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The Black Stallion (1979)

The Black Stallion (1979)
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This beautifully mounted adaptation of Walter Farley's story for children tells the tale of Alec (Kelly Reno), a young boy touring the world with his adventurous salesman father (Hoyt Axton). While travelling back to the United States by ship, Alec discovers a wild, beautiful Arabian stallion being brought along in the cargo hold. When disaster strikes at sea, the ship sinks, and Alec and the stallion are the only survivors. Alone together on a nearby island, the boy and the horse develop a relationship; wary of each other at first, they learn to trust each other, and they become close friends. When a rescue party finally finds Alec, he refuses to leave the island without the stallion, and the horse goes with Alec to the small town that is his home. Alec's mother (Teri Garr) is at a loss about what to do with this remarkable but difficult animal. Henry Dailey (Mickey Rooney), an elderly horse trainer who lives in the neighborhood, senses a special connection between the boy and his horse; he's soon convinced that with the right training, and the boy as his jockey, the horse could be a champion on the race course. First-time director Carroll Ballard captures the mysterious relationship between humans and animals, treating the stallion with the same intelligence and respect as the rest of his cast; he also draws fine, understated performances from Kelly Reno and Mickey Rooney, and Caleb Deschanel's photography makes this a feast for the eyes. The Black Stallion is that rare contemporary family film that will fascinate adults as much as their kids, if not more so. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Kelly RenoMickey Rooney, (more)
Director(s):
Carroll Ballard
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Black Stallion

This beautifully mounted adaptation of Walter Farley's story for children tells the tale of Alec (Kelly Reno), a young boy touring the world with his adventurous salesman father (Hoyt Axton). While travelling back to the United States by ship, Alec discovers a wild, beautiful Arabian stallion being brought along in the cargo hold. When disaster strikes at sea, the ship sinks, and Alec and the stallion are the only survivors. Alone together on a nearby island, the boy and the horse develop a relationship; wary of each other at first, they learn to trust each other, and they become close friends. When a rescue party finally finds Alec, he refuses to leave the island without the stallion, and the horse goes with Alec to the small town that is his home. Alec's mother (Teri Garr) is at a loss about what to do with this remarkable but difficult animal. Henry Dailey (Mickey Rooney), an elderly horse trainer who lives in the neighborhood, senses a special connection between the boy and his horse; he's soon convinced that with the right training, and the boy as his jockey, the horse could be a champion on the race course. First-time director Carroll Ballard captures the mysterious relationship between humans and animals, treating the stallion with the same intelligence and respect as the rest of his cast; he also draws fine, understated performances from Kelly Reno and Mickey Rooney, and Caleb Deschanel's photography makes this a feast for the eyes. The Black Stallion is that rare contemporary family film that will fascinate adults as much as their kids, if not more so. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
117 mins

Complete Cast of The Black Stallion


Director(s):
Carroll Ballard
Writer(s):
Melissa MathisonWilliam D. WittliffJeanne Rosenberg
Producer(s):
Tom SternbergFred Roos
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G(Excellent For Children, Child Classic)
Categories:
Action / AdventureFamily & Kids
The Black Stallion Awards:
  • 2002 - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
  • 1979 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
  • 1980 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - New Generation Award
  • 1979 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Music Score
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Member Reviews
 
Robin R.

A very beautifully shot, almost silent film, based on the children's book. Beautiful images start off this film, but very little dialog. Perhaps we get the horse's perspective. But the real gem of this movie is the performance given by Mickey Rooney, who brings this film back down to earth. But only for a little while. We are again living in imaginary heights, in the film's exciting conclusion. A must see.

Yes   |   No

 
Alan E.

I wish we hadn't lost the art of making great kids films, but we have, and this is one of the greats. A beautiful film that I think any child will fall in love with and continue to love into adulthood. Visually gorgeous and well acted.

Yes   |   No

 
Frank C.

Great movie! Watched as a kid and still love it as an adult!

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