Back when Walt Disney made great movies! I remember seeing this when I was 10! It made an impact on me to this day! So much so I actually have my own copy of this movie. Thank you for posting this so many more can enjoy some forgotten history and see a miracle.
I was fortunate as a young child to see these beautiful horses when they performed in Detroit in the 60's. It's a shame that Disney no longer seems to produce quality movies and television shows.
I'm a little disappointed by the comments to this movie. I watched it live when it first came out with my mom and sister, years later when they came to the states took my mom to watch them perform. This is a heartwarming, uplifting story good for the whole family and instead of talking about that a whole lot of people got hung up on the military part of the back story. I'm a veteran love military history, but this isn't about that. It's about rescuing some of the most amazing horses in the world. There is a newer film version which focuses on the military aspect of this story, that's the place to comment on all the death and dying part. Again I am a veteran and totally respect what the men who fought to get the horses out went through, but this is Disney, old fashioned Disney made for kids and families, they made a wonderful film that endures as a classic and that should be respected as well
You are right on in your comments! They are super appropriate. This is a very uplifting movie and a breath of fresh air. We have enough ultra realistic movies of today.
Many people have no class at all. Their brains are shaped like footballs. Imagine the loss to the world if this breed had died out. The school staff could have been killed and that would be that. Few viewers know that many, many Americans were native German speakers born in the USA. In 1983, I knew several people born in the USA who spoke German and Czech and could not speak English very well.
When i was 8 years old my family lived in Salzburg, Austria. My father was an officer in the occupying U.S. Army. I had the never forgotten thrill of seeing a performance in Vienna in 1953. I never forgot the beauty of these horses and repeated the thrill in May of 2022. Saw this movie years ago and very happy to find it again. Thank you.
Aren't they awe inspiring? I watch this movie..and I can smell the leather of the saddles and bridles...and the heady warm smell of the horses... how wonderful you were able to see them in your life. 😊
@@thegreencat9947 I was also blessed to see them perform here in Canada, when I was about 10. I had never seen dressage (the dance they do) before, and I was amazed!
This film has a special place in my heart. I had just purchased a wonderful gray mare from my aunt, when i saw this film in the theater. She wasn't one of these great ones--except to me, and i almost think I can see her beloved ghost in the film--although that's not possible. She wasn't a Lipizzaner, although I wouldn't have traded anything for her. Ah, but there's nothing like that Disney commitment to quality: Excellent photography, talented cast (even the bit players), and great writing based on real history from the memoirs of a participant. A lesser organization would have shot this on the back lot in Hollywood with whatever horses they could find. The Disney organization went to Austria and used the real horses. Impressive performance footage here, with the greatest horses in the world.
I got my first Horse at 11, a cantankerous Mare named Mechant- French for ill-tempered/mischievous. She was, too, but also affectionate to me. We won several belt buckles and tons of ribbons at rodeos and shows, though, as I used her mean streak to our advantage. She would do anything to win-lol- as if she thought the other Horses would be good and jealous. Young girls with Horses in their dreams often grow up to be people more down-to-Earth than others. I, too, love this film- I hope families still watch such good things.
German AND Japanese WWII military personnel were all human beings with feelings. They were also loyal patriots who fought and died for their beloved homeland.
@@reynaldoflores4522 Not all of them!! I accept that there were great men among German officers and soldiers. Also I must say that they didn't fight for their country since Hitler wanted to conquer all Europe. My countrymen officers and soldiers for example, fought for their homeland in Second World War against Axis powers.
My great uncle who was in Patton's 3rd Army was involved in this. He was a Captain at the time and was one of the truck drivers bringing the horses back.
I remember when Walt Disney released this film in the early 1960s, I was a teenager and not interested in Disney "family" fare. Now, I'm in retirement and have had my fill of "adult" films. So, "Miracle of the White Stallions" gets an Ebert-esque "thumbs up" from me. In many ways, it's a very un-Disney Disney film for the time. Uncle Walt was more interested in Flubber and his "Wonderful World of Color.") This film shows us war, depressed German soldiers and politics. It even hints at Nazi attitudes about Jews (A German officer plays Mendelsohn and admits he is "breaknbg the law."). This film has a very un-Disney cast. When he started making live action films, only the magnificent "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" boasted a deep well-known cast (Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas, Peter Lorre.). This film boast five big names for the time: Robert Taylor, Lilli Palmer, Eddie Albert, Curt Jurgens and James Franciscus. This was one of the first films to be directed by Arthur Hiller, who went on to a fine career. This was a good film.
