This could be my favorite movie--at least one of my longest loved movies. I watched The Black Stallion for the first time when I was about 8 years old, and have loved it ever since. As a child, I loved anything to
do with horses, and later even owned my own for about 5 years. I'd have to say it may have been one of the best times of my life. And I've watched The Black Stallion many times since that time when I was eight.

The Black Stallion is a wonderful movie for the whole family. It's rated G and is absolutely beautifully made. This 1979 film by Francis Ford Coppola won a 1979 Academy Award for sound editing, by Alan Spelt. And if you've ever watched it, you know that the movie probably should have won another Oscar for cinematography by Caleb Deschanel (which seems to be a popular opinion when researched on the Internet). The story is beautiful and the cinematography is breath-taking. Mickey Rooney was also nominated for an Oscar for his role as Henry Daily, a famous jockey and horse trainer.

THE STORY: ...be aware that plot details are given away in this section...
A young boy, Alec Ramsey (Kelly Reno), is traveling with his father (Hoyt Axton) upon a cruise liner. While on this journey, Alec stumbles upon a wild and untamed horse in the ship's stables. The boy is intrigued by the wonderous and majestic great black stallion and tries, without much success, to befriend him with tasty sugar cubes. That night the boy awakes and finds himself in the midst of horror and chaos, as the cruise liner sinks due to fire. Alec and his father fight their way to the deck of the ship. While Alec's father attempts to help the crew put out the fire, Alec is swept off the ship into the dark ocean. Alec finds that the Black Stallion is also in the water and is struggling, as his harnesses are caught in the ship's propeller. Alec frees the horse with his pocket knife and ties the himself to the Black Stallion, hoping to stay alive.

The next morning, Alec finds himself on a deserted island...and alone. However, the Black Stallion has also
survived and the two eventually develop a friendship and respect for one another. The pair are later discovered by a fishing crew and, after much argument from Alec, both are rescued and returned to the United States to Alec's relieved mother (Teri Garr).

It is soon found that the Black Stallion can run...FAST! An old retired jockey and horse trainer, Mickey Rooney, helps Alec train the Black Stallion and it is discovered that the horse can run so fast that he could beat some of the fastest horses in the country!

The excitement builds as a match race is organized and the Black Stallion races for being fastest horse in America. The ending is superb and makes you feel all good and tingly!


CAST:

Alec Ramsey...............Kelly Reno

Henry Daily...............Mickey Rooney

Alec's Mother.............Teri Garr

Snoe......................Clarence Muse

Alec's Father.............Hoyt Axton

Neville...................Michael Higgins

Jake......................Ed McNamara

Arab......................Doghmi Larbi

Jockey #1.................John Burton

Jockey #2.................John Buchanan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Musical Score.............Carmine Coppola

Editor....................Robert Dalva

Director of Photography...Caleb Deschanel

Screenplay................Melissa Mathison & Jeanne Rosenberg and William D. Wittlif

Based on Novel By.........Walter Farley

Executive Producer........Francis Ford Coppola

Producer..................Fred Roos and Tom Sternberg

Director..................Carroll Ballard


Walter Farley's Books as Inspiration:
As a young girl, I read all of The Black Stallion series, and I'd have to say that I still remember them as
being absolutely wonderful. The books served as a great basis for the Francis Ford Coppola movie and are portrayed beautifully in this amazing film.

More Information...
There is a website that details many facts and tidbits about the story of The Black Stallion. It provides information about the original books and the author, the movie, as well as a fan club. If you like the movie, or if your children like it, then you might want to check out the site and find out more. The site's address is: www.theblackstallion.com

Final Judgment:
This movie is great! You will love it, your kids will love it, and you will enjoy watching it with your whole family. It is a wonderful story, beautifully filmed, with great characters. Go see it now!



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12