The Making of the Classic Film National Velvet
The 1944 film National Velvet, based on the 1935 novel by Enid Bagnold, is considered a beloved classic of American cinema. Starring a young Angela Lansbury and Mickey Rooney, the film tells the story of a small-town English girl named Velvet Brown (played by Elizabeth Taylor in her breakout role) who trains a wild horse to race in England's prestigious Grand National steeplechase.
With its timeless themes of determination, courage, and beating the odds, along with Taylor's luminous performance, National Velvet continues to captivate new generations of viewers. But behind the scenes, the film required an immense production effort to bring the story authentically to life on the big screen.
Filming Locations That Immersed the Cast in Rural England
National Velvet was filmed on location in the English countryside to capture the genuine setting of the story. Principal photography took place in the summer of 1943 near Stroud, Gloucestershire and also around enhances, Buckinghamshire.
The backdrop of the idyllic Cotswolds region surrounding Stroud gave the film an authentic small-town feel and pastoral charm. Scenes were filmed in the villages of Sapperton and Coates with its quaint honey-colored stone cottages.
Other locations included the lush countryside near Mapleborough Green and Olde England village. Stars like Taylor, Rooney, and Lansbury immersed themselves in rural English life surrounded by rolling green hills, stone walls, and cozy pubs.
The Grand National Brings an Iconic Backdrop
The high point of drama in National Velvet is the world-famous Grand National horse race set on the grounds of England's Aintree Racecourse. Although filming during an actual race would have been impossible, the production team creatively captured the electric atmosphere by filming scenes with a backdrop of archival footage depicting cheering crowds from a past race.
To simulate the grueling steeplechase course, film crews constructed fences and other Grand National fixtures like the famous Canal Turn and The Chair obstacle on a site near Enfield, England. During filming, stunt riders guided horses at full gallop through the replica course with scenes shot from various angles capturing the heart-pounding action.
The Piebald Horse Hero Call Boy Starred as The Pie
The core relationship in National Velvet centers around Velvet Brown and her beloved horse, The Pie. In her quest to enter The Pie, a spirited piebald gelding, into the Grand National, young Velvet faces naysayers and obstacles at every turn.
The Pie was played by a piebald gelding named Call Boy, owned by Hollywood animal trainer Corky Randall. With his distinctive black and white coat, Call Boy delivered an unforgettable presence and performance, doing many of his own stunts under the guidance of seasoned riders. His rapport with Taylor helped make scenes like the Grand National race completely believable and thrilling to watch.
National Velvet Left a Lasting Legacy
National Velvet earned over $4 million at the box office during its initial release, making it one of the highest grossing films of 1944. Taylor received a special Academy Award at age 17 for her standout dramatic performance.
The film left a unique imprint on Englands Cotswolds region, with many area locations now remembered for their connection to this silver screen classic. Over 75 years later, National Velvet still enchants viewers with its timeless appeal and remains one of Elizabeth Taylors most iconic roles.
FAQs
Where exactly in England was National Velvet filmed?
The main filming locations for National Velvet were in Gloucestershire in England's Cotswolds region, including the village areas of Sapperton and Coates. Additional scenes were shot in the countrysides surrounding Mapleborough Green, Olde England Village, and Enfield where the Grand National course was built.
What key scenes were filmed on location in Gloucestershire, England?
Many of the small-town scenes that established the rural English setting and Velvet Brown's home life were films in the Cotswolds area of Gloucestershire. The region's iconic honey-colored stone buildings and lush green countryside provided authentic backdrops to capture the story's pastoral charm.
Was Elizabeth Taylor an experienced horse rider before starring in National Velvet?
No, Elizabeth Taylor did not have significant riding experience prior to being cast as Velvet Brown at age 12. She underwent extensive training to be able to perform her own riding scenes. Her natural rapport with Call Boy, the horse acting as The Pie, contributed enormously to the authenticity of their scenes.
How were the Grand National steeplechase scenes filmed?
The production built a replica of the Grand National racecourse complete with fences and obstacles on a site in Enfield, England. Experienced stunt riders then guided horses like Call Boy through the course at full gallop, capturing the action from multiple camera angles. Archival crowd footage was then edited in to recreate the electric atmosphere of England's famous race.
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