I had a friend, a former Luftwaffe surgeon, who was one of those who interpreted for General Patton. A Dr. Warner Schreiber ..... May God bless him ...... a true ally to America during the cold war..... It was a real honor serving with him .......
A superb film by Disney which tells how these wonderful Lippizoner horses survived the war, with the intervention of General Patton and many other men and woman on both sides of the conflict. Happily we can see them perform today! Thank you.
General Patton was calvary. The Gremans had relocated the best horses from across Europe to Czechoslovakia, which was to go to Russia. Patton used freeing the 2500 slaves that worked at the farm as his reason to rescue them as well as the horses. An Arabian stallion named Witez II was imported to the US as spoils of war and used as a remount stud at Cal Poly. We were blessed to love and own one of his granddaughters for over 25 yrear.
I have had the great pleasure of see the White Stallions perform live. They are magnificent and beautiful. As a young girl, I read a book on them and became fascinated by them. As an American, I am proud we were able to help protect this magnificent treasure of Austria.
@@torehaaland6921 Hi. I'm not American and yes I know the allies were involved (my country NZ included). It was Patton that initiated help for those magnificent horses. All the best.
@@breezeman5348 then we agree. Ii just got the impression from your comment that you were one of those "we, and we alone won the war" type of American. And I have grown allergic to that.
@@torehaaland6921 I hear you :-). America's involvement did help a lot to bring the war to a swifter end. Had they remained neutral would have meant a tougher road for the Allies. Nonetheless, with the help of Russia turning the tide on the Germans in the east, victory would still have been achievable. That's my 2 cents worth anyway lol. All the best.
@@breezeman5348 US involvement was no doubt very important. But so many Americans seems to think they alone brought Hitler down. And that the American people sacrificed so much more than everyone else. Both things are directly untrue.
DIY REVIEWER I feel like you are a young person not truly realize what war is like my late Father explain to me I saw enough war. Movies to get the idea and then some and also by seeing many films in history of war It was indeed awful 😢
The movie leaves out the fact that the surrendered German division was re-armed by the Americans and had actually fought side by side with the Americans against an SS division! Also how an American Captain held off a Russian General and a column of T-34 tanks trying to enter the Czechoslovakian town until all the Mares were evacuated!
Not every film can have every fact in it. This was also a Disney movie, not a war film; the war is a part of it, but not the central theme, which was saving the horses.
@Sean Rooney Yeah, they just promote racist identity politics, pedophilia, gay sex to kids, gender confusion, and various flavors of 'wokeness'. Think I like the old Disney better.
@@mediamattersismycockholste562 People like you just love to argue. Seriously. Pedophilia? Just go crawl back under your rock man. We're not living in 1960 forever. People of the current era for some reason are obsessed with the past, meanwhile the people they read about in history were always focused on the future. No. Your pessimism and negativity are what's tearing America apart. Stop crying about how we're progressing in society. Gay sex? WTF is this guy on about? Go back to Breitbart.
He is Truly Blessed to survive that and then for you to get to meet you man I would tell him I hope he told his experience of WW2 he can pass everything to his grandfather and to you and perhaps you can once again ask him to tell you his stories if it’s at all possible. I love to ask questions I bugged my late Father like anything and I am 68.
They didn´t steal anything from the Russians. These horses haven´t been their belonging at any time. And, btw: These morons would only have eaten them anyway.
Just some trivia: The young red headed soldier at the farewell party is played by Fritz Wepper who grew up to be a famous German voice actor dubbing foreign movie actors into German. He still is the German voice of Mel Gibson and has also dubbed Walter Koenig from Star Trek.
@@peterkroger7112 --- He was born in New York, moved to OZ as a child --- but we'll claim him -- that bloody digger is rough as pig's breakfast -- but that's just what I like ---
Every January the 1 they are showing the new year concert from Vienna where there are ballet and from the Spanish riding school too and it is a wonderful tradition to watch in 45 min . Ty so much for this movie
Walt Disney made a short appearance on the set to observe the shooting of the tanks driving down the street in SOMMEREIN / Lower Austria in August 1962. You can also catch a glimpse of the old village inn, St. Mary`s church and the court of Sommerein Palace. During WW II this village was part of the huge military area of Kaisersteinbruch, Bruckneudorf and the former Brucker military Camp, were also the action scenes were shot. The Austrian military participated in the shooting. The inhabitants of Sommerein had been forced to sell their properties in 1939 and leave their hometown. After the war most houses were in rubbles due to the troop exercises and had to be rebuild. Therefore this is a historical document of special value to the inhabitants today.
