Misty

The movie is partially based on a true story. Misty, a 12-hand palomino tobiano and sabino pinto, was born on July 20, 1946 at the Beebe family farm on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Although Misty was sired and born domestically, her parents -- known as Pied Piper and Phantom -- were wild ponies from nearby Assateague Island. Author Marguerite Henry visited the Beebe farm, and wanted to take Misty back to her home in Illinois, to serve as the model for her next book. Clarence "Grandpa" Beebe agreed to this only after Ms. Henry promised to put his grandchildren, Paul and Maureen, in the book as the main characters. "Misty of Chincoteague" was published in 1947, and was named as a Newberry Honor book. The book became so popular with children that Misty herself was named an honorary member of the American Library Association. Misty lived with Marguerite Henry in Illinois until 1957, when she was sent back to Virginia. She lived on the Beebe farm for the rest of her life, and had three foals: Phantom Wings, Wisp O' Mist, and Stormy -- who also became the subjects of books by Marguerite Henry. Misty died in 1972. Her taxidermized body (and that of her foal, Stormy, who died in 1993) are on display at a museum at the Beebe ranch.

Referenced in Des ovnis, des monstres et du sexe - Le cinéma selon Roger Corman (2011)