Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1963)

' Miracle of White Stallions' (BV) Wins April Blue Ribbon Award By VELMA WEST SYKES ^^ALT DISNEY’S “horse opera” of a different kind, “Miracle of the White Stallions,” has been voted the April Boxoffice Blue Ribbon Award by members of the National Screen Council. Robert Taylor and Lilli Palmer have as then co-stars the magnificent dancing white horses of Vienna in this story of the rescue of the famous equines during World War II. This is the account of the daring project which saved some of Europe’s historic culture from the war’s destruction. Filmed in the beautiful Spanish Riding Academy itself with the Lipizzaner performing in ballet fashion, the picture is an art-plus-entertainment triumph, for “Operation Cowboy” is a special kind of roundup shown in the film. Our reviewer said of “Miracle of the White Stallions” in our April 8 issue: “The story is based on a true incident during World War II when General Patton was induced by Colonel Podhajsky, director of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, ... to bring the brood mares from Czechoslovakia and unite them with the stallions Podhajsky had taken out of danger . . . This is another Disney family film and its appeal is as much for adults as for children.” The picture is a top hit, scoring 165 per cent of average business in its first runs in key situations. Comments from NSC members, penned on their ballots, included these: Has Appeal for Adults “Miracle of the White Stallions” is a fine picture. I wish we could have more like it. — Mrs. J. B. Hoffman, Indiana Indorsers of Photoplays, Indianapolis . . . There couldn’t possibly be another choice, in my estimation. It is a family picture with appeal for adults, which has beauty, a thrilling story of historical value and entertainment. What more could be said? — Mi-s. Harry T. Jarvis, Greater Detroit MPC. Disney’s “Miracle of the White Stallions” wins — no doubt about it. — Barbara Udell, Beloit Daily News . . . Disney horsing around in family fashion! — Alan Branigan, Newark News . . . An outstanding film, beautiful color, fine cast. — Agnes E. Rockwood, Bennington (Vt.) Banner . . . This Disney fellow couldn’t miss. Also, my favorite leading lady is the star performer. — Tom Peck, Charleston Evening Post . . . Colorful and with historic significance, this is a film in which the kids will love the white stallions and the oldsters will appreciate the settings and story. — Ruth Henderson, Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Me. Wish More Like It “Miracle of the White Stallions” is excellent. I wish we had more like this one. — Anna Joyce Reardon, Woman’s College, Greensboro, N.C. ... A charming film filled with excitement, suspense, humor and warmth. The beauty of the Austrian countryside, the riding school, the village and the palace, and the extraordinary performances of the horses make this a delightfully entertaining movie. — Mrs. Henry F. McGill, P.T.A., La Canada, Calif. . . . Outstanding family entertainment, not only from the quality of the film itself, but because it tells a historical story very sensitively. Vive Disney! — Edith M. Haus, Fed. MPC, Milwaukee. This is an excellent family film. It was encouraging to attend the theatre and see so many families enjoying “Miracle of the White Stallions” together. — Mrs. Arthur B. Davis, Springfield (Mass.) MPC . . . An interesting film for young and old as it tells the story of how the centuries-old Spanish Riding School, known for its superb horsemanship, survived World War II, thanks to the Americans. — Mrs. William A. Dalton, I.F.C.A., Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J. “Miracle of the White Stallions” is good entertainment. — A. B. Covey, Alabama Theatres Ass’n, Montgomery . . . My daughter is a horsewoman and thinks this picture is wonderful. — Elinor Seielstad, Greater Detroit MPC . . . Truly a family film. — A. L. Murray, Long Beach Kappa Kappa Gamma. The Cast Colonel Podhajsky Robert Taylor Verena Podhajsky Lilli Palmer General Tellheim Curt Jurgens Rider Otto Eddie Albert Major Hoffman James Franciscus General Patton John Larch Countess Arco-V alley .... Brigitte Horney Colonel Reed Philip Abbott U.S. General Douglas Fowley General Stryker Charles Regnier and Erik Schumann, Philo Hauser, Michael Janisch, Helmut Janatsch, Hugo Lindinger, Peter Jost, Max Haufler, Fritz Wepper, Gunther Haenel, Larry Billman, Fritz Eckhardt. Production Staff Producer Walt Disney Associate Producer Peter V. Herald Director Arthur Hiller Screenplay by A. J. Carothers Based on the book “The Dancing White Horses of Vienna” by Colonel Alois Podhajsky Director of Photography Gunther Anders Music by Paul Smith Orchestration Franklyn Marks Song “Just Say, Auf Wiedersehen” by Richard M. Sherman. Robert B. Sherman Art Directors Werner Schlichting, Isabell Schlichting Film Editors Alfred Srp, Cotton Warburton, A.C.E. Technical Adviser & Special Effects Paul Waldherr Production Managers .... Walter Tjaden, Robert Russ Color by Technicolor llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllimilllllllllllllllllllllMII ROBERT TAYLOR (MOUNTED) AS THE DEDICATED COLONEL PODHAJSKY, SAVES HIS STALLIONS BY A RUSE LILLI PALMER AS THE COLONEL’S DEVOTED WIFE WHO ACCOMPANIES HIM TO A HAVEN FOR HIS LIPIZZANER MAJOR HOFFMAN (JAMES FRANCISCUS) IN OPERATION COWBOY, FREEING ALLIED PRISONERS AND THE MARES llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll This award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio and TV film commentators, representatives of better films councils, civic, educational and exhibitor organizations.