Kentucky (1938)
A sweeping romantic drama of star-crossed love, Civil War grudges, and the thunder of hooves on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky - Movie Information
Kentucky - Plot
Young lovers Jack and Sally are from families that compete to send horses to the 1938 Kentucky Derby, but during the Civil War, her family sided with the South while his sided with the North--and her Uncle Peter will have nothing to do with Jack's family.
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Kentucky - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Butler
Main Cast
- Loretta Young
- Richard Greene
- Walter Brennan
- Douglass Dumbrille
- Karen Morley
- Moroni Olsen
- Russell Hicks
- Willard Robertson
- Charles Waldron
- Bobs Watson
Writers
- Lamar Trotti
- John Taintor Foote
Producers
- Gene Markey
Kentucky - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Kentucky (1938)?
The film stars Loretta Young as Sally Goodwin and Richard Greene as Jack Dillon, the two young lovers at the heart of the story. Walter Brennan plays Sally's stubborn Uncle Peter, a role that earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Did Walter Brennan win an Oscar for Kentucky?
Yes! Walter Brennan won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the cantankerous Uncle Peter Goodwin. It was actually his second Oscar win — he had previously won for Come and Get It (1936) — making him one of Hollywood's most decorated supporting players of the era.
What is Kentucky (1938) about?
Kentucky follows Jack and Sally, two young people from rival horse-breeding families competing for the 1938 Kentucky Derby. Their romance is complicated by a deep-rooted feud dating back to the Civil War, when their families chose opposing sides — and Sally's Uncle Peter refuses to let old wounds heal.
Is Kentucky (1938) based on a true story?
Not directly. The film is a fictional romantic drama, though it draws on the real traditions and culture of Kentucky horse racing and the Kentucky Derby. The screenplay by Lamar Trotti and John Taintor Foote weaves an original story around the authentic backdrop of Bluegrass country and its storied equestrian heritage.
When was Kentucky released?
Kentucky was released on December 30, 1938, in the United States. It was produced by 20th Century Fox and directed by David Butler, arriving at the tail end of a landmark year for Hollywood that also saw the release of classics like Bringing Up Baby and The Adventures of Robin Hood.
Where can I watch Kentucky (1938)?
You can watch Kentucky on several digital platforms. It's available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — making it pretty easy to track down this classic piece of Old Hollywood cinema from the comfort of your home.
Was Kentucky (1938) filmed in actual Kentucky?
Yes, portions of Kentucky were filmed on location in the Bluegrass State, capturing the lush rolling pastures and horse farms that define the region's identity. The production also used Technicolor photography — handled by cinematographers Ray Rennahan and Ernest Palmer — to showcase the landscape's vivid natural beauty.
What genre is Kentucky (1938)?
Kentucky is a romantic drama. It blends a classic star-crossed love story with elements of family rivalry, historical conflict, and the world of thoroughbred horse racing. The film has a warm, sweeping quality typical of late-1930s Hollywood productions, with plenty of heart and a picturesque Southern setting.
More About Kentucky
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