National Velvet (1944)
American Technicolor drama family sport film directed by Clarence Brown, starring Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp and Elizabeth Taylor.
National Velvet makes the most of a breakout performance from Elizabeth Taylor, delivering a timeless family-friendly tearjerker that avoids straying into the sentimental.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Story: A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England’s Grand National Sweepstakes. (IMDb)
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National Velvet (1944): A Coming-of-Age Tale That Redefines the Underdog
– Retrospective & Movie Review –
Alright, let’s talk about National Velvet, the 1944 Technicolor classic that warmed hearts and maybe even sparked a lifelong love for horses in some of us. This coming-of-age story isn’t your typical underdog tale.
Sure, there’s a young girl, Velvet (a radiant Elizabeth Taylor at 12!), and a magnificent but unruly horse, The Piebald, aiming for an impossible dream: winning the Grand National, England’s grueling steeplechase. But what truly sets National Velvet apart is the way it portrays Velvet’s journey – it’s a story about defying expectations, not just winning a race.
Now, you might say, “Isn’t defying expectations kind of the whole underdog thing?” Well, yes and no. Classic underdogs are often outsiders, lacking the resources or experience to compete. Think Rocky facing off against Apollo Creed. But Velvet isn’t exactly an outsider. She’s part of a loving family, and while they’re not wealthy, they’re not dirt poor either. Her biggest obstacle isn’t society or some villain; it’s the ingrained sexism of the racing world.
Back then, horse racing was a very male-dominated world. Women weren’t even allowed to ride in the Grand National, let alone dream of winning it. National Velvet doesn’t shy away from this reality. Velvet faces constant skepticism and even ridicule for her ambitions. Trainers scoff, jockeys smirk, and even her otherwise supportive father (played by the ever-reliable Donald Crisp) expresses doubts.
This is where the film’s true uniqueness kicks in. Velvet doesn’t try to become “one of the guys” to gain acceptance. She doesn’t cut her hair short or try to act tough. She embraces her femininity, her intelligence, and her unwavering determination. She uses these very qualities, often underestimated by those around her, to overcome the challenges.
Here’s a great example: Enter Mi Taylor, the charmingly cocky former jockey played by Mickey Rooney. Mi becomes Velvet’s unlikely mentor, but initially, he sees her more as a naive kid with a big dream than a serious competitor. Yet, Velvet’s quiet persistence and insightful observations about The Piebald slowly chip away at his cynicism. He recognizes her natural horsemanship and her deep connection with the animal.
This partnership is another fascinating aspect. It’s not your typical student-teacher dynamic. Velvet and Mi learn from each other. She pushes him to believe in the impossible, and he guides her raw talent with his experience. Their bond transcends the typical gender roles of the time. Mi respects Velvet’s authority over The Piebald, and she values his expertise without blindly following his every word.
The film also cleverly uses the contrast between Velvet’s world and the glamorous racing circuit. The Brown family exudes warmth and genuine love for their horses. They see them as companions, not just racing machines. This is beautifully juxtaposed with the wealthy owners and trainers who view horses as commodities, obsessed with winning at all costs.
Velvet’s journey isn’t just about winning the race; it’s about proving that passion, dedication, and a deep understanding of your animal can overcome prejudice and tradition. The climax, the actual Grand National race, is thrilling, of course. But the true triumph comes not just in crossing the finish line first (which, spoiler alert, she does!), but in the way she does it.
Velvet rides with a quiet confidence, a far cry from the aggressive tactics of the male jockeys. She forms a flawless partnership with The Piebald, relying on trust and mutual respect rather than brute force. It’s a powerful statement – that finesse and a deep bond with your animal can be just as, if not more, effective than brute strength in this traditionally masculine domain.
National Velvet’s legacy goes beyond being a charming horse story. It’s a film that subtly but effectively challenges societal norms. It tells young girls (and anyone who ever felt like an underdog) that dreams can be achieved, not by conforming to expectations, but by embracing your individuality and forging your own path. It’s a message that resonates just as strongly today, reminding us that sometimes, the most unique thing you can be is simply yourself.
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IMDb | Wikipedia | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | Letterboxd
