National Velvet

Star Review

We revisit childhood favourite National Velvet.

One of the most beloved of all childhood movies, National Velvet has inspired generations of young ladies to pester their parents for riding lessons.

When young Velvet (an adolescent Elizabeth Taylor) wins Pie – a beautiful piebald horse – in a raffle, her dreams of becoming a jockey start looking less improbable. But who will help her train the beast? Step forward 'Mi' Taylor (Rooney), footloose traveller and a master of the equine arts. Velvet believes Pie is capable of anything, even winning the grand national. And with 'Mi' behind them, she sets out to prove it...

It's not just a movie about horses, however. It's a film about family – about Velvet's relationship with her mother, who's seen her own days of glory recede as she's grown older; and about how 'Mi' discovers a stability he previously lacked. Most of all, it's about growing up and finding your place in the world.

It's easy to see why National Velvet has remained so popular down the years. This is inspiring, heart-warming entertainment.

Barney Kelley on 4th August 2008

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Film Description

A classic family movie that captures a young Elizabeth Taylor in a role which won her legions of fans across the world and an award-winning career in film.

Sentimental and inspiring, National Velvet tells the story of horse crazy Velvet Brown - played by an 11 year old Elizabeth Taylor - who wins her 'unbreakable' horse Pie in a raffle and enters him into the Grand National Sweepstake. Mickey Rooney plays Mike Taylor, a young boy staying with Velvet's family who happens to be a jaded former jockey and agrees to help Velvet train her wild but gifted horse for England's most prestigious steeplechase. Although Mike is injured and unable to ride in the race, he aids Velvet in her plan to disguise herself as a jockey...

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Film Details

Cast

Elizabeth Taylor, Angela Lansbury, Anne Revere, Mickey Rooney

Technical Details