National Velvet
National Velvet

Movie spotlight

National Velvet

1945
Movie
123 min
English

Mi Taylor is a young wanderer and opportunist who finds himself in the quiet English countryside home of the Brown family. The youngest daughter, Velvet, has a passion for horses and when she wins the spirited steed Pie in a town lottery, Mi is encouraged to train the horse.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Google Users85%
Director: Clarence BrownGenres: Drama, Family, Sport

Plot Summary

Mi Velvet Brown, a young English girl, wins a wild horse in a raffle and dreams of entering him in the Grand National Steeplechase. With the help of her supportive family and a former jockey, she trains the horse, The King, for the prestigious race. Despite facing numerous challenges and prejudices, Velvet, disguised as a boy, strives to prove herself and her horse's capabilities on the daunting racecourse.

Critical Reception

National Velvet was a critical and commercial success, praised for its heartwarming story, stunning cinematography, and the breakout performances of its young cast, particularly Elizabeth Taylor. It resonated with audiences for its themes of determination, courage, and the special bond between a girl and her horse.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its uplifting story and Elizabeth Taylor's star-making performance.

  • Visually appealing with strong emotional resonance.

  • A classic family film that champions perseverance.

Google audience: Viewers consistently highlight the film's enduring charm and the incredible talent of a young Elizabeth Taylor. Many appreciate the emotional depth and the inspiring message of achieving one's dreams against the odds, making it a beloved classic for multiple generations.

Fun Fact

Elizabeth Taylor was only 12 years old when she starred as Velvet Brown, but the film significantly boosted her already burgeoning career, solidifying her status as a major Hollywood star.

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