Perennial children's classic will warm the hearts of the whole family. Any story about the bonding of man and beast is usually inspiring, even more is this simple tale of a young shipwrecked lad who owes his life to a wild black stallion who saved him from drowning. The boy frees the magnificent horse from tangled wreckage, thus repaying the debt, and then the two slowly learn to trust one another as they from a unique friendship.
Ballard directs with simplicity and warmth, and is especially effective in the early scenes which quickly capture our attention and our imaginations. Kelly Reno impresses as young Alec, the boy who makes a friend for life in "The Black". Behind him is a strong support cast including Teri Garr and Oscar nominated Mickey Rooney, but of course it is the powerful majestic beast that steals the limelight.
All technical credits are top notch with Robert Dalva's editing being nominated for an Academy Award. Carmine Coppolla's music is just perfect and Cleb Deschanel wields the camera with awesome effect. What a shame the picturesque scenery on the island wast not prolonged.
Success of "Stallion" is owed to the combination of the above talents and the beautifully weighted screenplay form Melissa Mathison ("E.T."), Jeanne Rosenberg and William D. Wittliff (from Walter Farley's novel).
Sunday, July 14, 1996 - Video
Ballard directs with simplicity and warmth, and is especially effective in the early scenes which quickly capture our attention and our imaginations. Kelly Reno impresses as young Alec, the boy who makes a friend for life in "The Black". Behind him is a strong support cast including Teri Garr and Oscar nominated Mickey Rooney, but of course it is the powerful majestic beast that steals the limelight.
All technical credits are top notch with Robert Dalva's editing being nominated for an Academy Award. Carmine Coppolla's music is just perfect and Cleb Deschanel wields the camera with awesome effect. What a shame the picturesque scenery on the island wast not prolonged.
Success of "Stallion" is owed to the combination of the above talents and the beautifully weighted screenplay form Melissa Mathison ("E.T."), Jeanne Rosenberg and William D. Wittliff (from Walter Farley's novel).
Sunday, July 14, 1996 - Video