Chariots of Fire
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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 19
Theatrical release poster
Ian Charleson, who studied the Bible intensively for his role, wrote Eric Liddell's post-race inspirational speech to a working-class crowd.
The beach running scene was filmed on West Sands, St Andrews, Scotland, adjacent to the Old Course.
Ian Charleson (foreground) and Ben Cross (left) running in the "Chariots of Fire" music scene which bookends the film.
Harold Abrahams
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Harold Maurice Abrahams was an English track and field athlete. He was Olympic champion in 1924 in the 100 metres sprint, a feat depicted in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
Chariots of Fire
…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 Nigel Havers, Ian Holm…
Abrahams in June 1921
Abrahams at the 1924 Olympics
Abrahams' daughter Sue Pottle unveiling the English Heritage Blue plaque commemorating Abrahams in Golders Green