As seen on the PBS Mystery! series Sid Halley, champion steeplechase jockey, suffers a devastating injury in a fall that ends his career. He sinks into self-pity until his aristocratic father-in-law bullies him into trying... more » something new: becoming a private detective. A great literary gumshoe emerges as Halley regains his dignity, faces his vulnerability, and finds new meaning in life. Based on the novel Odds Against and other stories by former jockey and bestselling author Dick Francis, this series goes inside the cutthroat world of British horse racing. As owners scheme, bookies connive, and greed leads to murder, Halley uses what he learned as a jockey to expose the scoundrels in the Sport of Kings. SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE Dick Francis biography.« less
Especially recommended to Dick Francis fans, mystery buffs,
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 08/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A superbly produced production, "The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game" is a six episode, two volume boxed set that originally aired in the U.S. on the PBS award winning series 'Mystery!' in its 1980 inaugural season. Sid Halley is a star steeple chase rider who suffers a career-ending injury that ends his riding career and launches him into life as a private detective who specializes in all manner of race track mischief from bookies, to blackmailers, to murder. From top-notch acting, to spot on set designs, to a meticulous attention to Dick Francis' original story, "The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game" provides a bit more than five hours of riveting entertainment and is especially recommended to Dick Francis fans, mystery buffs, and community library DVD collections!"
Great series
S. Chatterjee | Phoenix | 10/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Loved this series. Very true to the Dick Francis Mysteries that featured Sid Halley. I've seen the other "movies" that were based on Dick Frances works and they were horrible. Barely recognizable as being based on his books. Watching this series was pure pleasure. Well written and well acted. Sure wish there were more!"
Not as good as the novels
Jim Thomas | Greenville, SC | 01/11/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Fairly well done adaption of the novels. Production values only fair, but a gritty portrayal. Worth watching if you are a Dick Francis fan."
Dick Francis? Brilliant as always!
V. Pertzel | Queensland Australia | 04/14/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a long-time devoted fan of the complicated Dick Francis books, I was hesitant to try a TV version of the stories, wondering how any of his stories could be condensed into an hour. I need not have worried, the stories are up to standard and the Halley character with his "bionic hand" is well done and believable.
Well worth the purchase!
"
Dick Francis Racing Game DVD
Michelle R. Seibel | Bemidji, MN USA | 07/13/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I loved the characters and story. It was put onto film nicely from the book."