The movie
Secretariat retells the story of the horse who was
the first U.S. Triple Crown winner in 25 years. NPR's heath policy
correspondent -- and horse lover -- Julie Rovner tells us what the
movie gets wrong, and what it gets right about the most well-known
horse ever to run a track.
NEAL CONAN, host:
If you're asked a name
of a famous racehorse, even if you're uninitiated into the world of
thoroughbred racing, almost anybody will say Secretariat. In 1973,
Secretariat became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, setting
records that still stand at both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont
Stakes. The story of Secretariat has now galloped onto the movie
screen, starring Diane Lane as Penny Chenery Tweedy. She inherits
guardianship of the horse. And here Ogden Phipps, played by James
Cromwell, offers her $7 million in cash for Secretariat, which she
refuses, because she knows he'll be worth triple that if he does what
she believes he can.
Mr. JAMES CROMWELL
(Actor): (as Ogden Phipps) You do know what you're saying. You're
guaranteeing that this horse is going to win the Triple Crown - the
Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont - three races, three states, in
just five weeks. It hasn't been done in 25 years.
Ms. DIANE LANE (Actor): (as Penny Chenery Tweedy) That is exactly what I'm saying.
CONAN:
Our own Julie Rovner is here to review the movie for us. Luckily, her
day job as NPR's health policy correspondent does not prevent her from
stepping in from time to time as TALK OF THE NATION'S equestrian
correspondent. Congratulations on your new job, Julie. It pays nothing.
JULIE ROVNER: Thank you...
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