National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney

NATIONAL VELVET

A disillusioned ex-jockey (Mickey Rooney) decides to help Sussex native Velvet Brown (a very young Elizabeth Taylor) train her wild, undisciplined horse, “The Pie,” for England’s Grand National Race. But obstacles pop up as it gets closer to the big day. Clarence Brown (Intruder in the Dust) directed this adaptation of the beloved novel by Enid Bagnold for MGM, with sterling support from seasoned thespians Donald Crisp, Angela Lansbury and Anne Revere. A certified classic for all ages.

“One of the most likable movies of all time.” – Pauline Kael

Read an article in The Telegraph about Laurian, Comtesse d’Harcourt, the inspiration for National Velvet.

Watch a vintage newsreel highlighting the 1945 Academy Awards including Anne Reeve’s win for Best Supporting Actress.

DIRECTORClarence BrownSTARRINGMickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Donald Crisp, Anne Reeve, Angela LansburyYEAR1944RATEDGCOUNTRYUSA