Tags
1940's, Angela Lansbury, Anne Revere, Clarence Brown, Donald Crisp, Drama, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Butch Jenkins, Juanita Quigley, Mickey Rooney, National Velvet, Sports Drama
Often remembered as the film that put a very young Elizabeth Taylor on the map as a star, National Velvet is a heartwarming, beloved and inspiring film about dreams and one girl’s deep love for a horse. This is definitely a film for the whole family to enjoy and comes highly recommended from me .
It’s the late 1920’s in a quaint English village, the young and dreaming Velvet Brown(Elizabeth Taylor) thinks of nothing but horses. She lives with her strict father Mr. Brown( Donald Crisp) and firm but fair mother Mrs. Brown (Anne Revere) as well as siblings romantic Edwina(Angela Lansbury), fussy Malvolia( Juanita Quigley) and amusing little brother Donald( Jackie Butch Jenkins). After finishing school for the summer holidays, she comes across jaded drifter Mi Taylor(Mickey Rooney) while out on her walk. Velvet invites Mi to her home as it appears he has nowhere to go, but it appears Mi already had an idea of visiting the Brown family. Mi read in his late father’s diary about Mrs. Brown, hence why he has sought the family out. As he’s not in the best condition and is more than a little downcast by the secrets he hides, he thinks about stealing the savings the family has. He swiftly changes his mind as the spirited Velvet and her enthusiasm win him over. It’s around this time that Velvet first sees The Pie; a wild horse who everyone says can’t be tamed. Velvet is immediately struck by the beautiful creature and seems to the only person who can calm him .The farmer who owns the Pie enters the horse into a raffle, because he feels can’t control the creature. Although a number is drawn out that doesn’t belong to the passionate Velvet, it’s gifted to her after its found that the ticket was void .Velvet has big dreams of taking part and winning the Grand National. Mrs. Brown, who is supportive of her daughter’s dream, gifts her the money she won when she swam the English Channel as a young woman, for the entry fee and other costs. Although many think it’s a fool’s errand, Velvet pushes forward with determination and devotion. Mi starts to come around to the idea of it too and begins to train Velvet and Pie . With belief and a lot of hope , Velvet and Mi now make their way to the biggest event of all, The Grand National with hopes of winning with Pie.
Clarence Brown’s warm and sensitive direction is one of the best parts of National Velvet. He gets right to heart of things , especially in terms of Velvet’s fervent desire to succeed with Pie and also the family dynamic with her household. Simply put, Brown’s work is delightful throughout, creating a nostalgic picture for the ages. The biggest message I got from National Velvet was about dreams. Whatever dreams we have in life, some foolish , some realistic, this film reaffirms that dreams can come true if we put our minds to them and have belief. Some may right that off as quite the simplistic message, but I think it’s one that every audience member can in some way or part relate to. The visuals are a rich technicolour that conjures up nostalgic images of hope and loveliness, in the grand tradition of MGM. And the race scene that climaxes the film is simply terrific and thrilling throughout; you really feel like you’re a part of it as the stakes get higher and Velvet edges closer to fulfilling her dreams. A spirited and lush score courtesy of Herbert Stothart highlights the feeling of going after a dream and letting your heart feel it deeply.
National Velvet is fondly remembered for making Elizabeth Taylor a star and with good reason. She was 12 at the time of the film and shows she had star quality from the very start. Taylor is simply luminous as the determined, dreaming and heartfelt Velvet; she quite literally brightens the screen up whenever she’s on it with her authentic charm and surprising intensity. You truly feel the fervent passion and the love for the horse that Velvet has thanks to the impressive Elizabeth Taylor, who is truly delightful in this star making role. The film simply wouldn’t have worked without her in the pivotal lead role. Mickey Rooney gives a nicely shaded performance as a man who is jaded by loss, but who becomes more alive and inspired by the sunny Velvet. He works well alongside the young Elizabeth Taylor and they bring the best out in each other. Anne Revere collected a much deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her turn as the calm and loving mother of Velvet. There’s something both warm and commanding about Revere; she exudes a deep wisdom about life and never needs to raise her voice to make a point. Instead it’s her clear words and nuanced looks that make the impact . It’s a beautifully subtle piece of acting from the great Anne Revere. Donald Crisp is ideal as the often blustery, head-shaking and fussy father who is prone to flying off the handle, but often means well in what he does. He interacts excellently with Anne Revere and there is a truly delightful dynamic of him often not agreeing with her, but realising she’s often right in her sense of practicality. A young Angela Lansbury is delightful and dreamy as the romantic older sister , while Juanita Quigley and especially an amusing Jackie Butch Jenkins standout as the other siblings.
Simply magical and truly lovely throughout, National Velvet earns its status as a classic because of beautiful visuals, inspiring message and fine acting. You won’t be able to stop smiling after viewing this wholesome and delightful movie which features Elizabeth Taylor in her star making role .