Casey's Shadow (1978)

75% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(1,147 ratings)

Cajun quarter-horse trainer Lloyd Bourdelle (Walter Matthau) struggles to eke out a decent living for himself and his three sons Buddy, Randy and Casey (Andrew A. Rubin, Stephen Burns and Michael Hershewe). Their prize horse is thoroughbred foal Casey's Shadow, named after the youngest son… More Cajun quarter-horse trainer Lloyd Bourdelle (Walter Matthau) struggles to eke out a decent living for himself and his three sons Buddy, Randy and Casey (Andrew A. Rubin, Stephen Burns and Michael Hershewe). Their prize horse is thoroughbred foal Casey's Shadow, named after the youngest son (Hershewe). The question is whether or not Lloyd, a life-long loser, can take advantage of the opportunity for bettering his lot afforded by Casey's Shadow. Alexis Smith co-stars as Sarah Blue, a wealthy woman who becomes Matthau's strongest ally when she offers to buy the horse rather than allow the vindictive Mike Marsh (Robert Webber) to destroy it. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Martin Ritt
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 17, 1978 Wide
On DVD: Sep 9, 2003

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
It is so decently tempered and its principal characters so surprising at important moments that, in the world of horse movies it seems rare indeed.
Randy White, Common Sense Media
A complex tale of morals and animal cruelty.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A sincere, good-natured, well-performed family picture.
, Time Out
Seems a shame to keep slagging off Ritt for his liberalism when he can turn in something as well-crafted and unpretentious as this.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Walter Matthau bites into his juicy role like a cowpoke chewing on some tobacco and it comes out just right.
, Film4
Beautifully observed, but a little too worthy and horsey for those who like their films with more bite.