International Velvet (1978)

A heartfelt sequel following an orphaned girl who finds purpose, family, and Olympic dreams through the world of horses.

International Velvet - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1978
  • Directed by: Bryan Forbes
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama, Family
  • Runtime: 2h 7m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English, Hungarian
  • Release Date (Theatrical): July 19, 1978 (United States), October 13, 1978 (Germany - 6)
  • Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
  • Production Countries: United States of America

International Velvet - Plot

Sarah Brown is sent to England after her parents die in a car crash. There, she lives with her aunt Velvet who introduces Sarah to the world of equestrian competition and gives her the last foal of her own prize horse, The Pie. Under the watchful eye of her aunt and horse trainer Capt. Johnson, Sarah develops into a talented rider who might have a shot at the Olympics.

International Velvet - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see Sarah's inspiring equestrian journey unfold:

In Every Girl is the Woman She is Destined to Become... And in Every Woman is the Girl She Used to Be.

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International Velvet - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Bryan Forbes

Main Cast

  • Tatum O'Neal
  • Christopher Plummer
  • Anthony Hopkins
  • Nanette Newman
  • Peter Barkworth
  • Dinsdale Landen
  • Sarah Bullen
  • Jeffrey Byron
  • Richard Warwick
  • Daniel Abineri

Writers

  • Bryan Forbes

Producers

  • Bryan Forbes

International Velvet - FAQs

What is International Velvet about?

International Velvet follows Sarah Brown, an American orphan sent to live in England with her aunt Velvet. Introduced to the world of equestrian sport, Sarah bonds with a young foal and, guided by her aunt and trainer Captain Johnson, works toward competing in the Olympic Games.

Is International Velvet a sequel to National Velvet?

Yes, International Velvet is the official sequel to the beloved 1944 classic National Velvet, which starred a young Elizabeth Taylor. Set decades later, it follows Velvet Brown as an adult aunt mentoring her orphaned niece Sarah on the same journey of equestrian passion and Olympic ambition.

Where can you stream International Velvet?

You can watch International Velvet by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available to watch for free with ads on YouTube Free, making it easy to catch on most major platforms.

Who stars in International Velvet?

The film stars Tatum O'Neal as the young Sarah Brown, with Christopher Plummer as her aunt's partner John Seaton and Anthony Hopkins delivering a memorable turn as the demanding Captain Johnson. Nanette Newman, who wrote the original screenplay's source novel, plays Velvet Brown herself.

Who directed and wrote International Velvet?

Bryan Forbes wore multiple hats on International Velvet, serving as director, screenwriter, and producer. Forbes was also married to Nanette Newman, who plays Velvet Brown in the film, giving the production a distinctly personal family dimension behind the camera.

Is International Velvet suitable for children and families?

International Velvet is a family-oriented drama aimed at audiences of all ages. It centers on themes of resilience, mentorship, and the bond between humans and horses. While it deals with the loss of parents, its overall tone is uplifting and inspirational, making it a solid choice for family viewing.

What is the tagline for International Velvet?

The film's tagline is: "In Every Girl is the Woman She is Destined to Become... And in Every Woman is the Girl She Used to Be." It perfectly captures the film's emotional core — a story about growth, identity, and the enduring bond between generations of women.

Who composed the music for International Velvet?

The score for International Velvet was composed by Francis Lai, the acclaimed French composer best known for his Oscar-winning work on Love Story (1970). His lush, sweeping music adds emotional depth to the film's equestrian sequences and coming-of-age story.

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