Release Date: 1944
Run Time: 124 min

Themes: Horses, Redemption, Talented Animals, Contests, Pageants and Competitions

Director(s):Clarence Brown

Though National Velvet was the first starring role for 11-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, the early part of the film belongs to Mickey Rooney in the showier role of Mike Taylor, a headstrong English ex-jockey. Soured on life by a serious accident, Mike plans to steal from the country family that has taken him in, but his resolve is weakened by the kindness of young Velvet (Taylor). The two find a common bond in their love of horses when Velvet wins an "unbreakable" horse in a raffle. Co-starring as Velvet's mother is Anne Revere, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance. National Velvet is based on the novel by Enid Bagnold. - Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide