National Velvet (1944)

Elizabeth Taylor’s star quality might never have shown as much as it did as a twelve year old in this tale of the horsiest horse girl who ever did live. The smittenness of her character for The Pie oozes out of her every action, a puppy love that is portrayed better than any teen romance on film. Even Mickey Rooney’s haminess as a horse trainer can’t detract from Liz’s performance. Though sadly other family characters are either wasted, such as Angela Lansbury as the oldest sister, or annoyingly unnecessary, Jackie Jenkins’s little brother, the relationship between Liz and Anne Revere as her mother has some incredibly beautiful moments as the two bond over finding a love and purpose in life even at an unexpected age. As someone who never really interacted or understood horse girls, the tale still drew me in with its beautiful fake countryside and feel-good, family-friendliness.  

Oscar Wins: Best Actress in a Supporting Role; Best Film Editing

Oscar Nominations: Best Director; Best Cinematography, Color; Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Color