The Littlest Horse Thieves

This is a well-done Disney period piece set in turn-of-the century England about three youngsters who attempt to rescue a herd of pit ponies from their hazardous and cruel duties in Yorkshire coal mines. Aided by the mine manager's spirited daughter (Franks), Harrison and Bolgar join forces with an old groom to hoist the ponies from the depths of the mine. When the animals are at last discovered in the abandoned chapel where the children have hidden them, they are prepared for slaughter. It's then up to the boys' stepfather to plead their case; he succeeds to such an extent that the miners vote to strike if the animals are killed. Financial troubles and a mine expl...