This classic film is based upon the 1941 novel by the same name. The story revolves around an eleven year old boy named Alec, who is traveling with his father. Alec becomes curious about an Arabian horse that is being treated badly aboard the ship. A ferocious storm puts the ship in peril, and the boy vows to rescue the horse, sending them both overboard and ultimately finding themselves stranded on a beautiful deserted island.
This is the part of the film that holds the viewer entranced within the beautiful landscape and seclusion that the horse and boy face together. Their relationship and trust in one another grow with small steps, placing adults and children alike in awe of what unfolds. The unbelievable connection and simplicity of being a child along with the friendship that blossoms before the viewer's eyes, commands the screen, making you feel a part of the stunning scenes that ultimately lead to Alec and “The Black” galloping along the beach as the sun sets in the background.
They are eventually rescued by a group of sailors with Alec again not leaving his trusted friend behind. Upon arriving home, a former horse racer named Henry Dailey agrees to allow Alec to keep his new horse on his property, where the older man sees the racing potential within the wild stallion.
They decide that though it will be very risky, and how “The Black” will react in a race is unknown, a stallion like this needs to be able to run like the wind, since it was what the horse was born to do. They both know also that the horse will not attempt anything without his trusted friend beside him. What happens next will leave both adults and children on the edge of their seats and rooting for these underdogs that don't seem to fit in and whose friendship began under circumstances no one else on earth understands.
Cast of Characters
This brilliant cast is led by Kelly Reno, the boy who plays Alec. The director's decision to cast this young boy, who had no acting experience and the son of cattle ranchers, made the movie what it is. Kelly is a natural with horses and experienced beyond his years at riding. The director had Kelly come and work with the horse for weeks before filming began, and this clearly paid off. The friendship between the boy and the horse was real and illuminated on the screen, especially in the scenes taken on the island when their friendship was just beginning. The fact that this boy had no acting experience added tremendously to the movie, since his mannerisms and way of speaking were so natural and unrehearsed in quality. He appears “normal”, just like any other child without a phony persona that sometimes shows through in acting. Children will connect right away to his natural appeal, as he seems just like them, and adults will find this aspect of the film endearing.
The rest of the cast is led by experienced actors that blend well in style and ability to the type of story and movie the author and director wanted. Henry Dailey, the former horse racer, is played with wonderful sincerity by Mickey Rooney, a veteran of acting since he was a child in Hollywood's Golden Era. The care he has for the boy and horse is genuine on screen, and it was wonderful to see him help tell this beautiful childhood story, recalling the days when he was a young man and appeared in National Velvet with child actor Elizabeth Taylor. Childhood stories about belonging and friendship seem important to the actor, and this shows on the screen. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this memorable role.
Alec's mother is played by Terri Garr, who would go on to have a long career in movies and television. The scenes with Mickey Rooney are sincere and the hesitation and worry she has for her son's safety make any parent watching connect to her character's dilemma of wanting to protect her child, yet having to let him spread his wings and trust his instincts.
The rest of the veteran cast blend brilliantly into the movie and all their experience around the young boy's natural ability with the horse and his lack of acting training help to bring the author's true intentions of the story to the screen with the heart and joy of what childhood friendships can ultimately accomplish.
About the Filming
There were two main obstacles in making this glorious film. Most scenes were filmed outdoors, where weather was a constant battle. The other challenge was working with the horses and their unpredictability. However, when watching the movie, the viewer would never know any challenges existed due to the marvelous and unforgettable result. The Black Stallion had the prestige of being nominated for countless awards and won several. The musical score, which did not overpower the movie but balanced well with those scenes without musical background, earned a Golden Globe nomination for Carmine Coppola. Many view the cinematography in this movie as a work of art. The film was directed by Carroll Ballard and executively produced by Francis Ford Coppola.
Summary
The story takes place in the 1940's, and as a result gives this film a timeless and universal appeal that will never go out of style. When this film was released in 1979, Hollywood was making millions on huge, big budget movies about science fiction like Star Wars and many others to come. The face of Hollywood films was changing to more commercially attract kids and teens, yet The Black Stallion was triumphant due to the spectacular and timeless story that has connected with children and adults alike for decades and will continue to endure. I was a child when this film was released, and I will make sure my children see this film. We will watch it together, and as a parent I can say that the children of today, mine included, are very used to seeing movies with non-stop special effects and storylines that move quicker than the speed of sound. I will make sure they watch this movie and later read the book that inspired the film. It may take a little bit of time for your children to become lost in the beautiful movie, but be persistent. They will leave the special effects behind and become entranced with this childhood story about a boy and his horse. They will connect dramatically with the story and share it together with you. As a result, you will have lots to share together and talk about. You will also be rest assured knowing that not only did you give them a memorable movie experience, you also showed them by example the difference between a good movie and storyline and a great one. Many do believe that The Black Stallion is the hands-down best family film every made on screen. I do believe they are right. And don't be surprised if your kids beg you for horseback riding lessons when the movie is over!
Rating and Availability
The Black Stallion is rated G for General Audiences. I personally believe children should be at least six years old before watching with you. The movie is available on DVD. Though there have been remakes and several sequels, do not confuse those films with the original classic.
