Outside Bet (2012)

A group of friends buy a racehorse to safeguard them in the event that they lose their jobs amidst the turbulence in 1980s Britain.

Director:

Sacha Bennett

Writers:

Mark Baxter (original story), Sacha Bennett

Stars:

Jenny Agutter, Bob Hoskins, Vincent Regan

Cast

Credited cast:
Jenny Agutter	...	Shirley Baxter
Bob Hoskins	...	Percy 'Smudge' Smith
Vincent Regan	...	Jago
Phil Davis	...	Threads (as Philip Davis)
Rita Tushingham	...	Martha
Emily Atack	...	Katie
Kate Magowan	...	Natalie Cheam
Joe Sims	...	Lifeguard
Adam Deacon	...	Sam The Soleman
Montserrat Lombard	...	Becka
Tom Davis	...	Gutsy George
Terry Stone	...	Johnny Gossamer
Dudley Sutton	...	Alfie Hobnails
Rebecca Ferdinando	...	Cheryl (as Rebecca Walsh)
Richard Blackwood	...	Linton

Storyline

Set against the turbulent mid 1980s of money, privatization, unions and dramatic media evolution: A life-long group of friends find themselves at the bad end of a redundancy pay-out and invest their savings into a racehorse, hoping that one final race can turn their fortunes around.

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 2012 (UK)

Box Office

Budget:

$7,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gateway Films, Talent Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Bob Hoskins was filming in the Herschel Arms in Slough for this film in December 2010. This pub was chosen because it has a very traditional interior, as was much more common in the Eighties.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Wright Stuff: Episode #17.37 (2012)

User Reviews

You can bet on it

Movies are so niche these days. Each new release is blinkered to focus on a very specific audience. Rarely do you find a film that you can take your whole family to without feeling that you stooped to the lowest common denominator in an attempt to please and suit them all. Problem solved with the release of "Outside Bet." Sacha Bennett ably directs assured performances from familiar faces including Bob Hoskins, Jenny Agutter, Phil Davis, as well as from new talents Emily Attack and Calum MacNab in a funny, touching, and at the finish, cheering comedy. Set in the '80's, when Wapping replaced Fleet Street in one fell swoop, a group of redundant print-workers buy a racehorse. The result is thoroughly enjoyable; a very likable film with some truly priceless moments. An "Outside Bet" is just what we all need right now. Go to the cinema and put your money on it. It's a winner!