SHRIMP HARRIS

A close scrutiny of the British world of racing, riding and betting, through the life story of Shrimp Harris, jockey, who played the game for what it was worth -- until it got beyond him. Shrewd, sharp witted, self-sure, Shrimp rides to fashion on some winners, lives luxuriously, treats his girls, particularly Polly, rather badly, and with Barbara Straight, socialite divorcee, combines to make real money by betting on the side. Ready to retire as he reaches his mark of 50,000 pounds, Shrimp is done out of it by a crook, and, to recoup, gets further into debt. An accident, which almost kills him, ends his sporting days, leads the way to an unconvincingly cheerful finish as the man who had robbed him repays his debt, and the girl he hadn't wanted, waits for him. Except for the fabricated finale, an authentic picture of the sport, and the men who manipulate it, -- with moments of excitement. For the men.