recommended

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Velvet's parents always addressing each other as Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown seemed rather bizarre and cold. Angela Lansbury was a lovely young lady portraying eldest daughter Edwina. But I didn't understand the purpose of Juanita Quigley as sister Melvolia who was practically a lookalike for Liz Taylor's Velvet. As a child star Liz was fantastic in this wonderful family film.

Careful, make contain a SPOILER.This is one of those rare classic Hollywood films that never pretends to be anything than what it is. It has a glorious host of grand character actors at the very top of their game. Along with some young folks who would go on to become AMAZING performers, like Elizabeth Taylor and Angela Lansbury. I love this film. It is genuine, honest, and beautiful. I am ready for it every time, but regardless, when Velvet falls from the Pie, my eyes fill with tears, and my heart leaps into my throat. The description of this film is somewhat accurate based upon the quite excellent book it is based on. However, Mickey Rooney, played his part with much greater aplomb. He wasn't "jaded," not at all. He was a young man who life had tested too early, and he was fortunate enough, brave enough, and creative enough, to recognize an opportunity to find his redemption, and to find it by helping others to achieve their dreams. Mickey Rooney's performance is singular, nuanced, and glorious. Finally, I am a fan of film, and this one contains, without a doubt, the most amazing film rendition of a horse race EVER.

A jaded former jockey (Mickey Rooney) helps a young girl (Elizabeth Taylor) prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes.An 18-year-old Gene Tierney, who was then appearing on Broadway, was offered the role of Velvet Brown in 1939. Production was delayed, however, so Tierney returned to Broadway. Much of the film was shot in Pebble Beach, California, with the most-scenic views on the Pebble Beach Golf Links (with golf holes visible in the background).Elizabeth Taylor was cast in Tierney's place, and it is interesting to note in retrospect that Taylor is by far the bigger star (with all due respect to Tierney). Allegedly, Taylor was given "The Pie" as a birthday gift after filming was over. Good for her. Her spirit and optimism really made this film. Although not necessarily my kind of movie, she played her role perfectly.

A classic all should see., 4 January 2012Author: truedesign18444 from United StatesThough some may dismiss "National Velvet" as overly sentimental and contrived, its undeniable appeal derives from the impeccably believable performances of the entire cast who quite capably bring the uplifting tale to life. Mickey Rooney is properly restrained yet exactly right. Donald Crisp is, once again, stern but lovable. Ann Revere might step off the screen and become a mother you remember from your childhood, perhaps your own. Even little Jackie Jenkins is stellar as the unapologetically, comically miscreant brother. And, of course, Elizabeth Taylor is both adolescently beautiful and perfect as Velvet. One cannot watch her in this film and not realize that here was someone with a gigantic soul, a person obviously able to love fully and unreservedly, perhaps to a fault. Since, previous to watching this film, I had not particularly been a fan of hers, I think I can objectively instruct you: "Watch this movie. She will capture you."