Moviecut—Stablemates

source: Stablemates

Stablemates

A fairly routine story which telegraphs much of its storyline and is, by and large, an unremarkable horse story. But there is a difference in this one - this one stars Mickey Rooney, one of Hollywood's brightest, most talented stars. And that makes all the difference. Mickey is a track stableboy who loves the horse he is assigned, so much so that he buys the horse for a song when its owner gives up on it. He teams up with Wallace Beery, who turns out to be an ex-veterinarian but is now an alcoholic hobo. Together they turn the horse into a champion, with a few side stories thrown in for good measure. Rooney and Beery play well off each other, two pros doing what they do best. Mickey can turn on the tears whenever needed and Beery could play a slob better than anyone. There are some good character acting alongside the pair, but those two make the picture go all by themselves. "Stablemates" is 'B' picture material with top shelf Hollywood actors.

Stablemates offers Margaret Hamilton a meaty role costarring with Wallace Beery and Mickey Rooney. The film, about a horse that needs doctoring, and a vet (Beery) that needs help, is routine. However, the way the horse and veterinary medicine is discussed and shown is quite superb. The story is bolstered by heartfelt performances. Wallace Beery is not to be missed in an operation scene where his character craves one more sip of liquor. In fact, Beery (a real-life alcoholic) gives one of the most intelligent and most compassionate portrayals of his entire career. Despite the darker shades of his character, the movie falls perfectly in line with MGM's family films, given its ultimately redemptive ending.

Former horse trainer Tom Terry (Wallace Beery) is a drunk. Stable boy Mickey (Mickey Rooney) aspires to be a jockey. They become friends and go on the road with a horse. Beery and Rooney are a good pairing. They have good chemistry and comedic timing. This is a fine road story and these are good characters. Margaret Hamilton has a good section. It's fine family entertainment.

One of my all time favorite movies, and one of the best movies ever made about Thoroughbred horse racing. All horse racing fans will enjoy watching this movie very much. Wallace Berry and Mickey Rooney give excellent performances, too make the movie very enjoyable to watch.

Stablemates is a classic family story about a boy, his horse, and his "Pop". It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Stablemates is a sweet little film that leaves you with an all around good feeling. If you have a soft spot for older movies, you will enjoy this one. Watching this oldie, but goody reminds us that the world isn't such a dreary place after all. It was a lot of fun to watch.

Really one of Mickey Rooney's best parts. Full of emotion and comradee with him and Wallace Beery as the washed up drunk Veterinarian. Beery always worked well with young actors...Jackie Cooper in the Champ. Also one of Beery's great roles. Mickey sure was cute back then.

This is one of the sweetest movies ever made. Grab a box of tissues because you will surely need them! Mickey Rooney is in top form here. Proving once again his dramatic and comic skill! The man was and is a genius. In my opinion there has never been a better actor. Just as Carl Reiner, Cary Grank, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. or John Frankenheimer. Mickey Rooney was the master of cryer as well. He can tear you heart out just as easily as he can make you laugh. I'm not a big Wallace Berry fan but he's great in this film. If you love horses this movie is for you. In my opinion it's as great as National Velvet or the Black stallion. Both starring Mickey Rooney. Also, another great horse film starring Mickey Rooney is Down The Stretch from 1936 or 37. Anyhow, this film is highly recommended for all Rooney, Berry or horse fan! Enjoy!