National Velvet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A horse-obsessed girl and a wandering jockey decide to pull a fast one and enter a horse race, but nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, or the gender reveal at the finish line!

🍿 National Velvet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Velvet Brown and Mi Taylor

In the small English village of Sewels, Velvet Brown, a young girl with a deep love for horses, meets Mi Taylor, a wandering young man haunted by a past riding accident. Mi’s father’s journal leads him to the Brown family. Velvet immediately bonds with Mi over their shared passion for horses, particularly a spirited gelding named The Pie.

Winning The Pie and Training Begins

The Pie’s rambunctious nature leads to him being raffled off, and Velvet wins him, much to her delight. Seeing The Pie’s potential, Velvet dreams of entering him in the Grand National Steeplechase. Mi, initially reluctant due to his past trauma, is eventually persuaded by Velvet’s unwavering belief and her mother’s encouragement to train The Pie.

Overcoming Obstacles and Pursuing the Dream

Velvet and Mi face numerous challenges, including financial constraints and Mi’s inner demons. Mrs. Brown secretly funds the endeavor with her savings from swimming the English Channel. They diligently train The Pie, facing setbacks and uncertainties, but their determination remains strong. This section highlights their commitment to one another.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Velvet Brown (Elizabeth Taylor): A passionate young girl who dreams of winning the Grand National Steeplechase with her horse, The Pie.
• Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney): A jaded former jockey who finds redemption in helping Velvet train The Pie for the Grand National.
• Mrs. Araminty Brown (Anne Revere): Velvet’s wise and supportive mother, who once swam the English Channel and encourages her daughter’s dreams.
• Mr. Herbert Brown (Donald Crisp): Velvet’s father, a butcher who initially doubts Velvet’s ambition but ultimately supports her.
• Edwina Brown (Angela Lansbury): Velvet’s older sister, who provides support and perspective to Velvet’s aspirations.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mrs. Brown: “That’ll be a dispute to the end of time, Mr. Brown: whether it’s better to do the right thing for the wrong reason or the wrong thing for the right reason.” – Mrs. Brown reflects on morality and intentions in a conversation with her husband.
• Velvet Brown: “I want The Pie, I want him!” – Velvet expresses her strong desire and love for the horse, The Pie, after winning the raffle.
• Mrs. Brown: “Some day you’ll learn that greatness is only the seizing of opportunity” – Mrs. Brown shares her wisdom, encouraging Velvet to pursue her dreams and recognize the chance she has.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5 million
• Domestic Gross: $10 million
• Worldwide Gross: $10 million

💥 National Velvet Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored National Velvet! From the moment Velvet wins The Pie, I was completely invested in her journey. The race scene had me on the edge of my seat, and I actually teared up at the end. It’s such a feel-good movie that reminds you to follow your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Plus, young Elizabeth Taylor is just captivating; you can see the star she was destined to become.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming movie”
  • “Horse lovers and equestrian enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood films”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of determination and overcoming obstacles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depiction of a horse falling during a race.”
  • “Mild thematic elements related to gender roles in the early 20th century.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A heartwarming story of family, determination, and a girl’s love for her horse. Elizabeth Taylor shines as Velvet, capturing the essence of youthful passion and unwavering spirit. The film is a visual treat with its vibrant Technicolor and stunning countryside scenes, making it a timeless classic for audiences of all ages.
• The New York Times: “Clarence Brown directs a sentimental yet uplifting tale of a young girl’s dream to compete in the Grand National. Mickey Rooney delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, and Anne Revere provides a strong, grounded presence as the understanding mother. A feel-good movie that celebrates courage, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “National Velvet is a heartwarming and visually stunning classic that showcases Elizabeth Taylor’s star power. While the plot may be predictable, the film’s sincerity, charming characters, and inspiring message make it a timeless favorite for families.

Audience Reactions

Elizabeth Taylor’s performance is mesmerizing!: Most viewers agree that Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Velvet is exceptional and that the horse race scene is intense and unforgettable.

A beautiful movie about courage and dreams.: Many audience members praise the film’s heartwarming story, strong female characters, and the inspiring message of pursuing one’s passions.

Overall Consensus: National Velvet remains a beloved classic, praised for its heartwarming story, exceptional performances, and inspiring message of following one’s dreams.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1946
2. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1946

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mickey Rooney had to film all of his scenes in one month before he had to report for basic training to serve in World War II.”
• “Much of the film was shot in Pebble Beach, California, because filming in England during World War II was impossible.”
• “Elizabeth Taylor was given ‘The Pie’ as a birthday gift after filming was over.”

🖥️ How to Watch National Velvet?

National Velvet is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase online and in retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed National Velvet, you might like these similar films:

• The Black Stallion (1979): A boy bonds with a wild Arabian stallion, and they train for a race, capturing the same themes of horsemanship and adventure.
• Seabiscuit (2003): An underdog horse captures the hearts of a nation during the Great Depression, similar to National Velvet’s inspirational story.
• Dreamer (2005): A young girl helps rehabilitate an injured racehorse, echoing the themes of family, perseverance, and the love of horses.

🛒 National Velvet Related Products

• National Velvet [Blu-ray]: Experience the magic of National Velvet in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features like behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with cast members.
• National Velvet (Enid Bagnold) – Kindle Edition: Read the original novel that inspired the classic film. Enid Bagnold’s timeless story comes to life in this convenient Kindle edition, perfect for reading on the go.
• National Velvet Movie Poster (24×36): This high-quality reproduction captures the vibrant colors and classic design of the original movie poster, perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm to any room.
• Elizabeth Taylor: A Life in Pictures: Explore the life and career of Elizabeth Taylor through a stunning collection of photographs, showcasing her evolution from child star to Hollywood icon.

🎧 Soundtrack

National Velvet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Greensleeves” – performed by Traditional English Folk Song
• “National Velvet Theme” – performed by Herbert Stothart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

MGM UA Family Entertainment Promo (1996)

Check out this awesome throwback! This 90s MGM promo features ‘National Velvet’ alongside other family classics. It’s cool to see how they positioned the movie back then, definitely worth a watch for a nostalgic trip!

25 Best Horse Movies You Should Totally Watch

Did you know ‘National Velvet’ is considered one of the best horse movies ever? This video counts it down with other great flicks! I think it’s totally deserved, see where it ranks!

✨ Rate