On D List of Movie Reviews

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Dead Cert (1974)

Rate: 5
Viewed: 2/22

2/22: Showcasing the dope-filled world of horse racing, Dead Cert is neither interesting nor exciting.

I give credit to the film for explaining the Grand National better than National Velvet. Back then, I had never understood its purpose, but now, I do.

No matter what, I'm still tuned out because the race is predicated on animal abuse. That much is evident when the horses are shown doing impossible jumps over and over, falling down, and, as a result, breaking their ankles and legs. Failure to perform up to standards means an immediate trip to the slaughterhouse with no sympathy.

Nonetheless, Dead Cert is okay. I got lost during the first half-hour, but the plot became more clear afterwards. Thus, it's a fast-paced movie, but I don't know why Alan York had to make it so complicated. Having seen Warning Shot, I knew Sandy Mason was the culprit from the get-go; he's just too glib and friendly. When York was slipped a Mickey, there had to be only two suspects, and the girl was ruled out, leaving Sandy.

The acting is generally fine. Judi Dench is the only notable performer, but she, a longtime overrated actress, plays herself as usual. Scott Antony is the show and does what he can do to enliven things. Michael Williams, who plays Sandy, was Judi Dench's husband and died in 2001 from lung cancer.

I've never been a fan of Tony Richardson as his films are often slow-paced and pointless, but Dead Cert is one of the better ones. I've got to question his decision to place pointed railings on the inside as seen at the end because it never happens in real life.

All in all, I hate horse racing, and therefore, Dead Cert isn't for me.

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