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.

Neat little film about an orphaned teen who loves a horse and the old stew bum who befriends him.

Mickey Rooney (at age 18) stars as the kid who hangs around race track stables and who earns a broken down horse in lieu of pay. Wallace Beery is the drunken drifter who happens upon the stable where Rooney tends his horse.What a pleasure to see these two great pros working together.

The film is too sentimental for today's audiences but really packs a wallop with a simple story, humor, and great acting.

Margaret Hamilton gets a good supporting role as "the widow," and also good are Arthur Hohl, Marjorie Gateson, Minor Watson, Spencer Charters, and Oscar O'Shea.

Beery is a total delight as the rumpled bum who still has a spark within him. Rooney is so spontaneous and fresh faced it's impossible not to like him. Oddly there is a scene of Rooney riding his horse in the ocean surf that presages a similar scene in The Black Stallion (with Kelly Reno) 40-odd years later.

"Stablemates" is a very schmaltzy and formulaic film--there's really no getting around that. Like nearly all of Wallace Beery films, he plays a lovable rogue who eventually redeems himself. You also KNOW how the film is going to end shortly after the film begins. And, there is sentiment galore! Yet, despite all this, it's a dandy film--one of the best horse films you can find.

While I mentioned Beery, the star of the film is Mickey Rooney who plays, not surprisingly, Mickey! Mickey has no family and his greatest live is to hang around the horse track. And, of all the horses, he adores 'Lady Q'--a horse who he believes in, though hardly anyone else does. In fact, the horse's owner is planning on having him put down and Mickey begs the guy to give him the horse in lieu of what he owes Mickey in salary. The short-sighted owner agrees. However, with absolutely no money and an injured horse, what is he to do? Well, he soon meets up with a slippery character, Tom (Beery) and it seems obvious to everyone that Tom is no good. But, Mickey soon comes to believe in him--especially after Tom operates on the horse and saves her. But Tom acts VERY cagey about all this. It's obvious he's a vet but strongly denies it. What gives?! In the meantime, Tom and Mickey become like father and son. Can Mickey stand to learn the truth about Tom? And, can Lady Q win the big race? As I said, this is a formulaic and predictable picture. Yet, because the script is lovely and the acting so nice (particularly Rooney's) you cannot help but believe in them and root for the characters. It's a film that I liked despite all its flaws. A wonderful family picture.

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!

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.