Watch International Velvet

International Velvet, released in 1978, is a heartwarming drama and sequel to the 1944 classic National Velvet. Directed by Bryan Forbes, the film stars Tatum O'Neal, Christopher Plummer, and Anthony Hopkins. The movie follows Sarah Brown (Tatum O'Neal), the niece of Velvet Brown, the protagonist of the first movie. Sarah is an American teenager who dreams of following in the footsteps of her aunt by becoming an Olympic equestrian. Sarah travels to England for the summer to train with Velvet's former jockey, Captain Johnson (Christopher Plummer), who is now a coach.

While she's living in England, Sarah helps to rescue a horse, Arizona Pie, from an abusive owner. She develops a deep connection with the horse and decides to train him for the Olympics. With the help of Captain Johnson and his granddaughter, Sarah starts to prepare for the big competition. Meanwhile, she has to confront a number of challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and the skepticism of the British equestrian establishment.

As Sarah trains for the Olympics, she also learns that she has a personal connection to Velvet. She discovers a diary that her aunt kept during her riding career and learns about her struggles and triumphs. Through the diary, Sarah gains a better understanding of her aunt's legacy and feels inspired to carry on her tradition.

Throughout the film, there are several subplots that add depth and complexity to the story. Captain Johnson, who is now retired, faces financial difficulties and a strained relationship with his daughter. Anthony Hopkins plays a secondary character, Terry, who is a journalist covering the Olympics and a love interest for Sarah.

The film's scenery is gorgeous, with stunning shots of the English countryside and the equestrian events taking place at the Olympic venue. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with the iconic melody "International Velvet" featured throughout the film.

Overall, International Velvet is a touching and inspiring movie that celebrates the legacy of the original National Velvet. Tatum O'Neal delivers a charming performance as Sarah, and Christopher Plummer is a standout as the wise and gruff Captain Johnson. With its positive message about perseverance and the power of dreams, this movie is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.

International Velvet is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.