Florian

I first saw the movie "Florian" around the very early 1950's. There was even an older book with the same title and story. Have been searching for a way to obtain this Robert Young movie for many years. It was my introduction to the Lippizanner stallions, their offspring, and rigorous training. It inspired me to begin riding Dressage later in life. And ultimately becoming a Trakehner horse breeder. The stories of these two breeds, and what happened to them during the European wars has many parallels. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria has been the home to Lippizan horses for centuries. Dressage riding looks so easy and effortless! Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes subtle cues from the rider, and complete synchronization of horse and rider. Training can take many years to achieve the wonderful "above airs" moves. This movie had a tremendous impact on my life!

I saw this film on TV in the '50's. Have been looking for it since video disks came on the scene (pre-VHS for you young'ens). The movie was my introduction to the Lippizaner breed of horse. And the first time I saw the stallions dance was a "goosebumps" moment for me. It still is. Other than the horse Florian, the story concerns two people, a groom and an aristocrat, separated by class, but united in their love for a horse . . . and eventually for one another. All (horse AND lovers) are separated and set adrift in the storm that is World War One. This is a story of the fall of an empire. A tale of love, of loss, of peril, and of eventual salvation and reconciliation. A baroque "Black Beauty." I would REALLY like a copy of this film.

I see it has been a long time since anyone has commented on this film....I saw it back in the 60's and just loved it......I would just love to find a copy of it on VHS or DVD.....maybe if enough people wrote to Turner classic channel or a channel that plays old movies maybe they would air it...I haven't seen it in many years.....I have seen The Miracle of the White Stallion and I love it too....There is also a movie called The Long Shot that airs on the Hallmark channel from time to time that is about a dressage horse that goes blind and ends up winning a musical dressage contest.....it is also a really good movie....

If you are a Robert Young fan and are into horses this movie is a must. It is guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye. ( Maybe more than one ). All you horse lovers and " Lippy " owners in particular ,seek this one out !! I would dearly love to find out where one could get a hold of a copy of " Florian " I hope there is someone out there that can help ?

A very entertaining film, it contains all thats necessary to make an enjoyable movie, in particular those interested in horses. Has all the necessary ingredients which makes it spectacular, especially the part where all the horses are penned ,ready to be transported to their slaughter destinations in Europe, and of course our hero finds him and thru this finds the girl! Have been trying for years to obtain a copy of it. Zeus.