Miracle of the White Stallions (1962)

Review by All Movie Guide
A Disney film that doesn't quite know whether it is meant for adults or for children, The Miracle of the White Stallions is a fact-based adventure story that is never as exciting or impressive as the true events upon which it is based. A.J. Carothers' screenplay is the main source of the problem, warring with itself by treating the material with too much simplicity for adults but not providing the kids with enough "oomph" to make it worth their while. Director Arthur Hiller does not help matters, starting the film at a sluggish pace and keeping most of it languid, even when the story itself seems to be begging for more energy and verve. Robert Taylor's wooden performance also adds to the film's problems, although Eddie Albert helps to take up the slack whenever he is onscreen, and Curd Jurgens gives a nicely turned performance. Still, Stallions would be all too easy to dismiss were it not for the horses themselves, beautiful beasts whose grace and agility light up the screen. When they're given a chance to strut their stuff, the film breaks free from its usual plodding and manages to soar. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide