Whether or not they love movies, almost everyone knows the opening scene: the windswept beach, frothing waves, and triumphant music soaring with the sound of runners’ feet on wet sand. In the 1981 Academy Award-winning movie “Chariots of Fire”, British athletes prepare for the Olympics. The runners, their shorts and t-shirts soiled by the sea and sand, splash through shallow water toward St Andrews, a Scottish coastal town. Rooftops and spires gradually emerge on the horizon.
A Scene to Remember
The moment, which forever captured the serene serenity of walking down a desolate beach, is ingrained in movie history. The movie’s main theme will be the pure joy of running, despite the competitors’ now mixed expressions of happiness, adversity, and gritted determination. “The simplicity of athletics sets it apart from nearly every other sport,” “Chariots of Fire” producer David Puttnam says to CNN Sport. “You’re running, jumping over something, or hurling something. It truly is the core of human endeavor.”
Why “Chariots of Fire” Resonates
Maybe because of this, the movie is still as well-liked and relatable over forty years after it was first released. “Chariots of Fire,” which won four Oscars, including Best Picture, was based on the lives and gold medal winning sprinting performances of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams before the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Ronald Reagan and Joe Biden, two US presidents, both loved it and it is considered one of the best British films ever made.
A Movie with a Message
Public screenings of “Chariots of Fire” have taken place in a number of nations this year, coinciding with the Olympics’ return to Paris. This serves as a timely reminder of the film’s endearing appeal and uplifting, even life-saving, message. “I received, and I don’t mean to exaggerate, at least six letters after the movie came out from people telling me that the movie had inspired them to live and not commit suicide,” Puttnam adds. The movie has a way of connecting with viewers on a deeply personal level—much deeper than we had anticipated or perhaps intended. It is an independent entity.
Eric Liddell: A Man of Conviction
“Chariots of Fire” follows the sprinting careers of two exceptional athletes, Abrahams and Liddell, in the years preceding the 1924 Olympics. Liddell is a kind man with strong religious convictions who leaves the 100-meter race in the Olympics because it takes place on a Sunday. He is a missionary in his home Scotland. Rather, despite having little prior experience running the lengthier distance, he enters and wins the 400 meters.
The Emotional High Point
The emotional high point of “Chariots of Fire” occurs at this point, when Ian Charleson’s character Liddell explains how his running has gotten entwined with religion, saying, “God made me fast, but he made me for a purpose.” I can feel his delight while I run. Before becoming an Olympic champion, Liddell was a Scottish rugby international. In addition to his athletic achievements, Liddell has received praise for his selflessness. After the Olympics, he went back to his birthplace of China to work as a missionary teacher. He remained primarily in Asia until his death in a Japanese incarceration camp twenty years later.
A Lasting Legacy
Former Scottish sprinter Allan Wells, who won the gold medal in the 100 meters at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, tells CNN Sport, “I had a lot of room in my heart for him.” He truly puts himself out there and is a very exceptional person. He left behind a great legacy, and we ought to honor him. Abrahams was Liddell’s rival in “Chariots of Fire.”
The Spirit of Dedication
He claims that “it was basically throwing it down my throat.” “No, if I did it for anybody, I did it for Eric Liddell,” I answered after giving it some thought for two or three seconds. Fortunately, there were three reporters from Scotland at the back of the room, and they were all quite positive about me. “I believe there is a bond, but [Liddell] was far more unique than I was. They might still remember Eric Liddell before they remember Allan Wells 20, 30, 40 years after I’m gone.”
Continuing Liddell’s Charitable Legacy
The Eric Liddell Community is in Edinburgh. It focuses on dementia care, the elderly, loneliness, and isolation. The community continues Liddell’s charitable legacy. This year, they started the Eric Liddell 100 program. The program aims to raise awareness of Liddell’s life among young people. It also honors his bravery after Japan’s 1931 invasion of China.
An Inspirational Figure
According to Sue Caton, a supporter of the Eric Liddell Community and Liddell’s niece, “when he was in China, apparently he told people to pray for the Japanese – and they were the people who were holding them in the internment camp.” CNN Sport reports. He believed that every individual mattered. No matter who they were or what they had done, he would never have written someone off because he believed that was the right thing to do. Chair of the Eric Liddell Community John MacMillan agrees, pointing out that the Chinese have welcomed Liddell as their first unofficial Olympic gold medalist. According to MacMillan, “He was a committed, determined individual who genuinely put the needs of others before his own.” He is regarded as something of a Robin Hood character.
Harold Abrahams: A Counterbalance
In “Chariots of Fire,” Abrahams provides a powerful counterbalance to Liddell, demonstrating an equally strong sense of conviction and personality. Abrahams’ faith is also shown in the movie as a source of inspiration for his running career. His time as a Cambridge student is framed by antisemitism, and his physical prowess is called “a weapon… against being Jewish.” Abrahams once stated in a 1960s BBC interview, “I attached so much importance to my athletics as a means of demonstrating that I wasn’t inferior.” Abrahams passed away three years before the movie’s premiere.