Thank you so very much for knowing this history. May G-D bless you and keep you close in His care. I think General Patton was smiling more during the performance of the Stallions ... he was a tall handsome smiling Christian "cowboy" himself. And I'm sure he loved saving these beautiful one of a kind horses for us to have and enjoy. And, this is a wonderful testimony to the goodness of different people involved to have made it all possible, risking their very lives to bring this to a succesful conclusion.
I got to see these wonderful,beautiful horse's perform in Kansas city ,MO. long ago. I owned some beautiful horse's of my own at that time. But these guys made even my registered Belgian, Terry, which was the biggest horses I owned at that time. An extremely large for his age and in in wonderful condition. He had the most wonderful attitude when you were training him to do something just like these guys do he wanted to always please. He was also a clown. He loved to tease and torment. He would steal my cowboy hat off my head and take off with it. Then bring it back and do his best to put it back on my head the way he found it.Lol when I was out doing fence repairs. He would insist that he got to carry my work bag around his neck. We used electric fencing so he would drop my bag next to me and take 3 steps back. While I worked. He best buddy horse wise was my miniature horse Stetson. He protected hi from my quarter horse. As well as would stand over him to give him shade from sun and rain and snowfall. He loved his horse balls. He would pick it up by the handle and spin in a circle and then let it fly for me to catch. I'd toss it back and he'd go after it and if he could he would play "catch" all day long. Then my godkids taught him soccer. And soccer became a weekly game with him and the kids. He was the most loving, gentle horse I have ever owned or seen since. He loved to do what he considered dancing to certain country music song that came on the radio in the barn. My quarter horse jack would watch him and just shake his head like what and idiot. Stetson would try and follow along. And my godkids would do a dancing contest with them. Which was a hoot to watch. Sure do miss them all.
What wonderful memories you have. Those beautiful horses come to life in your writing about them. I can almost see them myself. Thank you so much for sharing....you've absolutely made my day.
When I was about 10 years old, my dad took my brother and me to see these incredibly beautiful horses. It was a miracle we were able to watch their performance because we lived in a very small, rural town and very few great performances ever made it our way. But my dad made sure we got to witness such an awesome feat.
So did my dad, when I was also about 10. He was a very special person, like your dad. Shortly before or after seeing them I was allowed to take riding lessons, which changed me and my life completely. RIP Dad, I miss you so much. ❤❤❤
@@1967hashem well,certainly nowadays.The older films are great,from the cartoons,to this film,for instance. Although I wouldn't confine it to Disney,most of what is churned out of Hollywood these days is diabolical.
@@richardscanlan3167 Very true. I agree with you. I'm always looking for a great movie on RU-vid as where I live in Philippines there is no English TV or radio. So I enjoy the old style movies.
To Colonel Reed and the troopers of the 2nd Mechanized Cavalry Regiment that lost their lives on the day they saved the Lippizoners and the prisoners of war you are not forgotten RIP!
The soldiers died 14 days earlier, rescuing prisoners. Private Raymond F. Manz was killed and Sergeant Fred Foyles and Private Malcolm Rhodes, Samuel Fletcher and Owen Sutton were wounded, and he was wounded the next day.
Sir to many of us, most of us Americans today we will never forget The Greaest Generations and the sacrifices they chose to make for freedom, democracy, and liberty. Unlike today's crappiest generations full of cowards, communists, entitled self important tricks who do nothing but talk shit about their own country, the country that gave them everything, change the lyrics to popular patriotic songs to complete disrespect and possibly worst of all, it's hard to pick a no!her one, they disrespect and spit on the graves, memories, and honorable, brave sacrifices on their very own relatives who were part of those awesome, polar oppisite, greatest generations who fought the war ironically against true Fascism and real Nazis not the rhetoric kind they've been programmed to Regurgitate, these say leeches who have literally never worked a single minute in their lives, still leech off their parents, oops "Best Friends/Buddies", with them financing their truly pointless and worthless existence while bitching, whining, and Complaining about everything anyway. Many of those will argue with you that they KNOW World War Two started when Germany blew up the statue of liberty in their surprise attack on New York Harbor, and yes I'm completely serious they are That ignorant and Stupid and multiple of the Moron Generations said ZEXACTLY that to me. Such sad and disgusting times we live in today with so many choosing ignorance and stupidity, misery and Oppression over Truth, Fact, Liberty and Freedom!
