Chariots of Fire (1981)
- Starring:
- Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, (more)
- Director(s):
- Hugh Hudson
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG
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Based on a true story, Chariots of Fire is the internationally acclaimed Oscar-winning drama of two very different men who compete as runners in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a serious Christian Scotsman, believes that he has to succeed as a testament to his undying religious faith. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), is a Jewish Englishman who wants desperately to be accepted and prove to the world that Jews are not inferior. The film crosscuts between each man's life as he trains for the competition, fueled by these very different desires. As compelling as the racing scenes are, it's really the depth of the two main characters that touches the viewer, as they forcefully drive home the theme that victory attained through devotion, commitment, integrity, and sacrifice is the most admirable feat that one can achieve. (Ian Holm was nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in his role as Abrahams' coach), and this powerful film ended up with four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 124 mins
Complete Cast:
- Ben Cross - Harold Abrahams
- Nigel Havers - Lord Andrew Lindsay
- Ian Holm - Sam
- John Gielgud - Master of Trinity
- Lindsay Anderson - Master of Caius
- Struan Rodger - Sandy
- Dennis Christopher - Charles Paddock
- Robin Pappas - Clare
- David Yelland - Prince of Wales
- David John - Ernest Liddell
- Peter Cellier - Savoy Head Waiter
- John Young - Rev J.D. Liddell
- Nigel Davenport - Lord Birkenhead
- Benny Young - Rob Liddell
- Yvonne Gilan - Mrs. Liddell
- Gordon Hammersley - President, Cambridge Athletic Club
- James Usher - Steven Ambrose
- Jack Smethurst - Sleeping Car Attendant
- Jeremy Sinden - President, Gilbert and Sullivan Society
- Ian Charleson - Eric Liddell
- Nicholas Farrell - Aubrey Montague
- Daniel Gerroll - Henry Stallard
- Alice Krige - Sybil Gordon
- Cheryl Campbell - Jennie Liddell
- Patrick Magee - Lord Cadogan
- Brad Davis - Jackson Scholz
- Ruby Wax - Bunty
- Peter Egan - Duke of Sutherland
- Kim Clifford - Sybil's Maid
- Philip O'Brien - American Coach
- Yves Beneyton - George Andre
- John Rutland - Caius Porter
- Richard Griffiths - Head Porter, Caius College
- Colin Bruce - Taylor
- Alan Polonsky - Paxton
- Ed Wiley - Fitch
- Andrew Hawkins - Secretary, Gilbert and Sullivan Society
- Rosy Clayton - Linda Wallis
- Director(s):
- Hugh Hudson
- Writer(s):
- Colin Welland
- Producer(s):
- David Puttnam
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG(Suitable for Children)
- Closed Captioning:
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- Subtitles:
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- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Picture
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Supporting Actor
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Costume Design
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - Cannes Film Festival - Best Supporting Actor
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - Golden Globe - Best Foreign Film
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Foreign Film
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - National Board of Review - Best Picture
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography
