The Sport of Kings


1920

Film Details

Release Date
Jan 1920
Premiere Information
Chicago opening: 9 May 1920
Production Company
Buffalo Motion Picture Co.
Distribution Company
National Film Corp. of America; State Rights
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Sport of Kings by Arthur Somers Roche (Indianapolis, 1917).

Synopsis

Barbara Leland enters her beloved horse Vivandiere in a race at Beaumont, but is warned off the course because the stewards consider the animal dangerous. Trainer Sale Kernan is suspicious of the decision, as horses owned by the shady Classon, Barbara's trustee, always seem to get the best start. When Sale voices his suspicions, however, he is warned off by the stewards, who are indeed under Classon's influence. Desiring to start anew, Sale leaves for Florida, and is surprised to find Barbara and Vivandiere aboard the same boat. A fire breaks out aboard, but Sale is able to rescue Vivandiere, and a grateful Barbara hires him as the horse's chief trainer. Although the meetings in Florida are unregistered, they are controlled by crooks working under Classon, and Vivandiere loses his first race through their influence. Sale is determined to try again, however, and the horse wins the next race. Although Vivandiere's victory is disputed, one of the judges helps Sale, and soon the crooks and Classon are exposed. Classon commits suicide, leaving Barbara bankrupt, but she gladly turns to Sale for comfort.

Film Details

Release Date
Jan 1920
Premiere Information
Chicago opening: 9 May 1920
Production Company
Buffalo Motion Picture Co.
Distribution Company
National Film Corp. of America; State Rights
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Sport of Kings by Arthur Somers Roche (Indianapolis, 1917).

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

A contemporary trade article states that Arthut Somers Roche's novel was serialized in The Saturday Evening Post. One modern source states that the film was shot in North Carolina. Some information on the film was gathered from the records of the Community Motion Picture Bureau and May be based on an edited version. Aileen Savage was later known as Aileen Pringle. The film was released in England in February 1923 under the title Warned Off.