Black Beauty Resources

Websites

Black Beauty Online

Lose your book? Never fear. The Literature Project has the entire text of this book online for free.

Movie or TV Productions

Black Beauty (1921)

We don't have a lot of details about this silent film, a very early adaptation of the novel directed by Edward H. Griffith.

Black Beauty (1946)

This 1946 adaptation made in America adds romance and new characters to the classic story.

Black Beauty (1971)

A British adaptation from 1971 stars child actor Mark Lester. You might recognize Mark from another little role of his—Oliver Twist, in the musical Oliver!.

The Adventures of Black Beauty (1972)

This British family drama didn't retell Sewell's story, but picked up where the novel ended.

Black Beauty (1978)

Cartoon giants Hanna-Barbera told the story of our favorite horse in a one-hour animated special.

Black Beauty (1978)

They don't want to stop, do they? This is yet another television drama, this time as a miniseries.

Black Beauty (1987)

Yup, another animated Beauty hit the small screen, this one made by Burbank Films Australia.

Black Beauty (1994)

Finally Black Beauty narrates his own story, just like he does in the book. Actor Alan Cumming voices Beauty, with a supporting cast that includes Game of Thrones' Sean Bean, Doctor Who's Peter Davison, and Harry Potter's David Thewlis—all backed by a Danny Elfman musical score.

Articles and Interviews

The Scoop on Victorian Horse Transport

Hansom cab, carriage, or Clarence? How about a growler? Click on through for some fun fast facts on horse-drawn modes of transportation.

So. Many. Rules.

Ladies, make sure you have your skirts in your left hand—Victorian riding etiquette can be complicated and high-stakes. Want to know what to wear and how to behave? Check out this article on equestrian manners in Victorian times.

"How Black Beauty Changed the Way We See Horses"

With the help of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley, NPR's All Things Considered takes a look at how Black Beauty transformed the way people treat horses. We're thinking Sewell would be totally pleased.

"How Black Beauty Inspired My Social Work Career"

A social worker and blogger explains why this book inspired her future career choice. Did you ever guess this book would inspire someone to help humans?

Video

Black Beauty (1978)

Hanna-Barbera's animated movie adaptation is here in its full 1970s animated glory on YouTube. So grab a snack and get ready to visit Victorian Britain via the American 1970s.

Black Beauty (1987)

This 1987 animated adaptation is also on YouTube, about forty-five minutes of horsey goodness. Get ready for some accents.

The Adventures of Black Beauty

You can catch a few full episodes of this television drama on YouTube also. The 1970s loved itself some Black Beauty, it seems.

Trailer for 2015's Black Beauty

From the looks of it, this version doesn't have much to do with the original novel, but hey, it's another Black Beauty.

Audio

Black Beauty Audiobook

LibroVox's audio recording of the full novel is free to all and available on YouTube. So close your eyes and get ready for a wild ride.

Danny Elfman's Black Beauty Soundtrack

You might know Danny Elfman from his music for basically every Tim Burton film ever. Check out his soundtrack from the 1994 Black Beauty film.

Images

"Top Horses in TV and Film"

Black Beauty makes the countdown of the all-time top horses on screen.

First Edition

Check out the very first cover for Black Beauty. Pretty classic, right?