The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit (Dir: Norman Tokar, 1968).
Based on Eric Hatch’s book The Year of the Horse, Walt Disney Productions’ The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit is a lighthearted comedy set in the world of showjumping.
Madison Avenue advertising executive Fred Bolton (Dean Jones) has just 24 hours to appease a client and save a valuable account. He hits upon the idea of sponsoring showhorse Aspercel - named for his client’s brand of indigestion tablets - which his shy daughter will hopefully ride to glory.
Jones, in his 5th film for Disney is an amiable leading man. Diane Baker is equally likeable as his romantic interest. In her sole movie credit Ellen Janov impresses as Bolton’s daughter, while Disney regulars Kurt Russell and Norman Grabowski appear in smaller roles.
Yet despite this quality cast the movie is something of a disappointment.
To describe The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit as a gentle comedy would be an understatement. There are plenty of mild chuckles but few big laughs in a movie that canters rather than gallops to the finishing line. Even its climax at a critical International Horse Show event fails to generate much excitement.
It seems a little redundant to be over critical of The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit. It is well meaning and completely inoffensive yet also predictable and slightly dull. At just shy of 2 hours it is also about 20 minutes too long. In fact it is only the game playing of the appealing cast that saves it.
If you’ve seriously nothing better to do it will while away a couple of hours. Horse lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the equine aspect but, to be honest, it is no champion.
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