The Rocking Horse Winner

Directed by Anthony Pelissier
UK 1950

Based on one of D.H. Lawrence’s most enduring short works, this is a haunting tale of a boy driven to the limits of his own life by his mother’s wanton materialism. Plagued by his mother’s (Valerie Hobson) extravagant shopping and spending - the young, introverted son discovers that by riding his toy rocking horse he can predict the outcome of future horse races. With the aid of his supportive uncle and the well-meaning family gardener (John Mills), the boy finds an unlikely answer to the financial problems that are turning his parents away from both each other and himself. But, unfortunately, the further his psychic gift advances the kitty - it does not translate to better communication with his obsessive mother and jobless father. The axiom of money evading love holds true to a devastating climax. A thoroughly enjoyable film experience with superb one-dimensional performances.

Gary W. Tooze

Poster + Book Cover

Theatrical Release: June 8th, 1950

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DVD Review: Home Vision - Region 1 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	Home Vision - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:31:24
Video	1.33:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.25 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	None
Features	Release Information: Studio: Home Vision Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Michael Almeryda's (HAMLET, NADJA) 20 min. short film staring Eric Stoltz based on 'Rocking Horse Winner' • Audio track of actor John Shea reading the story 'Rocking Horse Winner' (20 min.) • 3 audio excerpts from a chamber opera based on 'Rocking Horse Winner' (15 min.) • 24 page liner notes booklet including the entire text of 'Rocking' story and libretto excerpts from the chamber opera DVD Release Date: September 24th, 2002 Keep Case Chapters: 20

Comments:

Very strong transfer from the now non-existent Home Vision. I would say the image is only a notch below Criterion-level. Good detail with excellent contrast and grey-tones. There are a few light scratches but nothing untoward. There is minor digital noise and dirt. No subtitles are offered where they would have been appreciated especially as the English-accented audio is a shade quiet at times. There are lots of supplements dealing more with the literary work by DH Lawrence. The liner notes contains the full story and the Chamber Opera (two acts).

Overall, I was immensely impressed with this DVD - a rare find in a pile of unwatched discs that I have had for years - very strongly recommended!

Gary W. Tooze

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