John Frankenheimer directs this crime thriller, adapted from Elmore Leonard's novel. Wealthy businessman Harry Mitchell (Roy Scheider)'s life is turned upside down when a group of vicious blackmailers threaten to expose his extramarital affair unless he pays a significant ransom. When Mitchell refuses to pay up, the blackmailers kill his young mistress Cini (Kelly Preston) and frame him for the murder. Unable to go to the police because of his wife's political aspirations, Mitchell takes matters into his own hands in a desperate attempt to end the ordeal.

The entire Seventies miniseries adaptation of Anne Sewell's classic novel is brought together here on two tapes. Black Beauty is a fine, handsome horse who goes through many trials and tribulations at the hand of cruel or neglectful masters. Although mistreated, Beauty is always loyal and faithful, and eventually finds his reward when he is taken in by kindly owners who are appreciative of his noble spirit.