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This biography delves into the lives and achievements of two legendary athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. Set against the backdrop of the 1924 Paris Olympics, this inspiring story explores the themes of dedication, faith, and the pursuit of one's dreams.
- Overview
- Production notes and credits
- Cast
- Academy Award nominations (* denotes win)
Chariots of Fire, British dramatic film, released in 1981, that tells the true story of two British runners who brought glory to their country in the Olympic Games of 1924 in Paris. The film won both the BAFTA Award and the Academy Award for best picture and also garnered the Golden Globe Award for best foreign movie.
The film begins at the 1978 memorial of the runner Harold Abrahams. It then moves back to 1919 when Abrahams (played by Ben Cross), the son of a wealthy Jewish financier, arrives at the University of Cambridge. He becomes the first sprinter to complete the Trinity Great Court Run—to circle the courtyard in the time it takes for the clock to strike 12, beginning at the first chime. In addition to winning national running contests, Abrahams becomes involved with a Gilbert and Sullivan company and falls in love with a soprano, Sybil (Alice Krige). In Scotland, Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), the son of Scottish missionaries, also engages in running competitions. Though his sister, Jennie (Cheryl Campbell), fears that running will distract him from missionary activity, Liddell feels that his victories glorify God. Eventually, Abrahams and Liddell meet in a British open race, and Liddell wins. The driven Abrahams is crushed at his defeat, but noted trainer Sam Mussabini (Ian Holm), offers to take him on, telling him that he can teach him to run faster than Liddell. The Cambridge college masters (Sir John Gielgud and Lindsay Anderson) think accepting professional coaching is ungentlemanly, but Abrahams sees their objections as anti-Semitic and class-based in nature.
Britannica Quiz
Oscar-Worthy Movie Trivia
Liddell, Abrahams, and the Cambridge runners Lord Andrew Lindsay (Nigel Havers), Aubrey Montague (Nicholas Farrell), and Henry Stallard (Daniel Gerroll) are chosen for the British Olympic team. As they depart for Paris, Liddell learns that the 100-metre heat in which he was to compete is to be held on Sunday. His religious convictions will not allow him to compete on the Sabbath, and he resists the arguments made by the Prince of Wales (David Yelland) and the British Olympic Committee. However, Lindsay offers to yield his place in the 400-metre race, scheduled for the following Thursday, to Liddell, and he accepts. At the Games, American runner Charles Paddock (Dennis Christopher) easily outpaces Abrahams to win the 200-metre race, but Abrahams is triumphant in the 100-metre contest, winning the gold medal. Liddell is not expected to do well at the 400-metre distance, but he nonetheless goes on to take gold. After the team returns home, Abrahams reunites with Sybil, and Liddell takes up missionary work in China.
Chariots of Fire was director Hugh Hudson’s first feature film. The soundtrack, by Vangelis, became iconic, being used as theme music for sporting events as well as in countless films, TV shows, and commercials.
•Studios: Twentieth Century–Fox Film Corporation, Allied Stars Ltd., and Enigma Productions
•Director: Hugh Hudson
•Writer: Colin Welland
•Music: Vangelis
•Ben Cross (Harold Abrahams)
•Ian Charleson (Eric Liddell)
•Ian Holm (Sam Mussabini)
•Alice Krige (Sybil)
•Picture*
•Supporting actor (Ian Holm)
•Costume design*
•Direction
•Editing
•Music*
- Pat Bauer
It is based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice.
Aug 5, 2024 · 'Chariots of Fire' Resurrects Memories of 1924 Olympics. Abrahams returned from Paris with his personal gold and a silver medal as part of Great Britain’s 4x100 meter relay team.
Jan 1, 1982 · The story of two British runners who competed in the 1924 Olympics for personal ideals. Genres Sports Nonfiction History Biography Classics Christian Historical. ...more. 147 pages, Paperback. First published January 1, 1982. Book details & editions. About the author. William J. Weatherby. 15 books3 followers.
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- Paperback
- William J. Weatherby
Jul 8, 2024 · Liddell's 400m Olympic triumph in happier times provides the uplifting climax to Chariots of Fire, the feel-good story of Liddell and his great rivalry with Harold Abrahams that won four Oscars...
Think back to your viewing of Chariots of Fire. What is the enigma at the very beginning of the film? How are we introduced to the characters? How are the main characters of Abrahams and Liddell introduced to us? What are the initial conflicts that are introduced and at what point in the film do you think this happens? Developing the action
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