“Off the Horses”, 20 minutes, B&W, Bert Lahr corporate comedy film.
Lahr’s boss is in trouble: unless he raises $15,000 by 6 PM, the company will collapse. Lahr offers to help by betting on a series of horses. Will Lahr hit the jackpot? And can he conceal his betting activities from his disapproving wife?
This short comedy film follows the misadventures of a man named Chester, who tries to save his boss from jail by betting on horse races, despite having no knowledge of the sport.
0:43 The film opens with Mr. Brewster, a businessman, revealing to his friend Howard that he needs to pay a debt of $15,000 by 6:00 p.m. or go to jail. He plans to escape by sailing on a ship at 5:30 p.m.
1:48 Mr. Brewster calls his employee, Chester, into his office to fire him, explaining that the company is closing down. Chester, who was hoping for a promotion, is crestfallen.
2:36 Chester learns about the debt and, in a flash of inspiration, suggests that they get the money by betting on a horse, with him as a “mental bettor.” He claims to know which horses will win without actually placing money on them.
3:01 Chester convinces his boss to put up his remaining $1,000 and contributes $200 of his own, which was meant for his wife’s new coat. They agree to be partners, splitting the winnings 50/50.
3:17 Chester’s wife calls, reminding him to bring home her new coat and warning him not to lose the money.
4:42 At the racetrack, Chester and Mr. Brewster place their first bet of $600 on a horse named “Nose Dive.” The horse loses spectacularly, with its jockey falling off. Mr. Brewster is furious, but a man overhears their conversation.
8:41 The man from earlier, having bet on the winning horse “White Cockade” based on Chester’s tip not to bet on it, gives Chester $2,400 as a “thank you.” Mr. Brewster is overjoyed, and Chester credits his “mental” prowess.
9:00 They decide to bet $1,000 on a horse named “Granville.” Another man, a tipster, tries to give them a “sure winner” for the race, but Chester ignores him.
10:45 The tipster manages to convince them to bet $600 on “Dark Outlook” instead. Mr. Brewster is angry, and the horse loses.
12:12 Chester panics, worrying about what his boss and wife will say. He hears his wife’s voice in his head, scolding him for gambling.
12:53 A young boy tells Chester to bet on a horse called “Sunshine Girl.” Chester, thinking it’s another one of his “mental” tips, runs to the paddock to check on the horse.
14:40 Chester runs into another man he knows, who is also at the track to gamble. Chester tries to get his own $50 back from his friend but ends up putting his friend’s money and his own on a horse he mistakenly calls “Sun Pearl.”
16:03 The horse wins, and Mr. Brewster, believing they won the race, rushes to celebrate with Chester. Chester, however, is devastated because he thought he was betting on “Sunshine Girl.”
17:47 A bookie reveals that they actually won because “Sun Pearl” won the race, and Chester’s tip for “Sunshine Girl” had won an earlier race. Mr. Brewster celebrates, crediting Chester’s genius, while the tipster from earlier demands his winnings from Chester. The film ends with a close-up of Chester, still confused by his luck.
