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National Velvet

National Velvet 1945

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National Velvet Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for National Velvet (1945). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


In the charming coastal village of Sewels in Sussex, 12-year-old Velvet Brown and her older sisters, Edwina and Malvolia, joyfully celebrate the end of their school term, eagerly anticipating summer vacation. On her way home, Velvet encounters Mi Taylor, a young drifter, and engages him in conversation. During this encounter, she spots a magnificent and energetic gelding, known as The Pie, frantically chased by its owner, farmer Ede. Captivated by the horse’s spirit, Velvet is even more impressed when Mi shares his knowledge about horses, leading her to insist that he join her family for dinner.

That evening, Mrs. Brown, who is unfamiliar with Mi, questions him about an address book containing her name, which he claims belonged to his late father. Although she chooses to keep her past with Mi’s father a secret, she kindly invites Mi to stay the night in their stable. Velvet then attempts to persuade her father, Herbert Brown, a sensible butcher, to employ Mi as a delivery boy. Following a thoughtful conversation with Mrs. Brown, he changes his mind, and Mi is hired.

Later, Velvet confides in her mother about her budding affection for The Pie and inquires about Mi’s father. Mrs. Brown, a former swimmer, reveals that Mi’s father was her devoted trainer who inspired her to become the first woman to swim across the English Channel. She admits to withholding information about Mi’s father because she felt the timing was not right. Unbeknownst to her, Mi has just stolen money from the kitchen, yet he discreetly returns it and accepts the job.

Velvet entices Mi into joining her on a delivery to farmer Ede. During their trip, Mi shares that he has a deep-seated fear of horses after having been thrown from one. While observing The Pie in a field, the horse leaps over Ede’s wall and races toward the village. This robust display of agility prompts Mi to exclaim that The Pie could jump “Beecher’s Brook.” Ede, noticing the horse’s chaos, decides to hold a raffle for him. Though Velvet’s father initially forbids her from entering, Mi surprises everyone by purchasing raffle tickets for the entire village. Despite Velvet’s confidence that her numbered ticket, 62, will win, she is initially devastated when another number is drawn. However, fate takes a turn when the winning ticket is not claimed, and Velvet is awarded The Pie.

Eager to learn more about “Beecher’s Brook,” Velvet questions Mi, who reluctantly informs her it refers to a challenging jump at the Grand National Steeplechase. Her days are blissfully spent racing across the countryside with The Pie, until her father insists the horse must be utilized for work. Unfortunately, this plan backfires when The Pie bolts with the delivery cart, leading to Mr. Brown blaming Mi for the mishap.

Determined to prove herself, Velvet confesses to Mi that she has applied for entry to the Grand National, despite it requiring a hefty 100-pound fee. After hesitating, Mi acknowledges The Pie’s potential to win, prompting Mrs. Brown to lend her daughter the money she earned from her famous swim. Velvet and Mi then set out to find a trainer and jockey, but their search proves futile. In a moment of vulnerability, Mi reveals his trauma from a past race that led to tragedy, preventing him from considering racing again.

In a twist of fate, Velvet decides to disguise herself as a male jockey for the race, enlisting Mi’s help to prepare. Though hesitant, she manages to fool the officials and participates in the arduous race, with The Pie starting at long odds. As horses drop out one by one, Velvet defiantly pushes forward, ultimately crossing the finish line and securing unexpected victory. However, her achievement comes at the cost of her disguise being revealed, resulting in The Pie’s disqualification, much to Velvet’s dismay. Despite this, Velvet becomes a national sensation, earning the nickname “National Velvet” as she captures the hearts of the crowd.

Back in Sewels, Velvet is inundated with tempting opportunities, including an offer from a Hollywood studio. However, she quickly declines, fearing for The Pie’s fate as a potential spectacle. Velvet’s father is initially upset but is reminded by Mrs. Brown that she understands the fleeting nature of fame. As Mi prepares to leave the Brown home, Herbert admits his previous distrust but acknowledges his newfound respect for the young man. Although Mi departs without a formal farewell, a grateful Velvet chases after him, finally ready to share the truth about his father.

National Velvet Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of National Velvet (1945) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Last Day of School

In the English coastal village of Sewels, 12-year-old Velvet Brown and her sisters happily celebrate the end of their school year. The excitement of summer vacation fills the air as they walk home, but the adventure is just beginning.

Sewels, Sussex

Meeting Mi Taylor

While heading home, Velvet encounters Mi Taylor, a young drifter. Their conversation leads to an immediate connection, especially as Velvet spots a beautiful horse being chased by its owner, sparking her passion for horses.

Sewels, Sussex

Dinner Invitation

That evening, Velvet's family invites Mi to dinner, where Mrs. Brown questions him about an address book that belonged to his father. This reveals a secret connection, creating intrigue around Mi's past and his relationship with the Brown family.

Brown Family Home

Velvet's Confession

Velvet confides in her mother about her infatuation with The Pie, the horse she desires. Her mother shares a poignant story about Mi's father, who inspired her during her own remarkable journey to swim the English Channel.

Sewels, Sussex

The Theft

Unbeknownst to Velvet, Mi steals all of Mrs. Brown's savings from the kitchen. However, upon hearing about his new job, he feels guilty and sneaks back to return the money, showcasing his conflicted morality.

Brown Family Kitchen

The Raffle

The excitement around The Pie escalates as farmer Ede decides to raffle him off. After some initial resistance, Mr. Brown allows Velvet to participate, but she initially faces disappointment when her ticket is not drawn.

Village Raffle

Winning The Pie

To Velvet's surprise, when the winning ticket goes unclaimed, her ticket number, 62, is chosen. This turns her sorrow into joy, and she becomes the proud owner of The Pie, marking a significant turning point in her summer.

Village Raffle

Training Begins

With her new horse, Velvet feels unstoppable and plans to enter The Pie in the Grand National Steeplechase. Despite Mi's initial skepticism, he joins her training regime, promising to help her reach her goals.

Setbacks with The Pie

As Velvet and Mi begin training, The Pie suffers a serious illness, leaving them anxious about his future. The family's concern grows as they rally behind Mi, who desperately tries to save the horse.

Brown Family Home

Finding a Jockey

Arriving at Aintree for the race, Velvet and Mi are faced with a problem when the hired jockey, Ivan Taski, exhibits a lack of enthusiasm. As the race day approaches, their concerns mount with no suitable jockey in sight.

Aintree Race Course

Mi's Dilemma

Overcome by guilt from a past racing incident, Mi initially refuses to ride The Pie in the Grand National. This reluctance leads to a tense moment where he wrestles with his fears and memories of the tragedy.

Aintree Race Course

Velvet's Bold Decision

Determined to participate, Velvet disguises herself as a boy and decides to ride The Pie in the race, employing Mi's support for the transformation. This bold move demonstrates her commitment to realizing her dreams.

Aintree Race Course

The Grand National

During the race, Velvet rides The Pie against all odds, gaining ground as other horses drop out. Her determination pays off when she crosses the finish line first, despite her true identity being discovered soon after.

Aintree Race Course

The Aftermath

Following her victory, Velvet becomes a national sensation, earning the title 'National Velvet.' Although she receives multiple lucrative offers, she ultimately chooses to protect The Pie from becoming a side-show attraction.

Sewels, Sussex

A Bittersweet Goodbye

As Mi gets ready to leave, Mr. Brown expresses pride in having known him despite past mistrust. Velvet chases after Mi to share her knowledge about his father, hoping to bridge the gap left by their complex relationship.

National Velvet Characters

Explore all characters from National Velvet (1945). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Velvet Brown

Velvet Brown is a spirited 12-year-old girl with a passion for horses and a determination to pursue her dreams. Her character embodies bravery and resilience, as she navigates challenges and breaks societal norms to achieve her goal in horse racing. Velvet's youthful optimism and strong will inspire those around her, positioning her as a beacon of hope.

👧 Youth 🏇 Equestrian 💖 Determination

Mi Taylor

Mi Taylor is a young drifter with an intricate past, marked by a traumatic experience that makes him initially hesitant about horses. His character undergoes significant development as he learns to confront his fears, ultimately becoming Velvet's most trusted ally. Mi's growth from a troubled soul to a supportive friend highlights themes of redemption and courage.

👦 Drifter 💭 Redemption 🤠 Supportive

Mrs. Brown

Mrs. Brown, Velvet's mother, is a wise and nurturing figure who supports her daughter's bold aspirations. Having been inspired by her own achievements and experiences, she encourages Velvet to pursue her dreams, embodying the spirit of empowerment. Her character acknowledges the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities in life.

👩‍👧 Mother 💪 Empowerment 🌊 Swimmer

National Velvet Settings

Learn where and when National Velvet (1945) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

Early 20th century

The film is set in the early 20th century, a period characterized by significant social change and the rise of new opportunities for women. This era saw increased participation of women in sports and public life, symbolized by Velvet's pursuit of her dreams. It is a time when traditional values began to shift, aligning with Velvet's determination to break boundaries.

Location

Sewels, Sussex

Sewels is a picturesque coastal village in Sussex, England, known for its idyllic surroundings and community spirit. It serves as the backdrop for Velvet's coming-of-age story, capturing the charm of rural life in the early 20th century. The village's close-knit atmosphere enhances the relationships among the characters and highlights Velvet's journey.

🏡 Village 🇬🇧 England

National Velvet Themes

Discover the main themes in National Velvet (1945). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🐴

Dreams

Dreams are a central theme in 'National Velvet,' encapsulated in Velvet's fervent desire to race her horse, The Pie. The film explores how dreams can inspire individuals to persevere against obstacles and societal expectations. Velvet's unwavering belief in her dream highlights the importance of ambition and the courage to chase after what one truly desires.

🤝

Friendship

The theme of friendship is pivotal in the narrative, particularly in the bond between Velvet and Mi. Their relationship evolves from initial encounters to deep mutual support as they work together to realize Velvet's ambitions. This friendship symbolizes loyalty and the power of collaboration in facing challenges and achieving dreams.

🏆

Perseverance

Perseverance is a defining theme as Velvet trains for the Grand National Steeplechase, pushing through obstacles and setbacks. The story illustrates that success often requires hard work, determination, and facing fears. Velvet's unwavering spirit and commitment to her goal serve as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their aspirations.

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