Themes: Horses, Contests, Pageants and Competitions, Talented Animals
Main Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp, Anne Revere, Angela Lansbury
Release Year: 1944
Country: US
Run Time: 124 minutes
Plot
Although National Velvet was the first starring role for 11-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, the early part of the film belongs to Mickey Rooney in the showier role of Mike Taylor, a headstrong English ex-jockey. Soured on life by a serious accident, Mike plans to steal from the country family that has taken him in, but his resolve is weakened by the kindness of young Velvet (Taylor). The two find a common bond in their love of horses. Velvet wins an "unbreakable" horse in a raffle, and enters the animal in the Grand National Sweepstakes. Though Mike is unable to ride the horse, he aids Velvet in her plan to disguise herself as a jockey; she wins the race...but the story isn't over quite yet. Co-starring as Velvet's mother is Anne Revere, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance. National Velvet is based on the novel by Enid Bagnold. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
One of the most beloved children's classics ever filmed, National Velvet holds up almost as well today as it did in 1944. True, modern audiences are much more familiar with elements of the story now, and they may find a bit of the plotting somewhat farfetched; but most audiences will be caught up in the sheer excitement and good will of Velvet that they will gladly overlook any shortcomings. There's so much to praise in Velvet that it's hard to know where to begin -- or would be, if it weren't for the fact that the climactic event remains the best horse racing sequence ever put on film. It's gripping, spine tingling and just plain fun, a sequence that will have viewers on the edge of their seats and ready to stand and cheer. Credit for this spectacular segment is due equally to director Clarence Brown, cinematographer Leonard Smith, editor Robert J. Kern and composer Herbert Stothart, all of whom work together seamlessly. Brown's work throughout is nearly flawless, drawing forth sterling performances from his cast, capturing every highlight of the screenplay and telling the story with keen attention to pacing and cinematic detail. Elizabeth Taylor is sheer magic as Velvet, Mickey Rooney gives a wonderful, understated performance, Angela Lansbury is lovely and Anne Revere makes the absolute most of every moment. Then there's Pi, one of the most beautiful creatures ever put on the screen, a force of nature that is irresistible. Velvet is a dream of a movie -- one from which you won't want to awaken. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Cedric Gibbons - Art Director, Urie McCleary - Art Director, Irene - Costume Designer, Clarence Brown - Director, Robert J. Kern - Editor, Herbert Stothart - Composer (Music Score), Edwin B. Willis - Production Designer, Mildred Griffiths - Production Designer, Leonard Smith - Cinematographer, Pandro S. Berman - Producer, Edwin B. Willis - Set Designer, Mildred Griffiths - Set Designer, Warren Newcombe - Special Effects, Theodore Reeves - Screenwriter, Helen Deutsch - Screenwriter, Enid Bagnold - Play Author
In 2003 National Velvet was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
National Velvet is the story of a twelve-year girl, Velvet Brown, living in Sewels, in Sussex, England, who saves a horse from the knacker's yard and trains it for the Grand Nationalsteeplechase, aided by her father's hired hand, a young drifter, Mi Taylor. The fictional horse which Velvet Brown trained and rode in the National is called "The Pie." When she discovers that the Latvianjockey hired to ride the Pie doesn't believe he can win, she disguises herself as a male jockey and rides the horse to victory.
An 18-year-old Gene Tierney, who was then appearing on Broadway, was offered the role of Velvet Brown in 1939. Production was delayed so Tierney, return to Broadway.[1] Much of the film was shot in Pebble Beach, California, with the most scenic views on Pebble Beach Golf Links, with some golf holes visible in the background.
Song
Summertime - Elizabeth Taylor and MGM Studio and Orchestra Chorus Girls / Teacher
National Velvet was dramatized as a one-hour radio play on the February 3, 1947 broadcast of Lux Radio Theater, with Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp and Janice Scott.
