‘Black Beauty’

Created from the heart, this latest version of Anna Sewell’s most beloved horse story is as simple and straightforward as its source. Although not especially inspired, the 1994 film, which marks screenwriter Caroline Thompson’s directorial debut, uses integrity to make up for it. This unaffected approach makes it a fine film for younger viewers. Unfortunately, for Black Beauty, even performing heroic deeds can’t prevent the steed from being sold into the stables of unfeeling aristocrats. With Andrew Knott (pictured), who plays Beauty’s devoted stable boy (HBO Sunday at 6:30 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; Wednesday at 9 a.m.).