Two small-time gamblers fumble what they imagine would be a sure thing in a bittersweet comedy-drama from Australia. John (Syd Brisbane) and Bill (David Field) are a pair of down-and-outers with an unfortunate fondness for booze and a stunning inability to pick the winners at the dog track, no matter how often they try (and they try as often as they can). The two think they may have finally found the light at the end of the tunnel when a mysterious benefactor offers them the opportunity to race his purebred greyhound, Silent Partner, on the dog track circuit. John and Bill leap at the chance, but against all odds, Silent Partner goes on a losing streak as soon as they begin looking after his "career." Desperate to make good with the dog, John and Bill decide to give Silent Partner a chemical advantage over his competitors, which turns out to be a very bad idea. Silent Partner was written for the screen by Daniel Keene, who adapted the material from his own stage play. Noted Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly contributes several new tunes to the soundtrack.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide