Loosely based on a true story of two British track athletes who prepare for and subsequently compete in the 1924 Olympic Games, Chariots of Fire was nominated for 7 academy awards and won 4. The story has Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), a Cambridge student and Jewish lad keen to overcome prejudice and anti-semitism to compete against Eric Liddle (Ian Charleson), a devout missionary running for the Glory of God and known as ‘The Flying Scotsman’. Opening scenes begin in 1919 when Abrahams succeeds in the Trinity Great Court run at Cambridge University (Eton College acts as a double for Cambridge University). He later meets and is defeated by Liddle. Sam Mussabini (Ian Holm), a professional trainer subsequently offers to help Abrahams improve his technique, but this is not well received by anti-semitics at Cambridge University. Nevertheless both compete. Despite the historical inaccuracies throughout, in addition to the Oscar wins, Chariots of Fire won 2 awards at the Cannes Film Festival (1981), was nominated for the acclaimed Palme d’Or award and won a BAFTA for Best Film.

Release / Airing: 01/03/1981