@@jamesm.taylor6928 thank you JMTaylor very true. And only the Lord G-D can make a way out for all the young Americans who have believed all the lies they've been taught through public school, Marxist professors, political late night pundants, movie stars, and hate music. Many turning from their parent or parents to be against the very most important ideals of their family and country. The communist takeover of America started, it seems, rt a the end of WW2. Carefully planned and exeututed to destroy families, marriages, morality, truth, real Honor and loyalty and patriotism for our wonderful USA. We have to stand up and fight because G-D is on Our side. Americans who love our country can never, never, never give up.
It’s amazing that this film was made at all, it shows some Nazis as human beings, not as warmongers or war criminals, but as people with feelings and a human side, but in my opinion there were some, probably very many who wore the uniform of the German military because they had to, fearing that if they didn’t then not only would they be made to disappear but their families and friends would be persecuted as well, if not made to disappear as well, maybe that did happen, maybe not, but I think it was a possibility. A dead Nazi was the only good Nazi, but there were good Germans and were not brainwashed by the Nazi propaganda machine or Hitlers rhetoric, they tried to help the allies with many attempts to assassinate Hitler, pity they didn’t succeed, it would probably have saved millions of lives, kept the world economy from implosion (except for the countries who supplied the war materials, they made a fortune for themselves and the arms manufacturers), and the communists on the right side of their border, thus not giving them an excuse to annexe a lot of free nations creating the USSR. So, back to my original point, a film about the Nazis being shown in a good light is very surprising to me, and probably quite a lot of others who know the real actions of the Nazis and their murderous actions.
Disney Co. has not made movies like this for a long time..... The present day outfit couldn't begin to compare with what Mr. Disney inspired... Mr. Disney dreamed of the uplifting of humanity, helping children, and authenticity. Not just money, success and profiteering like his successors do, ...starting with Eisner, and continuing to present day. They are bad news in comparison to the quality and class of the original Walt Disney & company. Note: I remember when a kindergarten in Florida painted Snowwhite, Cinderella and other fairytale characters on their white stucco exterior. One of the first things Mr.Eisner did when he became CEO of Disney was make that kindergarten paint over their storybook mural. He said they were profiting from HIS merchandise. I was shocked! And I had a haunting feeling of dread for this country !!! First of all Disney got those characters from Grimm Brothers, which is NOT copyrighted, and is open source. The little kindergarteners were heartbroken that their beautiful mural was removed by the greedy Mr. Michael Eisner. I will never forget that news story, my heart sank. Walt Disney would never have acted like that..in a million years, he would have been so happy the kids liked everything. Huge pity . ..
I would like this movie but I'm afraid of the copy strike. I would have never even heard of these horses if it wasn't for this wonderful movie. This movie was about great stories and fabulous acting not the stupidity of modern absurdities. Disney has changed so much....
I think I saw this film in my childhood and I know I've seen the horses perform live at least once. Magnificent. I heard too that the British are responsible for rescuing many dog breeds from the war. They managed to evacuate them to safer countries. I love that the American soldiers said "We don't have time to sort out all these horses. Let's take them all." That sums up the American spirit, brash, bold, and brave. What we lack in refinement, we make up for with heart.
It always warms my heart when I hear people express some good memories of their parents. Can't say I had that, but it makes me happy to know it exists...
I think it's wonderful people take such care to preserve, yet not diminish the bloodlines of these great horses....Also Fresians! the huge mounts of the Crusaders.
I saw these horses when they made a USA tour years ago, was a lifetime high light I'll never forget. IMHO, the horses are the real movie stars of this film, thank you for posting it.
