Chariots of Fire

UK 1981. Directed by Hugh Hudson. With Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, Ian Holm.

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 to prove to the world that Jews are not inferior.

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.

Reissued this year in a new digital print, this classic is not to be missed in the week the Olympic torch passes through Finchley.