Watch Black Beauty

Black Beauty is a dramatic film from 1971 that is based on the classic novel of the same name, authored by Anna Sewell. The movie follows the life of Black Beauty, an elegant black stallion, as he moves through a series of owners, each with their own experiences and hardships. Directed by James Hill, the movie was an instant classic and is still a beloved masterpiece today.

The main character of the film is Black Beauty, voiced by Alan Wheatley. The story begins when Black Beauty is a colt, living in a field with other horses. A local farmer, played by Walter Slezak, admires Black Beauty's strength and beauty and purchases him for his son, Joe Green, played by Mark Lester. Joe is a caring and loving owner, and Black Beauty is happy in his new home. However, Joe falls ill, and the family is forced to sell Black Beauty.

Black Beauty passes through various owners, some cruel and others kind-hearted. Peter Lee Lawrence plays one of his owners, Captain, who buys Black Beauty for a job pulling his barge down a canal. Captain treats Black Beauty well and takes good care of him, but he too eventually has to sell him.

Throughout the movie, Black Beauty has various experiences that demonstrate the harsh realities of life for working-class horses. He is subject to cruel treatment, malnutrition, and overwork. However, he meets some kind owners along the way who treat him with the respect and love he deserves.

The movie also touches on some of the societal issues of the time, such as the cruelty of using animals for entertainment, and the human cost of industrialization. The film's message is a powerful one about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect, as well as the need for greater awareness of animal welfare issues.

Aside from Black Beauty, the movie has a host of other impressive performances, including Mark Lester as the loving horse owner, Joe Green. Walter Slezak plays a kind-hearted farmer who is forced to sell Black Beauty when his son falls sick, while Peter Lee Lawrence delivers a strong performance as Captain, an owner who treats Black Beauty with more respect than most.

The film's direction is also excellent, with James Hill capturing the beauty and elegance of the horses and the severity and harshness of their living conditions. The movie showcases the picturesque countryside of England as Black Beauty travels through different regions, and the stunning cinematography helps to highlight the beauty that can be found in even the harshest of environments.

The score, composed by Lionel Bart, is also a highlight of the film. The music is appropriately poignant and emotional, and it sets the right tone for each scene. The opening song, sung by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, is a haunting and beautiful ballad.

Overall, Black Beauty is a must-watch movie for lovers of animal stories and classic literature. While it may be overly sentimental at times, it's hard to deny the movie's emotional impact, and it's a powerful statement about the need for greater empathy and kindness in our treatment of animals. Thanks to excellent direction, strong performances, and a stunning musical score, this film has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic today.

Black Beauty is a 1971 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.