(Ages 9-12, Gr. 4-7) An **animal rights classic** that's also an engaging read, **BLACK BEAUTY follows the life of an ebony horse from birth to old age**, and from pasture to the cobblestone streets of **19th century England** This morality tale and **animal "autobiography"** gives a sweet and kind horse **a voice that's relatable yet unsentimental.**. Black Beauty's life begins on the grounds of an aristocratic English family. The **young horse learns early lessons from his mother like how not to bite or kick even in play** before circumstances force his sale to a new master; it's the first of several such sales/moves for the horse.
Adaptations (11)
Black Beauty has been adapted 11 times, across film and television series, from 1921 to 2020.
Black Beauty1921 · film · 70 min · dir. David Smith · IMDb ↗IMDb5.9Anna Sewell's "autobiography" of a horse named Black Beauty is here expanded to include the adventures of the humans who surround the horse.
Black Beauty1933 · film · 70 min · dir. Phil Rosen · IMDb ↗IMDb6.4Black Beauty is being trained to run in the steeplechase race, upon which the Cameron family has staked its fortune. However, the horse is injured racing for a doctor when its owner is hurt, and it looks like it won't recover in time to compete in the race.
Black Beauty1946 · film · 74 min · dir. Max Nosseck · IMDb ↗IMDb5.9Based on Anna Sewell's novel. In rural England of the 1880's, widower Squire Wendon is rearing his young daughter Anne. Her father has forbidden her to be present when their mare, "Duchess," gives birth. Anne sneaks out to the stable, however, and is discovered by her father who forbids her ever to ride Duchess again. Despite this punishment, he gives Anne Duchess's colt because it is her birthday, and she names him "Black Beauty."
The Adventures of Black Beauty1972 · television series · 55 min · IMDb ↗IMDb6.6The Adventures of Black Beauty is a British family adventure series broadcast on ITV1. Produced by London Weekend Television, the 52-episode series was inspired by Anna Sewell's novel but featured new characters, including Dr James Gordon and his children, who, in 19th century rural England, take in the horse Black Beauty.
Black Beauty1987 · film · 50 min · dir. David Cherkasskiy · IMDb ↗IMDb6.8This heartwarming adaptation of the novel tells the story of the courageous stallion Black Beauty, a well-bred horse in 19th century England. Black Beauty is happy as a country carriage horse, living with a wealthy Squire and his children Polly and Bertie
The New Adventures of Black Beauty1990 · television series · 25 min · IMDb ↗IMDb6.8The New Adventures of Black Beauty was the title of a television drama series produced in the early 1990s.
Black Beauty2020 · film · 110 min · dir. Ashley Avis · IMDb ↗Born free in the American West, Black Beauty is a horse rounded up and brought to Birtwick Stables, where she meets spirited teenager Jo Green. The two forge a bond that carries Beauty through the different chapters, challenges and adventures.
