NATIONAL VELVET (1944) ***1/2 "...large dreams come easier when it's dark and still." Anne Revere is incredible, one of the greatest cinematic performances ever as the prophetess/mom. Thirteen year-old Elizabeth Taylor isn't flawless as Velvet the plucky dreamer, but she's perfect. Mickey Rooney is just effortless, Arthur Treacher plods as he should. The script, particularly the dialogue between Revere and Treacher, is on the magnitude of the better poets and philosophers. Carmel does a good job being the English coast. The music by Herbert Stothart blends like the finest of teas, ushering forth a meditation on faith and dreams. Hurrah for The Pie!
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