This short travelogue film was created by Norman Schley. Schley was a skilled filmmaker from Wisconsin whom had some of his films aired on television. This footage, which was probably shot to be included in a longer film, takes viewers to the Oaklawn Racetrack and Equestrian Center (now the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort) in Hot Springs Arkansas. Oaklawn ran the Arkansas Derby for the first time in 1936. This footage likely dates to the late 1950s / early 1960s.
The film opens with cars pulling into the center’s lot (:18). The center is captured as a horse and rider move around the outdoor track (:30). Spectators watch as riders move into the ring (1:24). A stable hand washes dressings for the race horses in sudsy water (2:03). Guests move towards the entryway to view the races (2:54). A security guard assists a spectator (3:25). Horses are pictured on the track just prior to the start of the race (3:55). They shoot from the starting gate (4:24). Spectators cheer on their horses (4:40). The observation tower is highlighted (5:19). The press lines the fence on the ground (5:47). Horses and riders cross the finish line (6:47). The film patrol room is shown where down to the wire finish line photos are processed (6:52) as a young boy sticks a roll of film through the slot in the wall here (6:58). After the race ends, the track is reset (7:05). The scoreboard is zoomed in on (7:11). The jockey, trainer and owners are awarded at the winner’s circle (7:27). Employees at the track sweep up the grounds (7:44).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
