National Velvet Elizabeth Taylor as Velvet Brown 16" Doll Franklin Heirloom NEW

Enid Bagnold's Lovel National Velvet was published in 1935 and quickly became a favorite with young readers everywhere. The story of young Velvet Brown's love for the wild Thoroughbred known as The Pie was a natural for the screen.

However, it would take nearly ten years for National Velvet to be transformed into a motion picture. Apparently, much of the delay centered around casting the part of the female lead. It was not until 1944 that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer found the perfect actress for the role. Her name was Elizabeth Taylor.

At first producer Pandro S. Berman was cool to the idea of hiring the 12-year-old actress. Berman had no quarrel with the girl's credentials. However, what concerned Berman was her height. He believed she was simply too small for the role.

The young actress remained undaunted. She was determined to grow the necessary three inches in three months and somehow managed to do so. Ultimately she won the part-and later the hearts of millions who were enthralled by her performance.

National Velvet was one of the most successful films of 1944 and was greeted with enthusiastic reviews. Set in Sussex, England, National Velvet tells the story of Velvet Brown, the butcher's daughter, who has loved horses all her life. When she wins The Pie in a lottery, her fondest dream comes true. At last she has her own horse, and with the assistance of a young vagabond she trains it for competition in the Grand National. Disguised as a boy, Velvet rides to a thrilling victory, but is later disqualified when the judges discover her real identity. Elizabeth Taylor achieved stardom in National Velvet. Few people, perhaps not even herself, could have known then the full magnitude of her success.

Hand-painted! - Made of fine bisque porcelain! - Costumed in silks and satins with a crop and saddle of genuine leather and suede, and stirrups of solid sterling silver. - Includes doll stand. - For the adult collector, age 14 and over.

The box has some edge wear, creasing, and scuffing. The doll does not appear to have been removed from the box. Includes the Certificate of Authenticity. May be missing some paperwork.