If you’re in Saratoga this weekend, and in the near-future, you have a rare opportunity, indeed.
Unlike horse racing fans in New York City–Long Island–Western New York or the Southern Tier–you can go to the movies, and see “50-to-1,” the beautiful film about Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird.
I think it’s interesting that Saratoga is the only place where the film will be shown. Of course, this is a horse racing town, and this is the meet with more Grade 1 races than any other track on Earth.
That translates to kabillions of horse race fans swarming like fleas on a dog into the streets of Saratoga Springs at the end of every racing day. (Hence my aversion for downtown Saratoga during racing season. I don’t do crowds. Of humans.)
But you, my friends–you have the golden opportunity before you to catch this lush film before it moseys out of town…
Now, I have to confess to you, my readers, that my heart and mind aren’t on writing today, and they weren’t last night, either. I posted a piece last night about an event tonight, because I wanted to help. I
I’m posting this because I hope to help fill seats for this film.
My heart’s not in writing because I just can’t get her there. I’ve tried and I’ve tried, but I can’t force her. And even if I could write something reasonably pretty–you’d all know that it was forced because my mind was elsewhere.
You see, a beautiful horse whom I love, Lavender Road, is in critical condition (still, I believe), under the expert care of Rood & Riddle. Of course I won’t go into the details here–this isn’t about Lavender. But it’s been a very rough 20 hours as I’ve been crying, praying, trying to be there for her Trainer, Abigail Adsit–while also trying to stay out of Abigail’s hair and rallying troops to pray on Facebook.
So it’s now 7:11 Eastern time, and I just spent a night trying to sleep. My heart isn’t into writing
But I DO want you to see this film, because I know that it’s a wonderful piece of cinematography. No, I’ve not-yet seen it–I hope to, this coming week. But I’ve seen the trailer, and it made me cry.
Listen, horse racing needs to grow, and a wonderful film is a great way to grow our fan base. Bring your non-racing fans to see it: everyone loves a story in which the hero is an underdog who triumphs. Director/Producer, Jim Wilson, is no novice either to the sport, or to filmmaking. (He has Oscars lining his mantle, which is as good a recommendation as I an conceive. I still have “Oscar for Best Original Screenplay” on my list of things to achieve in this lifetime.)
I spoke last evening with Faith Conroy, who co-wrote and co-produced the film. Even as I was choking back my pain for Lavender Road, I may have managed to carry on a reasonably intelligent conversation with the very talented young woman. She sounds wonderful, and she believes in this film with all her heart.
Mine That Bird’s story is inspirational, as I said–anyone who’s ever been down, and felt kicked, has the need to cheer for someone who’s perceived as being a non-contender, but who then surprises them all. We humans all have been down–we’ve all been doubted–we all have the need to cheer/whistle/scream/cry for someone who’s kicking the butts of those who thought they held all the cards.
From what I’ve seen and read, this is the film that will bring you to your feet even as it reminds you of the times that you were brought to your knees–and you overcame. Mine That Bird overcame. He won the Kentucky Derby. The son of Mrs. Marylou Whitney’s Belmont Stakes winner, Birdstone, won the first leg of the Triple Crown in 2009. We all can win our own races–as you know, sometimes all we need is a little encouragement.
I realized last night that racing season in Saratoga might be a difficult time for a horse racing film, even though originally I thought otherwise. The film opens tomorrow (Friday, August 1), and of course will continue at least through the weekend–depends on the demand. And Saturday’s race card is chock-full of historic and wonderful races: the Whitney, the Waya, Alfred G Vanderbilt, etc, etc., etc.) I’m certain that the matinee on Saturday will not be filled with horse race fans, ’cause we’ll all be at the track
But after the races–after your blood has been pumping all day, and you’ve screamed your brains out–that would be the perfect time to go the movies. Sit in a darkened theatre for a couple of hours, and let Jim Wilson and Faith Conroy tell you a story. Remember why it is that you love this sport–why you love horses, and why you love Life.
“50to1” begins its run on Friday night, August 1 at the Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas 11 in Saratoga Springs, New York. I know, most of the media promoted tomorrow night as being a “premier”–I don’t know how that incorrect information got into the hands of we media. It’s not a premier–no flood lights, no red carpet, no higher-priced tickets for those who wish to schmooze with the stars. It’s the first time that the film will be shown in New York State–and Saratoga is the ONLY place you can see it in New York State. And that’s pretty cool, in and of itself, isn’t it?
Here’s the information, as of this moment:
Normal theatrical run, however long is determined by demand.
It will be showing at 10:10 am, 1:00 pm, 4:10 pm, 7:00 pm and 9:45 pm. Those times may change Monday.
Ticket prices:
Adults: Matinee $9, Evening $12
Children: Matinee $7, Evening $8
Seniors: Matinee $7, Evening $8
Students: Matinee $9, Evening $10
On Tuesdays all movies show for $7 all day and night.
I hope that, if you’re in town for the races, you will make a point to get out there and see this film. We need artists like Jim Wilson and Faith Conroy, bringing our sport to the screen that’s bigger than an iPhone, for God’s Sake. We need large-screen media to notice horse racing, and to help us grow (again). If you’re a race fan–your sport needs you to carve out some time to see this movie.
And if, by some weird chance, you’re not in Saratoga or New York State and can’t get to Saratoga to see “5t0to1,” you can attend a private screening and reception in Atlanta, on Wednesday, August 27th at the Buckhead Theatre. Oh, that will be a lovely time–I’d be there if I could. For more information and to purchase tickets–which will benefit the Georgia Horse Racing Coalition–please contact:
I apologize, folks, for not having the stuff in me to write anything more floral, more convincing. I really do want you to see this film–I plan to see this film. The upside of our sport is that glorious stories like Mine That Bird’s come out of nowhere. The downside is that sometimes our friends, like dear Lavender Road, get sick or hurt and we must drop everything to care and to pray. This sport is about nothing, if it’s not about love. As goes the old song, “..that’s the story of, that’s the glory of love.”*
Thanks for overlooking my shortcomings here this morning, friends. Go see the film, it’ll make you feel better. The very reason why I’ll make a point to see it, myself.
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* “The Glory of Love,” (C) 1936, Billy Hill
