Tatum O’Neal and Christopher Plummer in International Velvet (1978). Image: Virtual History
Just so you know, we watched the 1978 schmaltz-fest, International Velvet, so you won’t have to.
You’re welcome.
In case you’re wondering, the film is about a newly-orphaned teenager (Tatum O’Neal), who is shipped to England to live with people she doesn’t know, namely her aunt (Nanette Newman) and common-law husband (Christopher Plummer).
It’s not an easy adjustment. When they first meet, O’Neal tells Newman, “I didn’t want to come here.” Then she tells Plummer she can’t call him “Uncle” because he’s not married to her aunt. “So call me Mr. Seaton,” he quips.
International Velvet is, in a way, one of those Girl-Is-Saved-By-A-Horse movies. In this particular film, O’Neal gets a horse and begins competing. Before you know it, she’s at the Olympics and (spoiler!) is instrumental in winning Gold for the British team.
It sounds like a better movie than it is. Even though the cinematography is stunning, this film has a cringing late-1970s soundtrack, as well as a disjointed storyline.
Strangely, there are two things International Velvet refuses to Do Without, the first being narration, which is supplied by three different characters.
Newman is the first narrator, and her lines are nearly as overwrought as the music. At first it’s difficult to see the point of this blather, but we soon realize she’s a middle-aged woman who was once famous in her youth and hasn’t gotten Past It. Note her telling observation of O’Neal’s success: “I hoped she wouldn’t win too early, and afterwards have nowhere to go.”
Next in the narration line-up is Anthony Hopkins, as the Olympic trainer/coach, and he’s followed by a professional sportscaster, who, unsurprisingly, is the best narrator of the three.
The second thing this film cannot Do Without is Christopher Plummer in sweaters.
Plummer and Newman: A chunky sweater for a chilly day. Image: agreen.top
Despite a rather Rocky Start between O’Neal and Plummer, the two become friends and allies. Plummer’s character is a genuine and amusing fellow, a writer who sets aside meaningful projects so he can write tawdry stories (under a nom de plume) to pay for O’Neal’s equestrian training.
Plummer is one of the best things about this film. He’s sorely missed when he’s absent from the screen; his character doesn’t stew in his emotions, and he accepts O’Neal on her own terms.
Besides, he’s a rather dashing figure in those MGM wardrobe sweaters, which he wears most of the time. We’ve shown you some of these cozy items, but here are a few more:
As you can see, Plummer isn’t the only one in this film who wears sweaters, but he does wear them more than anyone else. His character is an author, after all, and you know the old Hollywood cliché: Movie authors must don sweaters.
International Velvet is the sequel to the Oscar-winning National Velvet (1944), starring Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney. In the 1944 version, Taylor plays a 12-year-old girl named Velvet Brown, who wins a horse and ends up competing in the Grand National.
Filmmakers asked Taylor to star in the sequel as the middle-aged Velvet, but she declined. Newman, who was married to director Bryan Forbes, was cast instead.
We’ve probably dissuaded you from seeing this film. If so, our Work here is Done.
If, however, you are a Christopher Plummer or equestrian sports fan – or a Sweater Aficionado – you may want to slog your way through International Velvet. You can see it for free HERE.
International Velvet: starring Tatum O’Neal, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Hopkins. Written & directed by Bryan Forbes. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1978, Colour, 127 mins.
I have loved International Velvet since I was a wee girl so over 40 years (yikes) as it was a family favourite, yet I adore your take on this. I love the music and Plummer’s John Seaton certainly is one helluva honey. I love the scene where he tries to seduce Nanette Newman with his French accent. As you say he was the only one who accepted Sarah as she was, and those jumpers… Years ago when you had your Reel Infatuation blogathon, I had tentatively titled a then poss. post on “Bleating on about John Seaton”, which may be written one day. Thanks so much for bringing this post (and those chunky jumpers) to our blogathon – forwarded it to Darlin Husband and my mum and both loved it!!! Now to find the ultimate post to dedicate to you…
I never would have focused on the sweaters if it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t have missed Plummer’s French accent, though, or what a truly decent man he portrays.
I saw this movie three times when it came out in 1978 because I had a mad crush on Tatum O’Neal, but I agree, this is NOT a great movie. And though I love director Bryan Forbes’ wife Nanette Newman (so fabulous in Stepford Wives), I always wished that Elizabeth Taylor had come back to reprise her role of Velvet. Christopher Plummer, as always, is lovely here, though he doesn’t have a lot to do – not a lot really happens in the movie, as you said. But I could watch him in anything; he is marvelous!
Your post had me thinking about my own sweater-wearing days, long, long ago. Back then, we wore heavy white cable-knit sweaters that itched and were impossible to keep clean, and we LIKED it! Today’s hoody age is so disappointing by comparison.
You’ve done your job — I think I’ll pass on this one — but thanks for the nostalgic look at the long gone Golden age of sweaters! 🙂
I was so glad to read this and find out that there was a sequel to National Velvet, a childhood favorite. The 70’s music doesn’t really bother me since that’s what I heard growing up. I agree, not a perfect script but Plummer and O’Neal make it worth watching. I enjoyed it.
Very droll review of the sort of film that at one point seemed to be playing every time I switched on the TV, and which I would have done anything to avoid! Nice jumpers though, and I say that as someone who has come round to the way of the knitted apparel (an age/cold thing).
Once again, Ruth, you have made me laugh out loud with one of your posts. I definitely will not be seeking this one out — thank you for taking the bullet. I dig those sweaters, though! I was interested to see Nanette Newman, who I remember as Carol Van Sant in The Stepford Wives. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in anything else.
Nanette Newman is very good here, and as I watched the film, I looked her up on IMDb to see what else she might be in. I’ll have to find her in The Stepford Wives.
Thank you for co-hosting this blogathon, a wonderful tribute to Christopher Plummer.
Not bad-bad, but definitely disappointing sequel to a classic. Two things bothered me. First, the 1944 film takes place in the 1920s, and this sequel is supposed to take place 30 years later. The movie needed to take place in the 1950s to make any sense. I also hated the fact that there isn’t a real link between the two movie. As you said, Liz Taylor didn’t want to do it, but what about Angela Lansbury or Mickey Rooney? Heck, Anne Revere was still around, so she could have reprised her Oscar-winning role. They really missed the boat here.
It’s too bad they didn’t make a whole new film out of this instead of trying to link it to the Elizabeth Taylor movie–maybe it would have come off better. Christopher Plummer seems to make it bearable, though, at least judging from all the sweaters.
That’s exactly what I thought, too. If this was its own film, and not a sequel, it would be easier to respect. But Christopher Plummer & the sweaters would have to stay, of course.
Weirdly enough, I think I’ve seen this! I just didn’t remember it at all until I started reading. I think it must have been on TV when I was a kid, and we watched it as a family because I loved horse movies. I have the vaguest of memories of this, so I was probably in single digits — I really don’t remember Christopher Plummer or his sweaters, alas.
I was a horse fan, too, as a kid – they are amazing creatures, aren’t they? But this film would’ve been a disappointment to me even then, because the film doesn’t focus too much on that beautiful horse. Ah well, there are all those great sweaters to admire instead. Thanks for dropping by!
I was hoping we’d get to see a picture of Anthony Hopkins in this as well. Does he wear the chunky knitwear too? I think we should be told.
Incidentally, I think I spot some cardigans in these pics as well. Surely pictures 1 and 2 are cardies? (Here’s a terrible joke: the second one must be Cardi B. 🙂 Boom! Tish! Thank you, I’m here all week).
On a serious note (puts on spectacles, serious cardigan and film historian hat), I didn’t even realise Bryan Forbes had directed this. But when you said it’s co-starring Nanette Newman, I thought, oh it must be Bryan Forbes, he always cast his wife! On the one hand, it’s quite sweet that he always wanted to work with her, but on the other hand it’s like, hmm, you only chose her because you’re married to her! It got really old. Delightful though I’m sure she is, she can’t ALWAYS have been the best actress available.
Silver Screenings 
LOVE this film so much. Christopher’s character is a total sweetheart and is the sort of man we all deserve in our lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is a real sweetheart, as you said. A genuinely nice man.
LikeLike
I thought that Tatum retired from acting long ago. But IMDB shows that I was wrong.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was surprised to learn that, too. But I’m glad to see she’s still acting. She has a good screen presence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is an impressive display of sweaters! 🙂
I haven’t seen this one, so you have done your job. Thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re great sweaters, aren’t they? And he wears them well.
A lot of people like this film, but it’s just not for me. The cinematography is lovely, though, and the Olympic competition scenes are quite engaging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m thinking maybe I’ll watch it on silent. Plummer looks fabulous in those sweaters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does, doesn’t he? This film does have some great clothes.
LikeLike
This kinda made me want to see it, actually lol. Those sweaters… Yum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You might enjoy this film. It isn’t my thing, but a lot of people do like it. The clothes are pretty fab.
LikeLike
I have loved International Velvet since I was a wee girl so over 40 years (yikes) as it was a family favourite, yet I adore your take on this. I love the music and Plummer’s John Seaton certainly is one helluva honey. I love the scene where he tries to seduce Nanette Newman with his French accent. As you say he was the only one who accepted Sarah as she was, and those jumpers… Years ago when you had your Reel Infatuation blogathon, I had tentatively titled a then poss. post on “Bleating on about John Seaton”, which may be written one day. Thanks so much for bringing this post (and those chunky jumpers) to our blogathon – forwarded it to Darlin Husband and my mum and both loved it!!! Now to find the ultimate post to dedicate to you…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never would have focused on the sweaters if it weren’t for you. I wouldn’t have missed Plummer’s French accent, though, or what a truly decent man he portrays.
LikeLike
I had no idea that he had worn so many, but he wears them so well. I hadn’t noticed this before you pointed it out with James Garner. Sigh…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw this movie three times when it came out in 1978 because I had a mad crush on Tatum O’Neal, but I agree, this is NOT a great movie. And though I love director Bryan Forbes’ wife Nanette Newman (so fabulous in Stepford Wives), I always wished that Elizabeth Taylor had come back to reprise her role of Velvet. Christopher Plummer, as always, is lovely here, though he doesn’t have a lot to do – not a lot really happens in the movie, as you said. But I could watch him in anything; he is marvelous!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tatum has a great screen presence, doesn’t she? And Nanette Newman is very good in this role. I love that you saw this 3X when it first came out.
LikeLike
Your post had me thinking about my own sweater-wearing days, long, long ago. Back then, we wore heavy white cable-knit sweaters that itched and were impossible to keep clean, and we LIKED it! Today’s hoody age is so disappointing by comparison.
You’ve done your job — I think I’ll pass on this one — but thanks for the nostalgic look at the long gone Golden age of sweaters! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! I love the look of white cable-knit sweaters – I had one myself a few years ago – but they are Impossible to keep clean, as you pointed out.
I love your phrase, “Golden Age of Sweaters”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so glad to read this and find out that there was a sequel to National Velvet, a childhood favorite. The 70’s music doesn’t really bother me since that’s what I heard growing up. I agree, not a perfect script but Plummer and O’Neal make it worth watching. I enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Plummer and O’Neal have wonderful chemistry together, don’t they? I’m glad my post didn’t diminish your fondness for a childhood favourite. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always enjoy your posts, even when we don’t agree ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Christopher Plummer is always the best thing about any film he’s in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ain’t it the truth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very droll review of the sort of film that at one point seemed to be playing every time I switched on the TV, and which I would have done anything to avoid! Nice jumpers though, and I say that as someone who has come round to the way of the knitted apparel (an age/cold thing).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, I’m glad you’ve embraced your Inner Knitted Apparel Enthusiast. It happens to us all, sooner or later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once again, Ruth, you have made me laugh out loud with one of your posts. I definitely will not be seeking this one out — thank you for taking the bullet. I dig those sweaters, though! I was interested to see Nanette Newman, who I remember as Carol Van Sant in The Stepford Wives. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in anything else.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nanette Newman is very good here, and as I watched the film, I looked her up on IMDb to see what else she might be in. I’ll have to find her in The Stepford Wives.
Thank you for co-hosting this blogathon, a wonderful tribute to Christopher Plummer.
LikeLike
Fun and funny review of a film I’ve never seen! Honestly, I’ve never seen national Velvet either.
All I know now is I need more Christopher Plummer in my life and definitely more sweaters!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came to the exact same conclusion as you: more Christopher Plummer and more sweaters.
LikeLike
Not bad-bad, but definitely disappointing sequel to a classic. Two things bothered me. First, the 1944 film takes place in the 1920s, and this sequel is supposed to take place 30 years later. The movie needed to take place in the 1950s to make any sense. I also hated the fact that there isn’t a real link between the two movie. As you said, Liz Taylor didn’t want to do it, but what about Angela Lansbury or Mickey Rooney? Heck, Anne Revere was still around, so she could have reprised her Oscar-winning role. They really missed the boat here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. There’s a terrific premise here, but I think they owed it to the original to do a better job of this sequel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s too bad they didn’t make a whole new film out of this instead of trying to link it to the Elizabeth Taylor movie–maybe it would have come off better. Christopher Plummer seems to make it bearable, though, at least judging from all the sweaters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s exactly what I thought, too. If this was its own film, and not a sequel, it would be easier to respect. But Christopher Plummer & the sweaters would have to stay, of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course. 🙂
LikeLike
Weirdly enough, I think I’ve seen this! I just didn’t remember it at all until I started reading. I think it must have been on TV when I was a kid, and we watched it as a family because I loved horse movies. I have the vaguest of memories of this, so I was probably in single digits — I really don’t remember Christopher Plummer or his sweaters, alas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a horse fan, too, as a kid – they are amazing creatures, aren’t they? But this film would’ve been a disappointment to me even then, because the film doesn’t focus too much on that beautiful horse. Ah well, there are all those great sweaters to admire instead. Thanks for dropping by!
LikeLike
I was hoping we’d get to see a picture of Anthony Hopkins in this as well. Does he wear the chunky knitwear too? I think we should be told.
Incidentally, I think I spot some cardigans in these pics as well. Surely pictures 1 and 2 are cardies? (Here’s a terrible joke: the second one must be Cardi B. 🙂 Boom! Tish! Thank you, I’m here all week).
On a serious note (puts on spectacles, serious cardigan and film historian hat), I didn’t even realise Bryan Forbes had directed this. But when you said it’s co-starring Nanette Newman, I thought, oh it must be Bryan Forbes, he always cast his wife! On the one hand, it’s quite sweet that he always wanted to work with her, but on the other hand it’s like, hmm, you only chose her because you’re married to her! It got really old. Delightful though I’m sure she is, she can’t ALWAYS have been the best actress available.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bahaha! This is an AWESOME comment. I almost spewed my tea at the Cardi B joke.
To answer your question, yes Anthony Hopkins does wear woolen items, but Christopher Plummer in knitwear is a tough act to follow.
Nanette Newman is credible in this role, considering the material she had to work with.
LikeLike