The real Seabiscuit retired in 1940 and died in 1947. Just like heavyweight boxer Jimmy Braddock, the legendary race horse became an unlikely champion and symbol of hope for many Americans during the Great Depression. As a family movie, this is a passable film with endearing characters, though I didn't get a sense of Seabiscuit's legendary status as a thoroughbred race horse in the telling. In the picture he's sometimes overshadowed by the on again/off again romance between Margaret O'Hara (Shirley Temple) and Ted Knowles (Lon McCallister). Without a doubt, the presence of Barry Fitzgerald in the story as trainer Shawn O'Hara was the spark this film needed to make it a worthwhile story, even if a fictional one.I was somewhat taken aback when the Technicolor format went black and white around the fifty four minute mark, but quickly determined the race horse footage must have been the real deal from the era. With a little research I learned that the one-on-one match up between Seabiscuit and War Admiral was the actual race between the two horses, as was the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap, won by the titled horse following his amazing comeback from a leg injury.For racing fans who also admire Shirley Temple, this is your chance to see her in her next to last film. The only other movie I've watched where she's an adult was the prior year's cavalry Western "Fort Apache" where she seemed out of her element. Having seen both pictures now, it's somewhat apparent she didn't transition that well into adult roles, which is OK, as she made her mark as a cute-as-a-button youngster in a slew of pictures throughout the Thirties. That's really the only way I can think of her.

"The Story of Seabiscuit", which was shown recently on TCM, is a film that is pleasant to sit through, but inferior to the much better "Seabiscuit" that came out on 2003, based on the magnificent book by Laura Hillenbrand and directed by Gary Ross. This 1949 movie was perhaps a vehicle for an adult Shirley Temple. As directed by David Butler, the film has some good moments.The best thing in the movie is the irresistible Barry Fitzgerald. As Shawn O'Hara, he comes to America to work with horses at the Milford Farms. He arrives with his niece, Margaret. Shawn knows a lot about horses and he spots Seabiscuit right away. His love for the horse puts him at odds with George, the head trainer. Since Seabiscuit doesn't show anything at the beginning and Shawn's health seems to deteriorate, Shawn and Margaret decide to go on to California to work with the Howards, a couple that appreciate Shawn's advice.Among the recommendations Shawn tells the Howards, is to buy Seabiscuit from Mr. Milford for the sum of six thousand dollars. After Shawn resumes training the horse, and with the help of Ted Knowles, the jockey, Seabiscuit begins to respond and win. Seabiscuit was a legend in the sport.The story is conventional, but totally watchable by the presence of Barry Fitzgerald. He steals every scene in which he appears. Shirley Temple is not believable with her Irish accent, but she is a sweet figure in the story. Lon McCallister, playing Ted, is fine. Rosemarie DeCamp is an elegant figure who doesn't get much to do.The film doesn't attempt to be anything but a semi documentary about Seabiscuit and its trainer and the relationship between them. Horse race fans will have a good time with the film thanks to Mr. Fitzgerald's contribution.

I remember this movie from my childhood and recently saw it on cable. What I don't understand is why do I remember this very forgettable film. It's really a loser. The horse(s) who played Seabiscuit get the highest acting credits from me. And Rosemary is always deCamp!

A grown-up Shirley Temple is the only reason for interest in this weak horse story that is certainly not in the league with films like 'National Velvet' or 'My Friend Flicka'. Only interesting aspect is provided by Shirley Temple in one of her last films as a an adult actress, a nurse with bitter feelings about racing due to the death of a brother in the sport. She's pleasant enough, nicely photographed in technicolor and sporting an Irish brogue. Barry Fitzgerald provides a few amusing moments and Lon McCallister is on hand as a jockey who falls for Shirley--but tedium sets in early on and it never quite manages to pick up any steam for what is supposed to be a rousing finish. I caught this one on Turner Classic Movies when they had a tribute to Shirley's birthday and was impressed by her charm and assurance in a basically sub-standard role. Too bad the script didn't provide her and the others with more challenging material. It's a passable film and according to Shirley, did well enough at the box-office at time of release--probably due to her personal popularity.