I saw them on tour here in the U.S. also. Likewise a lifetime thrill! My knowledge and love of them came from a dear elderly neighbor lady who gave me a copy of a National Geographic that had an article on them, knowing me to be horse crazy. I was about 6 years old. Studied anything I could find on them. When I was 11, I FINALLY, after a lot of tears, got my parents to take me to this movie. Mother was not impressed, but I was enraptured with every moment with the horses, I saw only them, the rest . . . Bless you for giving me the chance to watch it again! 🙏👏👍👍❤️
Thanks for the upload; it brought many pleasant memories from my youth. I don't think I've seen it since then - much gratitude. I loved those old Disney productions. I'd love to seem more, including the one's on nature.
It was wonderful to see a true Walt Disney Movie. I don't remember seeing this one. I didn't know Robert Taylor did a film for Walt Disney. Probably only film that Walt Disney did that had a WWII battle scene. 🙂👍
I love horses. I had horses growing up. I rode bareback because saddles were expensive and money was tight. I was never that experienced ofan equestrian and my horses one of my horses was used to rope and brand cattle. i loved my horses. They were kind and gentle but they weren't quite as amazing as these beautiful talented horses.
Thank you for this film! In all that is taking place in the world it is nice to enjoy the simple things that remind me of my childhood...wholesome Walt Disney shows. And this dealt with a real historical event.
I have been in Hofburg and in the Spanish Riding School. I saw several of the Lippizanner. But, I did not get to ride on the horse. Hopefully, I will get to see Lippizanner again soon when I visiting Vienna, Austria.
This whole story is true, but the rescue of the horses took place in the former Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) in the town of Hostouň. The horses were returned to the Lipizzaner stud farm in Austria, and about a third became the spoils of war and were transported to the United States.
Housta (if spelled correctly)is the town where they were kept. We recently (2018) recovered one of the 2 Troopers in an unmarked grave lost during this time along with a pilot which we thought was our trooper but, DNA proved differently. We still have that 2nd Cavalry Association investigating group not given up on finding our final Troop till this date.
Operation Cowboy: Rescue of the Lipizzaner Horses "We were so tired of death and destruction; we wanted to do something beautiful." -Col. Charles H. Reed, Commander 2d Cavalry Group The rescue of the breeding herd and allied Prisoners of War camp located at the military stud farm located, near Hostouň, in Svržno, Czechoslovakia took place between the 28 of April and the 12 of May 1945. Known as “Operation Cowboy”, the rescue was the idea of Col. Charles H. Reed, commander of the 2d Cavalry Group and a long time cavalrymen who appreciated these rare breeds of horses as well as the importance of ensuring their protection and survival. Initially, a small task force for the operation was formed from elements of the 2d Cavalry Group’s 42nd Squadron, consisting of Troop A, ele- ments of Troop C, a platoon of tanks from Troop F, and a platoon of Troop E assault guns. This task force broke through Waffen SS strong points to secure the horses, accept the surrender of the garrison and liberate the Allied POW’s that were located at the stables. After the site was secured, a small detachment from Troop A, 42nd Squadron defended the stables, from possible attack by Waffen SS units in the area. On 30 April, the Waffen SS launched an attack that American forces quickly repulsed due in large part to the U.S. tanks that were present. On 12 May 1945, the entire herd arrived at a remount station in Germany, where Colonel Alois Podhajsky, Director of the Spanish Riding School, separated the Piber breeding herd and made arrangements to return them to Austria. This final movement was conducted by two convoys on the 18th and 25th of May 1945, using captured German trucks and resulted in 215 horses being turned over to Austrian control. Colonel Reed inspecting horses at the stables at the Military st
Approximately four months later and 150 miles to the northeast, the Second Cavalry Group (Mechanized) was in the western region of then Czechoslovakia. Known as “The Ghosts of Patton’s Army,” the Second Cavalry’s reconnaissance units had led Patton’s famed Third Army across Europe to help bring the war to its final few days. On 3 May 1945, 1st Platoon, C Troop, 2d Cavalry (1/C/2) had secured an area near the towns of Paseka (present day Paseka, Czech Republic) and Neuhurkenthal (Nová Hůrka, Czech Republic). Even though VE day would be less than a week away, there were still active German units resisting the Americans in the area. On 4 May, 1/C/2 was attacked by a much larger German force, including some elements of the SS. 1/C/2 was defeated and surrendered with several killed or wounded, including PFC Ashley from Idaho who was wounded and later died. The Germans removed the survivors, wounded, and dead from the area. PFC Ashley’s remains were recovered a month later after the war ended. In life, PFC Ashley and