The 2024 Paris Olympics is over. But if you have never seen the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, about the 1924 Olympics a century ago, I urge you to watch it. It is available free on BBC iPlayer for the next week, [or to rent on other streaming services] And if you want more info about Eric Liddell, check out yesterday's Morning Worship from BBC Radio 4.
My father was a babe in arms during the summer of 1924. My grandparents regarded Eric as a good man of strong faith, and a great role model. His story was told to their children and grandchildren. So I knew all about him long before the film brought his story to a wider audience.
Definitely a film worth watching, for all sorts of reasons...
I agree Angela, it was such a memorable film, and of course the music has never been forgotten
ReplyDeleteThe music was so brilliant
DeleteThe Eric Liddell Centre in Edinburgh has been commemorating Eric Liddell’s Centenary this year. I loved the film when I first saw it and the music is so stirring when they are running. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI should have loved to come to Edinburgh to see that
DeleteI watched this only a couple of days ago. I enjoyed it very much, reflecting on the strong principles of Eric Liddell. Love FD xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - a man of faith and principle
DeleteChariots of fire is my favourite film and I have it on DVD. I have watched it a number of times. Eric Liddell's story has helped my faith journey and I have used his story in a variety of sermons over the years. I enjoyed yesterday's Morning Worship on Radio 4 and watched the Songs of Praise featuring his story with Princess Anne.
ReplyDeleteMy only regret in life is that I never went to be an extra when they were filming on The Wirral. Bebington Oval became Paris and I smile when they board the boat for France because it was actually the Isle of Man ferry and they sailed down the Mersey.
Have you read 'The flying scotsman' by Sally Magnason?
Oh I wish you'd been in it!! I bought Sally's book when it first came out.its around here somewhere
DeleteI watched it years ago and loved it. What a shining example he was.
ReplyDeleteHe was!
DeleteThank you for this. It is one of my favourite films too. I sort of fell in love with Ian Charleson the actor who played Eric and will never forget seeing him as Skye Masterson in the National Theatre production of Guys & Dolls, as we were dancing in the aisles during the reprise of “Sit down you’re rocking the boat”. Julie Covington played Sarah Brown in the same production, another brilliant actor who died far too young. Ian C died of AIDS in the late 80s and I was fortunate to see him play Hamlet, again at the National Theatre, not long before he died. An award to help young actors is made in his memory every year. He also had the most gorgeous Edinburgh accent! I’m intrigued by the Sally Magnusson book and will be looking it up and hopefully reserving it from the library in due course. Sarah in Sussex
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah for the lovely details of Ian Charleson. He was such a gifted actor, and I'm glad his memory continues to be honoured with the young actors award.Do read Sally's book if you can. How fantastic to have seen Ian on stage (twice) esp the Hamlet production
DeleteI'm afraid I haven't seen that movie, but, then, I am not a big movie watcher.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really good movie.
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