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The Fighting Chance (1955 film)

{{Short description|1955 film by William Witney}}

{{Infobox film

| name = The Fighting Chance

| image = The Fighting Chance poster.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = William Witney

| producer = William J. O'Sullivan

| screenplay = Houston Branch

| story = Robert Blees

| starring = Rod Cameron
Julie London
Ben Cooper
Taylor Holmes
Howard Wendell
Mel Welles

| music =

| cinematography = Bud Thackery

| editing = Irving M. Schoenberg

| studio = Republic Pictures

| distributor = Republic Pictures

| released = {{Film date|1955|12|15}}

| runtime = 70 minutes

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget =

| gross =

}}

The Fighting Chance is a 1955 American drama film directed by William Witney and written by Houston Branch. The film stars Rod Cameron, Julie London, Ben Cooper, Taylor Holmes, Howard Wendell and Mel Welles. The film was released on December 15, 1955, by Republic Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/74820/the-fighting-chance |title=The Fighting Chance (1955) - Overview |publisher=Turner Classic Movies |access-date=2015-12-03}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/91320/The-Fighting-Chance/overview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209140208/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/91320/The-Fighting-Chance/overview |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-12-09 |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=The New York Times |author=Sandra Brennan |date=2015 |title=The-Fighting-Chance - Trailer - Cast - Showtimes |access-date=2015-12-03}}{{cite web|url=http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=51497 |title=The Fighting Chance |publisher=Afi.com |access-date=2015-12-03}}

Plot

After a dispute over money, trainer Bill Binyon and a young jockey, Mike Gargan, quit working for Thoroughbred owner Al Moreno, whose girlfriend Janet Wales leaves him as well.

Bill and Mike go to California, where they are employed by "Lucky Jim" Morrison's stable. A flirtatious Janet turns up and draws interest from both men. In addition to this, Mike is infatuated with Miss Ellen, a filly who he believes could become a champion racehorse.

Janet turns out to be a devious, scheming woman who attempts to make both men jealous. After she declines Mike's marriage proposal, he goes to Mexico, where he gambles, drinks and neglects his career. After this, Bill takes a chance by marrying Janet. However, her lavish spending habits leaves them bickering and broke.

Morrison passes away due to a heart attack which results in Miss Ellen going to an auction. Mike returns and outbids Bill for the filly. He then reluctantly accepts a loan and a partnership when Bill lends him enough money to make the purchase. With a race coming up that offers a $400,000 prize, despite the horse being in imperfect health, Janet persuades Bill and Mike to enter Miss Ellen in the race since she really wants the money.

In the saddle, Mike has to ease up when the horse begins to bleed, and Miss Ellen finishes second. A furious Janet derides both men as losers, announcing she and Bill are through. Unknown to Janet, Bill bet on their horse across the board (win, place and show). He throws $40,000 worth of tickets in Janet's face. When she picks them up, he hits Janet with the horse's whip. On this note, Bill and Mike walk away, resuming their partnership and friendship.

==Cast==

See also

References

{{reflist}}

External links

  • {{IMDb title|0048069|The Fighting Chance}}
  • [https://www.sportsbetting3.com/horse/win-place-show-horse-betting Win Place Show "Across the Board"]

{{William Witney}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fighting Chance (1955 film), The}}

Category:1955 films

Category:American drama films

Category:1955 drama films

Category:Republic Pictures films

Category:Films directed by William Witney

Category:1950s English-language films

Category:1950s American films

Category:American black-and-white films

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