International Velvet

Fair sequel to the 1944 Elizabeth Taylor film NATIONAL VELVET. O'Neal plays the niece of Newman (Taylor's role in the first film) who resides with her aunt and her aunt's live-in sweetheart, writer Plummer. Newman and Plummer foot the bill for O'Neal's training as an equestrian like Newman. Hopkins is the Olympic team trainer who puts O'Neal and her horse through their paces. Byron, an American opponent, is also O'Neal's romantic interest. Although Taylor was considered for (and ultimately declined) the role of the aunt, Newman gives a fine performance as the grown-up Velvet. The film runs a little long, however, and tends to lose its focus occasionally. The photog...