HOT AIR

There's much ado at Surfside Meadows racetrack in California over the upcoming retirement of jockey Brad Roark. Will Wardwell, retired game-show MC, is orchestrating a Roark family reunion Ö la This is Your Life, despite the decades-long estrangement of its members. Meanwhile, Brad's brother Mo, sister Naomi, Uncle Buller, and Aunt Frances can't resist the free trip to California. And Brad, even in the glow of winning his last race, can't wax enthusiastic over the carefully stage-managed surprise reunion. The discovery of Mo's body, stabbed with an ice pick, in his room at the hotel during a celebratory dinner, engages the sleuthing talents of likable track-announcer Jerry Brogan (Triple Crown, etc.). He manages to uncover some unlikely connections to the past and an even unlikelier killer. A contrived and unconvincing plot, but lively characters, crisp dialogue and great race track background and atmosphere keep this one amiably entertaining.