of the races and starts to learn about the sport. He also befriends a jockey named Bubba, who takes him under his wing and shows him the ropes.

Meanwhile, Joe is struggling to make ends meet. He owes money to some dangerous people and his horses are not winning. He sees potential in Charlie and starts to train him to be a jockey. At first, Charlie is hesitant, but he soon realizes that he has a natural talent for riding horses.

As Charlie becomes more involved in the racing world, he begins to see the dark side of the sport. He witnesses jockeys cheating and horses being mistreated. He also learns that Joe has a troubled past and is in debt to some dangerous people. Charlie must navigate these challenges as he tries to follow his dream of becoming a successful jockey.

The film is noteworthy for its portrayal of the horse racing industry. It highlights the physical and emotional toll that the sport takes on both the horses and the jockeys. The characters are complex and nuanced, and the performances by the cast are excellent. Burt Young, in particular, delivers a standout performance as the gruff but loving Uncle Joe.

Overall, Uncle Joe Shannon is a compelling drama that explores themes of family, loyalty, and ambition. It offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of the horse racing industry and features strong performances by the cast. Fans of character-driven dramas will find much to enjoy in this underrated gem from the late 1970s.

Uncle Joe Shannon is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.