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National Velvet

Play trailer Poster for National Velvet G,  1945,  2h 5m,  Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Stream Now Watchlist 98% 60 Reviews Tomatometer 78% 5,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
98% Tomatometer 60 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 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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Critics Reviews

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Nelson B. Bell Washington Post Mar 26, 2024
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. Go to Full Review
Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer Mar 26, 2024
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. Go to Full Review
Kate Cameron New York Daily News Mar 26, 2024
The picture is a delightful adaptation in Technicolor of Enid Bagnold's novel. Go to Full Review
P.S. Harrison Harrison's Reports Mar 26, 2024
A heart-warming human interest drama, superbly produces in Technicolor... the sort of picture that will appeal to all types of audiences. Go to Full Review
William R. Weaver Motion Picture Herald (Exhibitors Herald) Mar 26, 2024
Every sequence in the picture will be loved by all observers who are not at loggerheads with mankind. Go to Full Review
Hortense Morton (Screen Scout) San Francisco Examiner Mar 26, 2024
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Feb 7, 2019 As a horse enthusiast this movie will not disappoint. It is quaint full of rich characters that are unique and endearing. One of my very favorite movies of all time. See more
Ron S Oct 26, 2018 This movie is one of MGM's unforgettable classics with actors and actresses that look 70 years younger.
Kylo G Apr 28, 2018 I really like National Velvet and can't wait to get on my friend's grandma's horse again.
Abraham W Feb 11, 2018 Love this movie, especially the ending
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National Velvet

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Cast & Crew

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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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National Velvet

National Velvet (1944) National Velvet (1944) National Velvet (1944) View more photos

Movie Info

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
Screenwriter
Theodore Reeves, Helen Deutsch
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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