Odds On is a 1928 Australian silent film starring Arthur Tauchert set in the world of horse racing. It was the first film as director from noted cinematographer Arthur Higgins.

Odds On
Directed byArthur Higgins
Written by
Produced byArthur Higgins
Starring
Cinematography
Edited by
  • Arthur Higgins
  • Sheila Moore
Production
company
Arthur Higgins Productions
Distributed byAustralasian Films
Release date
  • 6 October 1928 (1928-10-06)
Running time
6,300 feet
CountryAustralia
LanguagesSilent film
English intertitles
Budget£2,000[1][2]

It is considered a lost film.

Plot

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Sydney Baxter, a jockey, tries to shield a friend by allowing himself to be suspended for six months for improper riding. He joins up with racecourse urger Grafter Jones and sets of to tour country race meetings. Baxter goes to work in the stables of a family friend, John Grayson, and falls in love with his daughter, Betty. Grayson gives Baxter the chance to ride his horse, Brigade, in a local derby and Baxter is victorious.[3]

Cast

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Production

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The female lead, Phyllis Gibbs, had been under contract to Cecil B. de Mille in Hollywood.[4]

The movie was shot in June 1928 on location at Randwick racecourse and in Australasian Films' Bondi studio.[1] A number of well known race horses and jockeys appear.[5]

Release

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Everyone's said the film was the most popular Australian movie of 1928 and made a profit.[2]

The movie obtained a release in the UK as a quota picture.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Andrew Pike and Ross Cooper, Australian Film 1900–1977: A Guide to Feature Film Production, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1998, 147.
  2. ^ a b "Australian Production Budget Drops Ninety Thousand Pounds This Year.", Everyones., 9 (459 (12 December 1928)), nla.obj-590190846, retrieved 7 March 2024 – via Trove
  3. ^ ""ODDS ON."". The Morning Bulletin. Rockhampton, Qld.: National Library of Australia. 10 December 1928. p. 5. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  4. ^ "PHYLLIS GIBBS IN FILM". The Daily News. Perth: National Library of Australia. 13 January 1928. p. 10 Edition: HOME (FINAL) EDITION. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  5. ^ ""ODDS ON."". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 1 November 1928. p. 11. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  6. ^ "WHY AUSTRALIAN FILMS ARE FAILURES". The Mail. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 5 October 1929. p. 14. Retrieved 6 August 2012.
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