Due donne e un puro sangue

The trivia section states that the racing scenes for this movie were shot in Fremont, Ohio. That may be true for the early scenes, but the final race in which Maudine IV races after going blind were shot in Marion, Ohio at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Although it has changed a lot in recent years, I spent many of my early years playing in the stands at the fairground and even rang the "call to the post" bell that is rung in the movie. My mother told us stories of seeing the stars of the movie at the fairgrounds when they were filming. One of the older guys I used to work with claimed he dated June Haver when they were in town. Even if I didn't believe him, I have no doubt that my mother was telling me the truth.

The list of filming locations does credit Marion, as well as several other locations where harness racing was one of the main local pastimes

I do enjoy the movie and try to catch it whenever it is on (generally on the FOX movie channel).

Home in Indiana is a wonderful movie. I saw this on AMC when I was a kid and still remember it. It's a film about a troubled youth who comes to live on his aunt and uncles farm. At first he doesn't want to be there but then he makes some friends and eventually gets involved in some kind of chariot horse racing. The music score and talent makes this film a classic. Another movie called April Love, with Pat Boone and Shirley Jones , came out about 20 years after Home in Indiana and copied the premise of the movie. Jeanne Crain is the one I remember most in this film, I think it was her second film. I think Fox released this movie and I hope they release this timeless movie on DVD soon, along with other Jeanne Crain films.

Hard not to like this picturesque celebration of America's heartland. Sure, it's idealized, filmed as though it stepped off the pages of a glossy Town and Country magazine. And that's along with a super-engaging Crain and McCallister whose two youthful innocents seem worlds away from today. Add Brennan and Greenwood as the tough-love adults and it's a great core cast. The values are strictly family and conservative-- right down to grace before dinner-- but in a non-sanctimonious way.

Director Hathaway paces the spare plot nicely so that events never drag. McCallister's got to get surrogate dad Brennan back into the horse business. But to do that, he must win a trotter's race (an Indiana specialty), and in the process develop eyes for the de-glamorized tomboy Crain who's stuck on him. Naturally there are complications, including Haver's glamorous rich girl who proves a temporary distraction. But, surprise, surprise, things do work out in the end.

No, they sure don't make 'em like this any more, right down to the Huck Finn swimming hole and Greenwood's stern mother figure looking like she stepped off that famous American Gothic painting. Hollywood's nostalgia factory was hitting on all eight with this warm, non- sappy tale. I guess my only reservation is why they went to Kentucky to film a tribute to Indiana. Oh well, we're probably lucky they didn't cut corners and do it in the studio backlot.

Starched and scrubbed-clean family film has delinquent, orphaned teenager going to live with his aunt and uncle, ditching school to hang out at the next-door horse ranch and learn how to harness race. Lovely color photography, beautiful autumnal locales, and fine racing sequences bolster this thin drama, which seems to be in favor of cutting classes as long as you have a passion for something else! Dimply Lon McAllister is entirely too polite and green in the lead, though his friendships with neighboring sisters June Haver (the bombshell) and Jeanne Crain (the tomboy) are entertaining, and his devotion to the horses is well-portrayed. Some amusing characters and sequences, but it doesn't have the scope or depth of something like "National Velvet" (released the same year). This Henry Hathaway-directed effort is far more innocuous and minor, but still enjoyable, especially for equestrians. **1/2 from ****

This movie just makes you feel good. And not in any sappy way, but in the freshness of the setting and the characters, the coming-of-age bits that aren't forced, and the way Walter Brennan's character is brought back to life as he re-engages in the thing he loves, horse racing. And the way his wife delights in the transformation. It's a small miracle, brought on by the unexpected: a boy who's a relative is sent to live with the farm couple after he's gotten into trouble back home. At first he's resented but he becomes the catalyst for Brennan's redemption - and finds his own redemption, as well.

A couple of girls (Played by Jeanne Crain and June Haver, both future Fox stars) are in the mix as well, and if you like trotting horses, and racing, you will enjoy this lovely slice of life, with outdoors prominently featured. It should refresh and invigorate you.