The Galloping Major

Basil Radford is cast superbly to type as The Galloping Major. The story concerns the efforts by retired Major Arthur Hill (Radford) to purchase a valuable race horse. He manages to attain financial backing from 300 fellow racing enthusiasts–and then messes things up for all concerned by buying the wrong horse. Persevering, Major Hill enters the steed in the Grand National, whereupon the horse disappears on the eve of the big event. The comic frustrations faced by the Major and his creditors are played effectively for light chuckles rather than belly laughs. The cast includes such polished farceurs as Hugh Griffith, Joyce Grenfell (a favorite of director Henry Cornelius, as witness Genevieve), Sydney Tafler and Alfie Bass., A retired major (Basil Radford) forms a syndicate to buy a racehorse—then returns with a sorry nag. Bill: Jimmy Hanley. Susan: Janette Scott. Sir Robert: A.E. Matthews. Pam: Rene Ray. Humbert: Hugh Griffith. Maggie: Joyce Grenfell. Directed by Henry Cornelius.