Dive into the world of high-stakes horse racing and tangled family loyalties with “Sporting Blood” (1940), now beautifully colorized for a new generation of classic film lovers. Directed by S. Sylvan Simon and produced by MGM, this drama combines romance, rivalry, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Virginia’s storied racing tradition. Whether you’re a fan of vintage sports dramas, tales of redemption, or simply love a good old-fashioned rivalry, this HD download delivers a cinematic experience that gallops straight to the finish line.
At the heart of “Sporting Blood” is Myles Vanders, a man returning to his once-prosperous Virginia horse farm, now fallen on hard times. Haunted by the scandal of his father’s past—who ran off with the wife of neighboring stable owner Davis Lockwood—Myles faces deep-seated resentment from the local community. Desperate to restore his family’s honor and fortune, Myles persuades Lockwood to lend him $3,000, using his farm as collateral, to train and enter his horse, Skipper, in a major stakes race.
Lockwood, still bitter, warns his daughters, Linda and Joan, to avoid Myles. While Linda believes in giving Myles a fair chance, Joan is drawn to him romantically. When a devastating fire—set by a Lockwood servant—injures Skipper and shatters Myles’s hopes, Joan elopes with another man, and Myles is left nearly ruined.
In a twist of fate, Linda offers her own horse, Miss Richmond, for the race. Myles, determined to prove himself, marries Linda—initially as a move to spite Lockwood, but soon realizes his genuine feelings for her. After a period of estrangement, Myles wins back Linda’s love and triumphs in the race, restoring both his fortune and his family’s reputation.
Robert Young as Myles Vanders: The determined and sometimes reckless protagonist seeking redemption.
Maureen O’Sullivan as Linda Lockwood: The compassionate daughter who believes in second chances.
Lewis Stone as Davis Lockwood: The stern rival stable owner with a long memory and a protective streak.
William Gargan as Duffy: Myles’s steadfast friend and confidant.
Lynne Carver as Joan Lockwood: The impulsive younger daughter caught between loyalty and love.
Clarence Muse as Jeff: A loyal farmhand pivotal to the story’s dramatic turns.
Lloyd Corrigan as Otis Winfield, George H. Reed as Stonewall, Tom Kennedy as Grantley: Supporting roles that add depth and color to the racing world.
“Sporting Blood” (1940) is a classic American horse racing drama, blending elements of romance, family saga, and sports competition. The film captures the excitement of the racetrack, the complexities of family feuds, and the redemptive power of perseverance.
Released in 1940 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, “Sporting Blood” arrived at a time when audiences were captivated by stories of triumph over adversity. The film’s Virginia setting and focus on horse racing evoke the traditions and grandeur of Southern sporting culture. Its original black-and-white cinematography by Sidney Wagner has been meticulously colorized, highlighting the lush countryside, the vibrant racing silks, and the emotional intensity of the story.
This newly colorized edition of “Sporting Blood” brings fresh life to the film’s dramatic visuals. The restoration team used advanced digital techniques to assign authentic, period-appropriate colors to every frame, enhancing everything from the rolling Virginia landscapes to the thrilling race sequences. The result is a visually immersive experience that honors the film’s original artistry while making it accessible to modern viewers.
Director: S. Sylvan Simon
Screenplay: Grace Norton (original screenplay), with Bradbury Foote’s original script “One Came Home” as inspiration
Cinematography: Sidney Wagner
Editing: Frank Sullivan
Music: Franz Waxman
Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Runtime: 82 minutes
Download Format: MP4, HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
While “Sporting Blood” (1940) stands on its own, it shares its name with earlier films, including the 1931 MGM pre-code sports drama starring Clark Gable. Despite the shared title and horse racing theme, the 1940 version is an entirely new story, sometimes referred to by its working title, “One Came Home.” For fans of the genre, this film is a must-watch alongside other classic racing dramas.
“Sporting Blood” (1940) is remembered for its engaging mix of soap opera-style family drama and thrilling sports action. The performances of Robert Young and Maureen O’Sullivan are especially praised, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The film’s score by Franz Waxman and its depiction of the Southern racing world add to its enduring appeal.
Q: Is “Sporting Blood” (1940) related to the 1931 Clark Gable film?
A: No, despite sharing a title and a horse racing theme, the two films have entirely separate stories and casts.
Q: What makes the colorized version special?
A: The colorization process breathes new life into the film, highlighting period details and making the racing sequences more immersive.
Q: Who are the main stars of “Sporting Blood” (1940)?
A: Robert Young and Maureen O’Sullivan lead a talented cast, with strong support from Lewis Stone and William Gargan.
Q: What genre does the film belong to?
A: “Sporting Blood” is a horse racing drama with elements of romance and family saga.
Q: What is the download format?
A: The film is available in HD (1080p) MP4 format, compatible with most modern devices.
Witness the excitement, rivalry, and romance of “Sporting Blood” (1940) in stunning color—download your HD copy today!