For generations, National Velvet has captured hearts with its heartwarming story of a young girl, her dream, and a remarkable horse. This timeless classic, starring a young Elizabeth Taylor, continues to inspire audiences of all ages. But behind the magic on screen lies a fascinating production history.
Join us as we uncover fourteen captivating facts about the making of National Velvet movie that will deepen your appreciation for this beloved film.
It Was Adapted From a 1935 Novel
National Velvet started life as a 1935 novel by British writer Enid Bagnold. The book tells the story of Velvet Brown, a young girl who dreams of entering and winning the famed Grand National steeplechase in England.
Although RKO initially purchased the rights, delays stalled the project until Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) took over, leading to the classic 1944 film.
The Movie Premiered During World War II
Released in 1944, National Velvet debuted while World War II still raged. At a time when audiences were craving hope and optimism, the story of an underdog girl and her horse captured hearts.
Viewers found an inspiring message in Velvet’s unwavering determination to race The Pie despite overwhelming odds, mirroring the resilience many people needed during those difficult wartime years.
It Shot in California, Not England
Although the story is firmly set in rural England, most of the filming took place in California. MGM used locations such as Pebble Beach and Calabasas to replicate the look of the English countryside on a Hollywood budget.
This arrangement kept production costs reasonable, while clever set design and camera work lent the film its quaint, British atmosphere.
Elizabeth Taylor Was Only 12, And Not the Original Choice
Elizabeth Taylor, age 12 during filming, was not initially selected for the role of Velvet Brown. Eighteen-year-old Gene Tierney was once slated to star, but scheduling conflicts and studio shuffles led MGM to recast.
Taylor’s mother championed her daughter for the role, and the young actress took riding lessons, ate larger meals to fill out her physique, and even grew three inches in just a few months to convince MGM she was the perfect Velvet. Her iconic portrayal was her breakout, launching Taylor into Hollywood stardom.
Mickey Rooney Filmed His Scenes in a Hurry
Already a prominent box-office draw, Mickey Rooney was cast as Mi Taylor, the mysterious drifter who becomes Velvet’s trainer and confidant. Rooney had only one month to complete his filming because he was due to report for basic training in the United States Army.
Despite the tight schedule, his performance is widely praised and helped draw even more attention to the project.
Angela Lansbury and Donald Crisp Added Extra Star Power
In addition to Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney, National Velvet boasted a cast full of notable names. Angela Lansbury, who would later become famous for Murder, She Wrote, played Velvet’s older sister Edwina.
Donald Crisp, a veteran actor known for roles in films like How Green Was My Valley, stepped in as Velvet’s loving father, Mr. Brown, providing a warm and supportive presence that grounded the family dynamic.
The Pie Was a Thoroughbred Named King Charles
The equine star, The Pie, was played by a 7-year-old Thoroughbred called King Charles. A grandson of the legendary Man o’ War, King Charles was reportedly purchased by MGM for $800. Although in the original novel, The Pie is a piebald horse, the film changed his coloring to chestnut.
King Charles’s racing heritage shone through on set, as he brought a genuine athleticism to the role that perfectly matched the film’s steeplechase theme.
Elizabeth Taylor Broke Her Back While Riding
Though an accomplished rider, Elizabeth Taylor suffered a serious accident during one of the filming’s riding sequences. She took a tumble from King Charles that resulted in a broken back, a significant injury that would affect her health throughout her life.
Despite the setback, Taylor recovered quickly enough to finish her scenes, a testament to both her youthful resilience and her professional drive.
The Pie Didn’t Always Behave, Except Around Taylor
King Charles could be difficult behind the scenes, occasionally biting or acting out around crew members. Despite this behavior, the Thoroughbred and Elizabeth Taylor bonded closely. Taylor spent extra time caring for him and riding him off-set.
Their mutual trust created a believable on-screen connection between Velvet and The Pie, no small feat for a 12-year-old actress and a sometimes temperamental horse.
Louis B. Mayer Gave King Charles to Elizabeth Taylor
Taylor formed such a strong attachment to King Charles that studio head Louis B. Mayer gifted her the horse on her 13th birthday, shortly after filming wrapped.
Taylor wrote fondly of this gesture, calling her time spent with The Pie a “miracle experience.” She visited and rode him often, solidifying one of Hollywood’s most iconic partnerships between a star and her equine co-star.
The Mechanical Horse Used on Set Reappeared Decades Later
A mechanical prop horse was built for close-up shots and scenes requiring precise camera angles or safety measures. Astonishingly, this same mechanical horse resurfaced in the 1999 film Sleepy Hollow, refurbished to serve a new batch of cinematic gallops over half a century later.
Monty Roberts Claimed He Doubled for Taylor (But There’s Dispute)
Famed horse trainer Monty Roberts has long stated he served as Elizabeth Taylor’s stunt double, donning a wig to match her hair for some galloping scenes. However, his brother disputes that account, suggesting another rider, Billy Cartlidge, performed the stunts.
Conflicting memories and limited official records fuel the debate, adding a layer of mystery to the film’s production lore.
Anne Revere Won an Oscar for Her Role as Mrs. Brown
While the film garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, Anne Revere took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for playing Velvet’s steadfast mother. The film also won Best Film Editing, and it was nominated in categories like Best Director, Best Cinematography (Black-and-White), and Best Art Direction.
Elizabeth Taylor, though overlooked by the Academy for this role, still emerged as a critical favorite.
Sequels, Spinoffs, and the Legacy of International Velvet
The success of National Velvet inspired various adaptations, including a 60-minute radio drama on “Theater Guild on the Air,” with Mickey Rooney reprising his role.
Decades later, International Velvet (1978) starred Tatum O’Neal as Velvet’s niece, attempting to carry on the family’s riding legacy.
While it lacked the same widespread acclaim as the 1944 original, it maintained enough charm to resonate with fans of the franchise, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the National Velvet saga.
Final Thoughts
From a wartime release that uplifted weary audiences to a teenage Elizabeth Taylor’s star-making turn, National Velvet stands as a testament to Hollywood’s ability to craft an evergreen story filled with warmth, ambition, and the indomitable human spirit.
Whether spotlighting the unbreakable bond between a girl and her horse or showcasing technical feats like the repurposed mechanical stallion, the film’s legacy has endured for nearly eight decades, proof that a dream, however improbable, can still captivate hearts from one generation to the next.
Also, check out our other horse movie guides with similar articles on classic movies and horses.