An Ongoing Battle
This has a significant impact on my life. I believe that one overstates the situation: antisemitism existed in some form when I was a young man and continues to do so today. But I put everything on sports because I was so determined to prove my dominance. Ben Cross, who played Abrahams in “Chariots of Fire,” noted that Abrahams’ obsession with running often caused him to become worried and fixated on his performances. On the eve of the Olympic 100m final, he informs coach Sam Mussabini: “I’ve experienced the fear of failing, and now I nearly feel too afraid to succeed.”
The Agony and the Ecstasy
Abrahams had a tense, uncomfortable connection with racing that bordered on self-destruction. In his book “Chariots Return,” author Mark Ryan delineates the lives and impact of Liddell and Abrahams. “To say he was highly strung is almost an understatement,” Ryan tells CNN Sport of Abrahams’ extraordinarily neurotic personality. Before the races, he experienced pure agony, almost to the point of complete nervous breakdowns. The expectation was that, although people had come to watch him triumph, they would also laugh if he lost.
Liddell’s Perspective on Competition
On the flip side, Liddell’s nervousness from her early career eventually vanished. Ryan continues, “He overcame that very quickly after realizing that he could mentally link his running to his Christianity, and then just all the pressure fell away.” He still detested losing, but he had to accept that if it was God’s will, he would not have prevailed. All of it was done for God’s glory, and things will happen as they will. I believe that was an excellent mindset to have in any race.
Post-Olympics: Abrahams’ Career Shift
Abrahams had to quit sports after a serious leg injury. The injury happened while he was competing in the long jump, a year after the Paris Olympics. Besides winning the Olympic 100-meter title, he became a well-known journalist. He also worked as a commentator and athletics administrator.
The Movie vs. Reality
“Chariots of Fire” keeps Liddell and Abrahams’ accomplishments alive. However, it is not accurate. Liddell decided not to run the 100m months before the Games. The movie shows it as an eleventh-hour decision. It also ignores his 200-meter bronze medal. The opening scene’s training took place in Broadstairs, not St Andrews. Puttnam accepted the movie’s artistic license. He never imagined it would be so successful. He faced financial and logistical challenges, with only $6 million to work with.
A Surprising Success
He didn’t care to go to the Oscars and never thought he would go across the platform to take home the Best Picture trophy. He recalls, “I got up, my knees went all wobbly, and I went down [to the stage].” “This is a picture of me trying to arrange my hair into a certain order; if I had thought I would win, I probably would have had my hair cut,” the person said.
The Making of a Classic
Similar to getting ready for the Olympics, filming “Chariots of Fire” was a laborious procedure. In order to prepare for the sprinting sequences, the actors trained for six weeks with seasoned Olympic coach Tom McNab. Meanwhile, Nigel Havers, who plays Lord Andrew Lindsey, injured his wrist during a fall while learning to hurdle. Puttnam remarks, “If you ever meet him, his wrist is on the wonk.” “He didn’t tell anyone because he knew we’d have to recast the movie if he saw a doctor. I have always been amazed by his bravery.
The Core Themes
As one might expect, the theme of “Chariots of Fire” is courage. The movie is also, rather cynically, about winning, even though it is also about loyalty, commitment, and an unrestrained love of running. “Had Liddell taken home a silver medal, would I have done it? Puttnam thinks, “No, I wouldn’t,” in response. “That wouldn’t be the purpose.”
“Chariots of Fire” is more than a sports movie. It explores the human spirit, competition, and personal beliefs. The film’s appeal lies in its deep resonance with audiences. It inspires with the stories of Liddell and Abrahams. They transcended their athletic achievements. They left legacies of courage, conviction, and compassion.
Why is “Chariots of Fire” considered a timeless classic?
“Chariots of Fire” is celebrated for its compelling narrative, inspirational themes, and memorable musical score. It delves into the lives of two athletes whose personal convictions and perseverance transcend their sports achievements, making it relatable and motivational across generations.
How accurately does “Chariots of Fire” portray the real lives of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams?
While “Chariots of Fire” is based on the true stories of Liddell and Abrahams, it takes artistic liberties for dramatic effect. Some events and timelines were altered for the narrative, but the core themes of dedication, faith, and competition remain true to their lives.
What impact did “Chariots of Fire” have on popular culture?
The film has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous people and becoming synonymous with themes of perseverance and victory. Its iconic musical score and opening beach scene have become part of cinematic history.
What was Eric Liddell’s contribution outside of athletics?
Eric Liddell was a dedicated missionary who returned to China to teach and serve after his Olympic success. His commitment to helping others and his work in China, even under difficult circumstances, are a significant part of his legacy.
How did Harold Abrahams contribute to athletics after his injury?
After his athletic career was cut short by injury, Harold Abrahams became a prominent sports journalist, commentator, and athletics administrator, continuing to influence the sport and contribute to its development.
