The Black Stallion (1979)

While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. When it tragically sinks ... See full summary »

Director:

Carroll Ballard

Writers:

Melissa Mathison (screenplay), Jeanne Rosenberg (screenplay),

Stars:

Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kelly Reno	...	Alec Ramsey
Mickey Rooney	...	Henry Dailey
Teri Garr	...	Alec's Mother
Clarence Muse	...	Snoe
Hoyt Axton	...	Alec's Father
Michael Higgins	...	Neville
Ed McNamara	...	Jake
Doghmi Larbi	...	Arab (as Dogmi Larbi)
John Burton	...	Jockey #1
John Buchanan	...	Jockey #2
Kristen Vigard	...	Becky
Fausto Tozzi	...	Rescue Captain
John Karlsen	...	Archeologist (as John Karlson)
Leopoldo Trieste	...	Priest
Frank Cousins	...	African Chieftain

Storyline

While traveling with his father, young Alec becomes fascinated by a mysterious Arabian stallion that is brought on board and stabled in the ship he is sailing on. When it tragically sinks both he and the horse survive only to be stranded on a deserted island. He befriends it, so when finally rescued both return to his home where they soon meet Henry Dailey, a once successful trainer. Together they begin training the horse to race against the fastest ones in the world.

---

Plot Keywords:

horse | overboard | training | rider horse relationship | 1940s | 

---

Genres:

Adventure | Family | Sport

---

Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Black Stallion, Inc. MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English Arabic Italian

Release Date:

17 October 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

El corcel negro

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$2,700,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Omni Zoetrope

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Black was portrayed by a champion Arabian stallion from Texas named Cass-Ole; his friend, the old white horse named Napoleon, was portrayed by Junior - who had previously appeared in National Lampoon's Animal House as Trooper, Neidermeyer's horse.

---

Goofs

The white star on Cass Ole's forehead as well as the white socks on his legs are faintly visible through the black dye in some of the scenes of him running along the beach.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Alec Ramsey: Dad... you know what I saw? It's the most fantastic thing... come look!
Mr. Ramsey: [to the other poker players] My son.
Mr. Ramsey: Hey! Look, son, I'll tell you, I'm really busy, but... I'll tell you what I do need. I need some good luck.

---

Connections

Referenced in The Iron Giant (1999)

User Reviews

Wish There Was A Better Transfer Of This Nice Film

Not only is this a nice story, but it's beautifully photographed. That's why I was so disappointed with the DVD. The picture wasn't sharp, and even had an orange tint to it. I wound up trading it for something else. Perhaps if a better DVD transfer comes along, I'll re- purchase this.

I love horse racing and a good adventure story, so this appeals to me since it offers both. The climactic race at the end is not very credible, but overall it's a fine film and certainly safe viewing fare for the whole family.

It was good to see Mickey Rooney again. Kelly Reno, who played the kid, was fine, too - no young Mickey Rooney in his heyday, but still passable as an actor and likable. Teri Garr and Hoyt Axton had small roles as Reno's parents.