Chariots of fire [videorecording] / Warner Bros. Pictures ; a Warner Bros. and Ladd Company release ; presented by Allied Stars ; an Enigma production ; original screenplay by Colin Welland ; produced by David Puttnam ; directed by Hugh Hudson.
The story, told in flashback, of two young British sprinters competing for fame in the 1924 Olympics. Eric, a devout Scottish missionary runs because he knows it must please God. Harold, the son of a newly rich Jew runs to prove his place in Cambridge society. In a warmup 100 meter race, Eric defeats Harold, who hires a pro trainer to prepare him. Eric, whose qualifying heat is scheduled for a Sunday, refuses to run despite pressure from the Olympic committee. A compromise is reached when a nobleman allows Eric to compete in his 400 meter slot. Eric and Harold win their respective races and go on to achieve fame as missionary and businessman/athletic advocate, respectively.
Record details
- ISBN: 0780665821
- ISBN: 9780780665828
- Physical Description: 1 videodisc (124 min.) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in.
- Edition: Widescreen
- Publisher: Burbank, CA : Warner Home Video, [2010]
- Copyright: ©1981
Content descriptions
- General Note:
- Originally produced as a British motion picture in 1981.
- Creation/Production Credits Note:
- Director of photography, David Watkin ; camera operator, Dewi Humphreys ; editor, Terry Rawlings ; original music composed, arranged, and performed by Vangelis Papathanassiou ; supervising art director, Roger Hall ; costume designer, Milena Canonero ; athletic consultant, Tom McNab.
- Participant or Performer Note:
- Ian Charleston, Ben Cross, Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers, Daniel Gerroll, Ian Holm, John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, Nigel Davenport, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, Dennis Christopher, Brad Davis, Patrick Magee, Peter Egan, Struan Rodger, David Yelland, Yves Beneyton.
- Target Audience Note:
- MPAA rating: PG.
- System Details Note:
- DVD; Region 1; 5.1 Dolby Digital surround, Dolby Digital mono.; widescreen presentation preserving the aspect ratio of its original theatrical exhibition, 1.85:1, enhanced for 16X9 widescreen televisions.
- Language Note:
- In English or dubbed French with optional subtitles in English, French, or Spanish; closed-captioned.
- Awards Note:
- Winner, 1982 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Film Awards for Best Costume Design: Milena Canonero; Best Supporting Artist: Ian Holm; Best Film: David Puttnam; 1982 Academy Awards for Best Costume Design: Milena Canonero; Best Music, Original Score: Vangelis; Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Colin Welland; Best Picture: David Puttnam.
Search for related items by subject
- Subject:
- Abrahams, Harold Maurice, 1899-1978 > Drama.
Liddell, Eric, 1902-1945 > Drama.
Olympic Games (8th : 1924 : Paris, France) > Drama.
Christian life > Drama.
Cross-country running > Drama.
Jewish athletes > Drama.
Track and field athletes > Biography > Drama.
England > Social life and customs > Drama.
Great Britain > History > 20th century > Drama. - Genre:
- Biographical films.
Feature films.
Historical films.
Sports films.
Video recordings for the hearing impaired.
Available copies
- 17 of 23 copies available at NC Cardinal.
- 1 of 1 copy available at McDowell County Public Library. (Show)
Holds
- 0 current holds with 23 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Fort Branch Library | DVD CHA (Text) | 37810434932777 | Adult Video | Available | - |
| Albert Carlton - Cashiers Community Library | DVD CHARIOTS (Text) | 39493107089445 | Adult Video | Available | - |
| Bath Community Library | DVD BATH (Text) | 38344101432654 | Adult Video | Available | - |
| Broadway Branch | DVD CHARIOTS #8412 (Text) | 33262003260582 | Adult Video | Available | - |
| Cumberland Headquarters | DVD C (Text) | 31781064317900 | Adult Video | Checked out | 08/11/2026 |
| Eden Library | vid rotation green - 4216 (Text) | 31554008775586 | Adult Video | Available | - |
| Forsyth Central | DVD DRAMA RATING PG (Text) | 2112502166617 | Adult Video Fiction | Available | - |
| Lee County Main Library | DVD CHARIOTS #4526 (Text) | 33262003238626 | Adult Video | Available | - |
| Leicester Library | FF 40081 DVD LSTR (Text) | 0020510553926 | Adult Video | In transit | - |
| Lenoir Library | DVD F Chariots (Text) | 50669012176633 | Adult Video | Available | - |
Accessibility Features
Summary:
The story, told in flashback, of two young British sprinters competing for fame in the 1924 Olympics. Eric, a devout Scottish missionary runs because he knows it must please God. Harold, the son of a newly rich Jew runs to prove his place in Cambridge society. In a warmup 100 meter race, Eric defeats Harold, who hires a pro trainer to prepare him. Eric, whose qualifying heat is scheduled for a Sunday, refuses to run despite pressure from the Olympic committee. A compromise is reached when a nobleman allows Eric to compete in his 400 meter slot. Eric and Harold win their respective races and go on to achieve fame as missionary and businessman/athletic advocate, respectively.
