The Black Stallion has been rated as one of the top ten children's films of all time, in fact I would place it even higher than this, it would certainly be in my top five and I would also dispute the fact that it is solely a children's film. It is much, much more than this, it's a great movie with universal appeal. The photography is simply the best that I have ever seen, and I believe that it did win an Oscar for Best Photography. The music is also absolutely stunning being composed and conducted by Carmine Coppola, daughter of the film's producer the great Francis Ford Coppola. Kelly Reno is quite superb as the little boy stranded on a deserted island with a wild stallion. I have featured the scenes from the desert island as, in my judgement, these are the most stunning photographically. The underwater scene showing Kelly and "The Black" swimming is just out of this world. I have trained junior international showjumpers but I have never seen a young rider as good as Kelly Reno, this guy is in a league all of his own - and he's no mean actor either. Look out for an excellent performance from Mickey Rooney as well. Shot in 1979 this is not a new movie and my scans do not do the movie justice but I cannot advise you too strongly that this is a "must have" movie - and thanks Kelly for one superb movie and performance.

IMAGES FROM "THE BLACK STALLION"