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National Velvet (1944)
May 3, 2016 Todd Morgan 10 Stars, 1940's, Adventure, Angela Lansbury, Clarence Brown, Decade, Directors, Elizabeth Taylor, Genre, Mickey Rooney, Ratings, Sports, Top Actors, Top Actresses 0
One of the finest family films ever made…a young Mickey Rooney and a 12-year old Elizabeth Taylor delight in this wonderful movie about new beginnings, big dreams, bad luck, and overcoming the odds. Elizabeth Taylor was an avid horse rider from the time she was 3 years old. She won the role of Velvet Brown and rocketed to stardom with her beautiful innocence and penetrating glance.
This movie has a great performance from Ann Revere, as the mother. She is one with so many memorable lines in the movie…I think you could literally fill up an entire wall with memorable quotes from this movie…philosophical pieces of advice or perspective that could help a person on their journey through life. Ann Revere won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in this role. Ann is also known for her roles in movies such as A Place in the Sun (also with Elizabeth Taylor) and Gentlemen's Agreement…both well-known films of high acclaim.
Mickey Rooney was never better. His obstinate and impetuous character combined with his fear of failure make an interesting contrast to Elizabeth Taylor. She wills him to follow her, and he has to overcome demons from the past to help her fulfill her dream.
This was Elizabeth Taylor's first full feature film in a leading role. It is the innocence of her character combined with her pure love for horses that makes this movie inspiring. She dreams big despite everyone else doubting and non-believing. It's pure childhood fantasy, that turns into reality. Her talent in riding horses is remarkable. I wonder in today's age, would a film of this nature ever be made again…with all the laws to protect young people…she did all the riding herself and it was very dangerous. Apparently Elizabeth Taylor did fall from the horse and suffered a back injury that caused her alot of troubles later in life. This is the movie that made Elizabeth Taylor famous…
THE DISPUTE UNTIL THE END OF TIME
So may memorable quotes and lines from this movie…here is a few…
"What's the meaning of goodness if there isn't a little badness to overcome?"
"Some day you'll learn that greatness is only the seizing of opportunity – clutching with your bare hands 'til the knuckles show white."
"We're alike. I, too, believe that everyone should have a chance at a breathtaking piece of folly once in his life."
"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."
Enjoy this wonderful family film as one of the great inspirational stories of all-time.
10 Stars our of 10 Stars
About Todd Morgan	56 Articles
Todd is one of nation's top classic movie experts, with a passion and determination to help the younger generation discover some of the truly greatest movies ever made. Todd reviews 2-3 movies every week and also prepares classic movie trivia, lists, writes books, and develops games all on Classic Movies. Contact him at classicmovieguy.com@gmail.com.
The Devil and Miss Jones (1941)
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