Video

摘要

This brief 1979 TV series, part of the PBS Mystery program, includes six episodes based on Dick Francis's novel Odds Against and other writings, and, true to form, horse racing is the dominant theme. A jockey who suffered a career-ending injury is persuaded to use his background and contacts to investigate irregularities and scams in the British racing industry. In classic detective fashion, he roots out wrongdoers, fends off thugs, and finds some romance along the way. The plots are formulaic, including characters who sometimes verge on stereotype, but suspense and intrigue are always on tap, as are plot twists that keep the story lines interesting and unpredictable. The setting within the hone-racing culture also lends an air of uniqueness. The one drawback here isrnthe grainy picture quality, perhaps to be expected for TV productions of this vintage. Included is a bonus biographical sketch of Francis, who, like his protagonist, was once a jockey. Given the popularity of Francis, a consultant on the series, odds are this will be popular in public and academic libraries.