Black Beauty (1994 film) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Black Beauty
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Caroline Thompson
Produced by	Peter MacGregor-Scott Robert Shapiro
Screenplay by	Caroline Thompson
Starring	Sean Bean David Thewlis
Music by	Danny Elfman
Cinematography	Alex Thomson
Editing by	Claire Simpson
Studio	Warner Bros.
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date(s)	July 29, 1994 (1994-07-29)
Running time	88 minutes
Country	United Kingdom United States
Language	English
Money made	$4.6 million

Black Beauty is a heartwarming drama film from 1994. It was written and directed by Caroline Thompson. This movie is the fifth time Anna Sewell's famous 1877 book, also called Black Beauty, has been made into a film. It stars Andrew Knott, Sean Bean, and David Thewlis. The film was made by Warner Bros. and tells the story of the horse Black Beauty from his own point of view. The voice of Black Beauty is played by Alan Cumming.

The Story of Black Beauty

The story is told by Black Beauty himself. His voice is done by Alan Cumming. The horse playing Black Beauty is named Docs Keepin Time.

Black Beauty is born on a farm in the English countryside. He lives with his mother for a while. Then, he is sent to Birtwick Park. There, he works for Squire Gordon (Peter Davison) and his family.

Squire Gordon's wife, Lady Gordon, loves the beautiful horse. She names him Black Beauty. Black Beauty tries to be friends with Ginger, another horse, but she is not very friendly at first. He also becomes friends with Merrylegs, a cheerful grey pony. Merrylegs gives rides to the squire's young daughters.

Saving John Manly

One stormy night, Beauty is pulling a carriage. Squire Gordon and his caretaker, John Manly (Jim Carter), are inside. They are going home from town. Beauty senses danger and refuses to cross a flooded bridge.

John tries to make him move, but Beauty stands firm. Suddenly, the bridge breaks and falls into the river. John slips but holds onto Beauty's bridle. Beauty and the squire help John. They all make it home safely.

Beauty Gets Sick

Joe Green (Andrew Knott) works in the stable. He offers to look after Beauty that night. But Joe does not know much about horses. He gives Beauty ice-cold water to drink. He also forgets to dry him off and cover him with a blanket.

Because of this, Beauty gets sick. For the next few days, John, Joe, and the squire care for Beauty. Luckily, he gets better.

Fire at the Inn

Lady Gordon's illness gets worse. She needs to see a doctor. Beauty and Ginger pull her carriage. They stop at an inn for the night.

A fire starts in the barn where the horses are kept. Someone carelessly dropped a pipe. Joe bravely rescues the horses from the flames.

Saying Goodbye

Lady Gordon's doctor says she must leave England. She needs a warmer place because of her illness. The squire and his family are sad to say goodbye. They leave John, Joe, and their beloved horses.

Merrylegs is given to the vicar. The vicar promises he will never sell the pony.

Life at Earlshall Park

Beauty and Ginger are taken to Earlshall Park. This is the home of Lord and Lady Wexmire (Peter Cook and Eleanor Bron). Joe says a tearful goodbye to Beauty.

Beauty and Ginger are chosen to pull Lady Wexmire's carriage. But she wants the horses to wear uncomfortable reins. These reins make the horses hold their heads very high. Ginger gets angry about this.

The next day, Lady Wexmire wants their heads strapped up even more. Ginger gets very upset and breaks away from the carriage. Lady Wexmire then says Ginger cannot pull her carriage anymore.

Reuben's Mistake

Reuben Smith (Alun Armstrong) is the horses' new caretaker. He rides Beauty to town to get a carriage repainted. On the way home, Reuben rides Beauty too roughly.

Beauty stumbles and throws Reuben off. Both Reuben and Beauty get hurt. Wexmire's men find them the next morning. Reuben loses his job. Lord Wexmire sells Beauty because his knees are now injured.

A New Life in London

Beauty is bought by a man who rents out horses. This man treats his horses very badly. Beauty is later taken to a fair. There, he briefly sees Joe, who is now grown up. But Joe does not notice him.

Beauty whinnies loudly. This catches the attention of Jerry Barker (David Thewlis). Jerry is a taxi carriage driver from London. He likes Beauty right away. Jerry buys Beauty for 17 guineas.

Jerry introduces Beauty to his kind family. His wife and two young children name him Black Jack. Beauty does not like the busy city of London. But he likes his job as a taxi horse. He also loves Jerry's kind treatment.

One day, Beauty sees Ginger again. She is now a cab horse too. She has suffered a lot of abuse from her owner. Beauty tells her not to give up. But soon, her owner takes her away. Later, Beauty sees Ginger's dead body on a wagon. Her hard life is finally over.

Hard Times and Reunion

One snowy night, Jerry gets a bad cough. He waits for hours in the freezing weather for his passengers. His cough gets worse. A doctor tells him to quit his job and move to the countryside.

Beauty is sadly sold to a grain dealer. He is forced to pull very heavy loads of flour. After two years of this hard work, he collapses from being completely exhausted.

Beauty is taken to a fair to be sold. He is so weak and in poor condition that many people do not want him. Then, Farmer Thoroughgood (Niall O'Brien) and his grandson see Beauty. A young man also sees him.

Beauty realizes the young man is Joe! Even though he is weak, Beauty finds the strength to whinny for his old friend. The two are finally reunited.

Beauty lives the rest of his life at Thoroughgood's farm with Joe. Joe promises that he will never sell Beauty again.

Main Characters

• Docs Keepin Time as Black Beauty (the horse)
• Alan Cumming as Black Beauty (voice)
• Andrew Knott as Joe Green (younger)
  • Ian Kelsey as older Joe Green
• Sean Bean as Farmer Grey
• David Thewlis as Jerry Barker
• Jim Carter as John Manly
• Peter Davison as Squire Gordon
• Alun Armstrong as Reuben Smith
• John McEnery as Mr. York
• Eleanor Bron as Lady Wexmire
• Peter Cook as Lord Wexmire
• Keeley Flanders as Dolly Barker
• Niall O'Brien as Farmer Thoroughgood

Movie Music

The music for the film was written by Danny Elfman. It was released on CD and cassette tape. Warner Bros.' Giant Records label produced it.

Songs on the Soundtrack

• Main titles
• Baby Beauty
• Gang on the Run
• Mommy
• Jump for Joy
• Kicking up a Storm
• The Dance/ Bye Merrylegs
• Sick
• He's Back (Revival)
• Frolic
• Ginger Snaps
• Goodbye Joe
• Wild Ride/ Dream
• Is it Joe?
• In the Country
• Poor Ginger
• Bye Jerry/ Hard times
• Memories
• End Credits

See also

In Spanish: Black Beauty (película de 1994) para niños