Spidersecu
Don't Believe the Hype
Derrick Gibbons
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
Zlatica
One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.
ravenwork-57621
Careful, make contain a SPOILER.This is one of those rare classic Hollywood films that never pretends to be anything than what it is. It has a glorious host of grand character actors at the very top of their game. Along with some young folks who would go on to become AMAZING performers, like Elizabeth Taylor and Angela Lansbury. I love this film. It is genuine, honest, and beautiful. I am ready for it every time, but regardless, when Velvet falls from the Pie, my eyes fill with tears, and my heart leaps into my throat. The description of this film is somewhat accurate based upon the quite excellent book it is based on. However, Mickey Rooney, played his part with much greater aplomb. He wasn't "jaded," not at all. He was a young man who life had tested too early, and he was fortunate enough, brave enough, and creative enough, to recognize an opportunity to find his redemption, and to find it by helping others to achieve their dreams. Mickey Rooney's performance is singular, nuanced, and glorious. Finally, I am a fan of film, and this one contains, without a doubt, the most amazing film rendition of a horse race EVER.
Hitchcoc
There are wonderful forces at work in this film. First of all, we have the young, fiery Elizabeth Taylor who becomes obsessed with entering a horse in the Grand Steeplechase. Of course, children and women are not supposed to be taking this on. There is Mickey Rooney, the trainer who assists her in following her dream. Then you have to have the horse that is capable of winning the thing. Throw in a society that is male dominated and unwilling to give a chance to a woman, and you have a great tale. But the main thing is that it rises above the typical horse story because the acting is very good, and the situations are very real. For some reason, young women seem to be most enamored with horses, so this take on the Enid Bagnold book was incredibly popular.
Petri Pelkonen
12-year old Velvet Brown loves horses.She wins one and trains it for the Grand National steeplechase.She is helped by a young drifter, Mi Taylor, who used to be a jockey.National Velvet(1944) is directed by Clarence Brown.This movie has a nice casting.The young Elizabeth Taylor plays the lead Velvet Brown, and does a superb job.Former child star Mickey Rooney plays Mi Taylor, and he does a great job.Today we heard sad news about the passing of Mr. Rooney at the age of 93.His career lasted nearly his lifetime, starting in 1926.Donald Crisp portrays the father Herbert Brown and Anne Revere is the mother Araminty.Angela Lansbury, Jackie 'Butch' Jenkins and Juanita Quigley play the other children.And let's not forget King Charles, who plays The Pie, horse.This movie is a little gem from 70 years back.Especially for those, who dig horses.
truedesign18444
A classic all should see., 4 January 2012Author: truedesign18444 from United StatesThough some may dismiss "National Velvet" as overly sentimental and contrived, its undeniable appeal derives from the impeccably believable performances of the entire cast who quite capably bring the uplifting tale to life. Mickey Rooney is properly restrained yet exactly right. Donald Crisp is, once again, stern but lovable. Ann Revere might step off the screen and become a mother you remember from your childhood, perhaps your own. Even little Jackie Jenkins is stellar as the unapologetically, comically miscreant brother. And, of course, Elizabeth Taylor is both adolescently beautiful and perfect as Velvet. One cannot watch her in this film and not realize that here was someone with a gigantic soul, a person obviously able to love fully and unreservedly, perhaps to a fault. Since, previous to watching this film, I had not particularly been a fan of hers, I think I can objectively instruct you: "Watch this movie. She will capture you."
