On D List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
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 the film credit 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,
in the role of 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.