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The Black Stallion Details

1979 Certificate U
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 981 members

Acclaimed cinematographer Carroll Ballard steps into the director's chair with THE BLACK STALLION, a visually stunning adaptation of Walter Farley's classic novel about the adventures of a young boy and his love for a black, Arabian stallion. When Alec (Kelly Reno) washes upon the shore of a deserted island after a terrible .. Read more

Starring Kelly Reno, Teri Garr, Hoyt Axton, Mickey Rooney
Director Carroll Ballard
Genres Family

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The Black Stallion cover art

The Black Stallion

Acclaimed cinematographer Carroll Ballard steps into the director's chair with THE BLACK STALLION, a visually stunning adaptation of Walter Farley's classic novel about the adventures of a young boy and his love for a black, Arabian stallion. When Alec (Kelly Reno) washes upon the shore of a deserted island after a terrible shipwreck, he soon discovers that he isn't the only survivor. A wild Arabian stallion managed to reach the island as well, giving Alec a new reason to live. Gradually, Alec wins the stallion's trust, instigating a relationship that will change both of them forever. When Alec is finally discovered, he convinces his mother to let the stallion live in the backyard, and after meeting Henry Dailey (Mickey Rooney), a thrilling final chapter is introduced, one in which Alec and the stallion begin to train for a racing championship, making their bond even stronger.
Ballard's film, tautly edited by Robert Dalva and lushly photographed by Caleb Deschanel, has become one of the pinnacle achievements of family entertainment. Intelligent, simplistic, moving, and inspiring, it is a brilliant example of cinema's ability to be effective without relying on dialogue to tell the story. Featuring a standout performance by Rooney as the horse trainer.

Starring Kelly Reno, Teri Garr, Hoyt Axton, Mickey Rooney, Michael Higgins, Ed McNamara, Clarence Muse, John Buchanan, John Burton, Doghmi Larbi
Director Carroll Ballard
Studio MGM ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 52 mins
Certificate Certificate U
Genres Family
Language DVD: English
Dubbed French, German, Italian, Spanish
Hearing-impaired English, German
Subtitles DVD: Greek, Hungarian
Released DVD: 04 Sep 2006
Production year: 1979
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of The Black Stallion

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  • 5 stars out of 5

    Adapted by Melissa Mathison (who wrote the script for ET), Jeanne Rosenberg and William Witliff from the novel by Walter Farley, this is among the most magical children's films ever made. Making his debut as director, Carroll Ballard blends stunning visuals with a heart-warming story in which a small boy trains the horse he rescued from a shipwreck. The storm and the desert island scenes are breathtaking, and, if the training and racing sequences have all been done before, they have an energy and an eye-catching splendour that more than compensate. Mickey Rooney earned an Oscar nomination as a has-been trainer, but the true stars are 11-year-old Kelly Reno and the horse Cass-ole.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006
  • 1 stars out of 4

    1980 seems a bit late for boy-and-horse pictures, but this one is so beautifully directed and photographed, if drastically overlong, that most adults thought their children should see it.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of The Black Stallion

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  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Engaging for children and a little more artistic than the usual children's film

    Although the early part of the film is quite slow the children (6 and 10 years) enjoyed watching and stayed interested. There are some beautiful images in this early part of the film. The pace of the story quickens towards the end with this change illustrating the contrast between beach and city life. The film raised some issues that the children wanted to discuss. I felt it was a refreshing change from the animated and comedy films that the children often watch. I think we all enjoyed this equally.

      • A customer from Birmingham, England
      • Posted 24 Jul 2004 23:50

  • Most recent members' review of The Black Stallion

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  • Rated - 5 stars

    Just as good as the first time

    I loved this movie as a child and now my own children love it. It's a great family film especially if you like horses. The island scenes are breathtaking, touching and just lovely. It's the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon movie.

      • A customer from Worthing, England
      • Posted 03 Jan 2008 08:18

  • News and features

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    The Black Stallion

    Harrison Ford divorces

    • 09 Jan 2004

    Harrison Ford and his screenwriter wife of 18 years, Melissa Mathison, have divorced. The couple have been living apart since 2000, and filed for separation in August 2001 - citing irreconcilable differences. No details of the settlement or the custody arrangements for their two teenage children have been released. The couple met on the set of Vietnam war epic Apocalypse Now in 1979, in which Ford had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role as a bespectacled intelligence officer who briefs Martin Sheen Read more

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Rating breakdown

981 Member ratings
  • 100
136
  • 90
71
  • 80
138
  • 70
143
  • 60
190
  • 50
107
  • 40
66
  • 30
52
  • 20
55
  • 10
23

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      • Acclaimed cinematographer Carroll Ballard steps into the director's chair with THE BLACK STALLION, a visually stunning adaptation of Walter Farley's classic novel about the adventures of a young boy ...