F/O Lane never met as far as we know, but in death the two would become linked and their families would work with the Second Cavalry Association to recover their remains and acknowledge both for their sacrifice to our nation. After the war, the U.S. military began to consolidate many burial sites into larger cemeteries which are managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission. During one of these moves, PFC Ashley’s and F/O Lane’s remains were placed side-by-side. In a subsequent move, their remains and identities were swapped. This situation remained this way for over 65 years. In 2013, Patrick Biddy, a Second Cavalry Association member and former medic who served with C Troop of the Second Cavalry in the 1980s, heard from Dave Gettman, another Association member and veteran, who was seeking information about the troopers who had been killed or wounded in the action near Neuhurkenthal and Paseka. Biddy and Gettman had been the driving force in finding the information for all of the troopers involved, except for PFC Ashley who could not be accounted for. Knowing PFC Ashley was still missing, Biddy and Gettman sprang into action and over a period of years, they took on the role of detectives. With assists from another Second Cavalry veteran, John Walker, who lives in Europe, and the Second Cavalry’s Reed Museum director, Ryan Meyer, they eventually found what they believed could be PFC Ashley’s remains. They successfully navigated the sensitivities of notifying and working with the families of PFC Ashley and F/O Lane to coordinate with the Department of Defense (DoD). In 2018, after positive DNA tests and confirmation from the DoD, F/O Lane’s correctly identified remains were sent to Nebraska and PFC Ashley’s to Idaho. Their families were able to finally put their loved ones to rest with the full confidence that they had been found and positively identified. This wonderful story is far more nuanced and detailed than I can explain here, but visit our history website at dragoonshistory.com/ to learn more details as we publish them. Let’s celebrate Veterans Day as always, but this year let’s do so with the full knowledge that veterans continue to serve their buddies and their families as well. Service to their own and their families is a feature of veterans’ associations around our great nation. Our nation is filled full of these veterans groups. Find one and join or support one today. If you cannot find one, visit our website and donate at www.2dcavalryassociation.com/donate.cfm to ours. We’ll put your donation to good use. Share this:
They were transported to the US because of the difficult in obtaining food for all of the horses. The decision to remove 150 of them to the US was made because of the desire to not allow the Lipizzan lineage to die. The movie leaves out most of the facts. General Patton gave his permission to mount an operation to free the pows. Col. Reed planned and carried out the mission and included the rescue of the horses. He said after seeing so much horor and destruction , it was nice to do something beautiful.My wife and I have seen the Lipizzans perform several times, It is a work of art to watch these beautiful horses perform, they seen to enjoy it.
What a fine show! Robert Taylor and Eddie Albert! And those exquisute equestrians! So fabulous. Such a quality entertainment. And I never heard of this Disney production. Spectacular! Thank you so very much for sharing this special motion picture.
i knew a woman who lives in Europe, somewhere, who taught horses to do what these horses do, but i dont think she trained any of these famous horses. she got married, but i hope her new husband didnt curtail her from doing what she loved to do.
The last time I saw this film was in 1964 and I was 12. It is a real joy and happyness to look at it fifty eight years after. The title in France was LE GRAND RETOUR... JCG/Paris
when i was in highschool i had the privilege of seeing them live in my home state they came to our civic center to perform they are magical to behold in person
Disney's golden age was from 1923 to 1966 when Walt died. Then his brother Ron took over and did his best continuing with Walt's vision and preserving his legacy. But Ron died in 1971 leaving the company under the control of Donn Tatum, Card Walker, and Walt's son-in-law Ron Miller. All three were trained by Walt and Ron but under their leader ship the company started a downward spiral, struggled theatrically and financially; then malaise ensued. Finally, in 1982, after the Disney family sold the naming rights, a series of events precipitated the takeover (at times in a hostile manner) of the company by external "agents". Walt Disney's vison, his movies and the overall company culture were no longer what all that used to be. Suffice to say that since the dzews obtained full control, the Disney company seems to have forgotten the lost art of making films like the "Miracle of the White Stallions".
@@XwpisONOMA you can say it more clearly: since the "yiuden" took control then Disney became part of the damn agenda of mind control of the soft brains of the current generations of ciberidiots...all victims of the Overton Window techniques of the world mafia...damn shame.
This is as close as I am ever likely to get to seeing these magnificent horses for myself. I'm not one to cry, but watching such majesty, grace and riding expertise has managed to make me do just that. This is such a story of faith in decent humans who were prepared to risk their lives to protect and bring back both humans and horses from a fate we cannot comprehend. This story is not taught in schools or found in text books. Perhaps it should be. It's a story of something so beautiful surviving and coming out of something so horrific as WW2. There are many stories about humans doing just that. But few, maybe only 1, of so much being risked by so many for the survival of animals. Maybe humans ain't quite so bad after all!!!
I was privileged to see these animals when I 55. I cried tears and just shook all over that I was sitting there watching a bit of history. I saw this movie when it first came out and it affected me greatly. Haven’t cried like that before or since. Profound.
This was made the year I was born. I remember watching it when I was a little kid. I loved it then and I love it now. I just wish there were more nice movies like the old days.
WUNDERBAR !!!! Wonderful film !!!! They are not making anything like that anymore ... unfortunately !! :o(( At the beginning of their performance in Vienna in 1955, when Soviets finally left Austria, the beginning of the performance was starting with the *~Polonaise A-dur, Opus 40, No.1~* which was composed by the *famous Polish composer Frederick Chopin.* For a very long time this particular piano composition was a recognition signal of the Polish Radio Program 1 @ AM 225 kHz.
That's some cast in this little film, amazing. I probably saw this as a kid on Wonderful World of Disney back in the 60s. I didn't know who any of these actors were then, I sure know them now.
Fritz Wepper had an incredible long tv career in germany, with DER KOMISSAR (from 1969-74) continuing direct with DERRICK (1974 till 1998) and UM HIMMELS WILLEN (For Heaven Sakes) from 2002-2021. But right... Disney doesn't make anymore those kind of movies with a good story and great acting.
What a beautiful movie. I have to watch it again to take a better look at the furnishings in the lovely castle. The special alcove for the piano had the acoustics improved with the back wall beautifully sculpted and curved forward to 'reflect' the sound to the audience. Several men acted to save the Mares, but it is credited to Patton, who shoved his plan through faster than the Army could keep up. He was good at that, fortunately, or we would have seen the extinction of those wonderful Horses. The castle is full of such stunning antiques, and with the Horses to see, Ima watch again soon. TY Michael Strong.
The trials and tribulations we experience nowadays in the USA are nothing compared to what people went through in World War Two, and I would like to keep it that way.
It's a bloody shame that Disney doesn't make movies wholesome movies anymore. I think that if Walt Disney were alive today, he'd be ashamed how much Disney has strayed away from movies that made Disney great. Nowadays, it's all about making the buck instead of making good movies. I always greatly admired Curd Jürgens as a actor. He played a variety of roles in a number of World War II movies.
@Wagner PD There's no real need for you snide remark. His full name was Curd Gustav Andreas Gottlieb Franz Jürgens. He was an Austrian-German actor and was highly critical of National Socialism. He started his career as a journalist, but was sent to an internment camp in 1944 because he was deemed as "politically unreliable" by the Nazis. He was billed in English speaking films as "Curt Jurgens." Actors and actresses often have their names changed by movie studios. I do remember fondly because he starred in a number of good films: "The Enemy Below," "The Longest Day," "The Spy Who Loved Me," an episode of "Smiley's People" and appeared in several episodes of "Fall of Eagles" as "Chancellor Otto von Bismarck."
I saw this movie at the Rivoli theater when I was 5.The scene I remember the most is when Vienna is being bombarded,I remember the fire.Beautiful and historic movie.Lili Palmer is beautiful and I wonder if Eddie Albert really sang his song Auf Weidersehern?
Someone said ( below ) that Patton didn't care about the horses . Having seen the biography of George S . Patton * . He may have been born in California but his family has its roots in Texas . And since G. S . Patton was near 6 ft. 3 in . I'd like to see you try to tell him that he didn't care about the horse's . A friend of the family was an actual Veteran and Officer of the Confederate Calvary . ( * ) original A & E biography video
Two very peculiar WW2 missions in 1945 stand out: Operation Cowboy (saving the Lippizaners, shown in this film) and Battle for Castle Itter (saving french political prisoners). Both involved the German Army helping US forces against the SS.
Thank you for posting this movie. It was mentioned in the closing of the audio book I just finished, Ghost Riders. It was perfect to see the story and the horses after listening to the book...such beautiful horses, and such skilled trainers and riders! It was heartwarming to see everyone work together to save them.
