Review of Thoroughbreds Don't Cry

Mickey Rooney was already a seasoned performer when he starred in this film about a young English friend and his horse. Rooney plays an egotistical jockey with all the cockiness and fireball energy of a young James Cagney. Ronald Sinclair, the child actor who later worked behind the scenes, is the young English chap. However, the irrepressible Rooney easily outshines the young Sinclair. The film also features a young girl by the name of Judy Garland. Judy repeats a similar role she had in The Broadway Melody of 1938 as the young charge of boardinghouse mama, Sophie Tucker. The blustery Tucker, who surprisingly does not sing in the film, easily steals every scene she is in. It's always good to see old stalwart C. Aubrey Smith add an air of dignity to the proceedings. Mickey and Judy are foes as well as friends in their debut film together. Judy sings a little, but the film is not a musical. It's almost as if MGM was giving the juvenile star movie format a trial run here. It's pretty much a predictable, formulaic movie, but, as is frequently the case with movies from the 30's, 40's, and 50's, the stars make it entertaining by their sheer presence and energy. **1/2 of 4 stars.