Home in Indiana (1944)

Lon McCallister is the wayward young lad "Sparky" who is sent to live with his aunt "Penny" (Charlotte Greenwood) and uncle "Thunder" (Walter Brennan) in rural Indiana. Instead of going to school each day, he manages to find work at the neighbouring stud farm where he shows considerable skill with the animals. His uncle also has past with horses, so after a bit of a rocky start they all start to bond - and to train one of the horses to race, trap style. The horse is owned by the "Boole" family who have a daughter, the slightly superior "Cri-Cri" (June Haver) who is friends with the daughter of their trainer, the more down to earth, horse-loving "Char" (Jeanne Crain) and they both take a shine to the good looking but rather naive young man. What follows is an engaging story depicting family tribulations, dedication and spirit - with a gentle romance that will resonate with many a person unaware of what was staring them in the face. Ward Bond adds value as the trainer - and his rival on the track - but I could have done with a little more Brennan and a little less frolicking in the lake. The fine cinematography - lots of rolling meadows, horses and some quite convincing track race photography keep this ticking over nicely with the gentlest of heart-string pulling at the end.