Chariots of Fire
1981 film by Hugh Hudson · Released March 30, 1981
Chariots of Fire is a 1981 historical sports drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Colin Welland and produced by David Puttnam. 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. Ian Charleson and Ben Cross star as Liddell and Abrahams respectively, alongside Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, Daniel Gerroll, Ian Holm, John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, Brad Davis and Dennis Christopher in supporting roles. Chariots of Fire was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Score for Vangelis's electronic theme tune.
Cast ages at release (March 30, 1981)
- Ben Cross, as Harold Abrahams: 33
- Ian Charleson, as Eric Liddell: 31
- Cheryl Campbell, as Jennie Liddell,: 31
- Nigel Havers, as Lord Andrew Lindsay: 29
- John Gielgud, as Master of Trinity College: 76
- Ian Holm, as Sam Mussabini: 49
- Kenneth Branagh, as extra: 20
- Stephen Fry, as a Gilbert-and-Sullivan Club singer: 23
- Lindsay Anderson, as Master of Caius College: 57
- Richard Griffiths, as Mr. Rogers: 33
- Brad Davis, as Jackson Scholz: 31
- Dennis Christopher, as Charley Paddock: 30
- Patrick Magee, as Lord Cadogan: 58
- Yves Beneyton, as French runner Géo André: 34
- Struan Rodger, as Sandy McGrath: 34
- Peter Egan, as the Duke of Sutherland: 34
- Daniel Gerroll, as Henry Stallard: 29
- John Young, as Reverend J.D. Liddell: 64
- Yvonne Gilan, as Mary: 49
- Benny Young, as Rob, their younger brother: 31
- Patrick Doyle, as Jimmie: 27
- Ruby Wax, as Bunty: 27