Customer Reviews

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

5 star:		(6)
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I saw this film a long time ago, but it made an impression strong enough that I still think of it. This video reminds me of many of Disney's excellent kid-friendly films that were endearing, such as Gus, the Apple Dumpling Gang, and The Miracle of the White Stallions.
'Justin Morgan' chronicles the life of Figure, the foundation sire of the Morgan horse breed. This tough little animal was able to perform everything asked of him, from heavy pulling to racing (trotting and running), and this video is a charming account of his life. It captures his capability as well as the astonishment of everyone who saw his exceptional talent. Long-enduring images in my mind include little Figure racing two long-legged Thoroughbreds in two separate races, winning a trotting contest against a horse that broke into a gallop, and pulling a heavy log with several men besides! This is truly a special film. I also remember Figure carrying two full-grown men down a steep slope, and he never faltered. These are images that I remember, and would love to see again. Sadly, this film is hard to find, and when found, it is prohibitively expensive. Disney would do well to re-release it for this generation to enjoy.

This movie lightly fictionalizes the birth of one of the first American horse breeds, the Morgan. Named for its founder, a Colonial schoolteacher named Justin Morgan (Don Murray), the breed's foundation sire was a versatile little bay called Figure because he was such a "fine figure of a horse." The multi-talented equine could pull a carriage, do hard labor, carry a rider for miles in comfort, and win trotting and running races. Several Morgans portrayed Figure throughout the stages of his life, but the filmmakers did a good job of matching the animals.

Staci Layne Wilson

This is too good of a movie not to have been put on DVD. It has everything: history, adventure, romance, humor, scenery; all while teaching lessons in integrity, responsibility, and character. All ages enjoy it. Hope to see it on DVD Soooon!!!!

So happy now that Disney has released this movie on DVD! Disc has closed-captioning, comes with a printable educator's guide and web links to additional internet resources.

The timing on shipping was great and I originall was skeptical about this movie on DVD but when I recieved and watched it , it was better than I remember as a child watching it for the first time on VHS.

I've loved this movie ever since it came out, and I was never able to get a copy of it until now. It gives the history of one of the finest horses in America; I highly recommend it to children and adults alike.

This is such an endearing story I enjoy watching this movie over and over. Guess I am a "kid" at heart.

Although this version doesn't follow the original story exactly, it sure makes a better effort than most. I remember being delighted with this film as a child (I think I saw it for the first time on the Wonderful World of Disney.), and I wanted to share it with my daughter, who is entering the horse-crazy years. She was as enchanted with it as I was, even though the film is clearly dated and not what she is used to. I recommend it for anyone who loves this story--or who has a kid who loves horses.

I'm not sure what the quality of the VHS will be. It seems to be in pristine shape with a photo copy insert in the plastic case and for a video that was found at a yard sale, I'm a bit skeptical. I think this rather looks like someone has copied the show on this tape and put off that it was "discovered." However, I wanted the tape for my wife who watched the show as a youth and has fond memories. Whether it's real or dubbed matters not. Quick service. After ordering I received it in a few days.