National Velvet

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National Velvet

G

Released Jan 26, 1945

2h 5m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

98%

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61 Reviews

78%

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5,000+ Ratings

When Velvet Brown (Elizabeth Taylor), an equine-loving 12-year-old living in rural Sussex, becomes the owner of a rambunctious horse, she decides to train it for England's Grand National race. Aided by former jockey Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney) and encouraged by her family, the determined Velvet gets her steed, affectionately called "The Pie," ready for the big day. However, a last-minute problem arises with the jockey and an unexpected rider must step in as a replacement.

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Critics Consensus

National Velvet makes the most of a breakout performance from Elizabeth Taylor, delivering a timeless family-friendly tearjerker that avoids straying into the sentimental.

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Nelson B. Bell

Washington Post

If it preaches any lesson in rectitude and the comfort and dignity of character, it does so with friendly warmth and agreeable humor in terms of delightful diversion. All ages of both genders will find it pulsating with palatable pastiming.

Mar 26, 2024

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Mildred Martin

Philadelphia Inquirer

It leaps to thrilling action with the race itself, the most pictorially colorful, heart-stoppingly exciting event of the sort ever staged for the motion picture cameras.

Mar 26, 2024

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Kate Cameron

New York Daily News

The picture is a delightful adaptation in Technicolor of Enid Bagnold's novel.

Mar 26, 2024

Full Review

P.S. Harrison

Harrison's Reports

A heart-warming human interest drama, superbly produces in Technicolor... the sort of picture that will appeal to all types of audiences.

Mar 26, 2024

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William R. Weaver

Motion Picture Herald (Exhibitors Herald)

Every sequence in the picture will be loved by all observers who are not at loggerheads with mankind.

Mar 26, 2024

Full Review

Hortense Morton (Screen Scout)

San Francisco Examiner

The plot of the film is strong, but it's the ordinary every day living touches that enrich it... the warm relationships between members of the family... the light comedy touches and deeper emotional moments.

Mar 26, 2024

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Michael S

Classic movie with cuteness from a young Elizabeth Taylor. A story of moral character mixed with the wonderment of little kid's dreams coming true. I love this movie, a must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/23

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Stephen C

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

CodyZamboni Z

Fun, Heartwarming, Elizabeth Taylor is so enchanting, Exciting racing scenes, All filmed in stunning Technicolor,

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

Full Review

lanfranco c

After so many years it is always a pleasure to watch it!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

An absolute treasure, and the recently restored blu-ray just looks amazing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Audience Member

National Velvet is a pleasant film for horse lovers, sports lovers, and fans of Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor. The film has a wonderful musical score that is emotional and pleasant for audiences. National Velvet is a tearjerker that everyone can enjoy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Clarence Brown

Director

Mickey Rooney

Mi Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor

Velvet Brown

Donald Crisp

Mr. Brown

Anne Revere

Mrs. Brown

Angela Lansbury

Edwina Brown

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Synopsis

When Velvet Brown (Elizabeth Taylor), an equine-loving 12-year-old living in rural Sussex, becomes the owner of a rambunctious horse, she decides to train it for England's Grand National race. Aided by former jockey Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney) and encouraged by her family, the determined Velvet gets her steed, affectionately called "The Pie," ready for the big day. However, a last-minute problem arises with the jockey and an unexpected rider must step in as a replacement.

Director: Clarence Brown
Producer: Pandro S. Berman
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 26, 1945, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 15, 2008
Runtime: 2h 5m

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