IMDb RATING
7.3/10
8.1K
YOUR RATING
A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.
- Won 2 Oscars
- 3 wins & 4 nominations total
Jackie 'Butch' Jenkins
- Donald Brown
- (as Jackie Jenkins)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMickey Rooney had to film all of his scenes in one month before he had to report for basic training to serve in World War II.
- GoofsThe horses are shown turning right at one point during the race. All turns on the Grand National course are made to the left.
- Quotes
Mrs. Brown: That'll be a dispute to the end of time, Mr. Brown: whether it's better to do the right thing for the wrong reason or the wrong thing for the right reason.
- Crazy creditsA frame, with music, was added to the film at the end: "To families of servicemen and women: Pictures exhibited in this theater are given to the armed forces for showing in combat areas around the world. [signed] War Activities Committee/Motion Picture Industry"
- ConnectionsEdited into The Story of Seabiscuit (1949)
- SoundtracksGreensleeves
(uncredited)
Traditional English folk song
Featured review
A standout family film from the golden age of Hollywood
"National Velvet" tells the story of Velvet Brown, a young English girl with dreams of entering her beloved horse into competition at the prestigious Grand National horse race. The film follows her as she trains her horse with the aid of a former jockey and the support of her parents.
While "National Velvet" is a family film that fact shouldn't deter anyone who typically views such films with derision. The film is indeed one that will appeal to the entire family, not just attention-addled youngsters. It even managed to land five Oscar nominations, hardly a sign of slacking off for a general audience.
Anne Revere, in the part of Velvet's mother, actually won an Oscar for her performance. She was indeed excellent in the role but it is 12-year old Elizabeth Taylor who steals the show. She is a charming presence and exhibits a talent beyond her years. Also on board is Oscar-winner Donald Crisp as Velvet's father, Mickey Rooney as former jockey Mi Taylor and Angela Lansbury (in one of her earliest film roles) as Velvet's older sister.
The film's lustrous Technicolor makes for an attractive viewing experience while the editing secured the second of the film's two Oscars. Additionally, the film was nominated for its direction (by Clarence Brown), cinematography & art direction. The score by ten-time Oscar nominee Herbert Stothart is also worth mentioning, though it went unnominated.
All in all, "National Velvet" is a wonderful family film that deserves a higher rating. I realize that the prospect of watching a film about a girl and her horse isn't exactly going to thrill some people but this one is worth taking a chance on.
While "National Velvet" is a family film that fact shouldn't deter anyone who typically views such films with derision. The film is indeed one that will appeal to the entire family, not just attention-addled youngsters. It even managed to land five Oscar nominations, hardly a sign of slacking off for a general audience.
Anne Revere, in the part of Velvet's mother, actually won an Oscar for her performance. She was indeed excellent in the role but it is 12-year old Elizabeth Taylor who steals the show. She is a charming presence and exhibits a talent beyond her years. Also on board is Oscar-winner Donald Crisp as Velvet's father, Mickey Rooney as former jockey Mi Taylor and Angela Lansbury (in one of her earliest film roles) as Velvet's older sister.
The film's lustrous Technicolor makes for an attractive viewing experience while the editing secured the second of the film's two Oscars. Additionally, the film was nominated for its direction (by Clarence Brown), cinematography & art direction. The score by ten-time Oscar nominee Herbert Stothart is also worth mentioning, though it went unnominated.
All in all, "National Velvet" is a wonderful family film that deserves a higher rating. I realize that the prospect of watching a film about a girl and her horse isn't exactly going to thrill some people but this one is worth taking a chance on.
helpful•70
- sme_no_densetsu
- Feb 2, 2010
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Kleines Mädchen, großes Herz
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime2 hours 3 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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