Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British historical drama film….that tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Paris Olympics….as Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God…while Harold Abrahams, an English Jew runs to overcome prejudice….played by Ben Cross who is profiled and interviewed by ABC’s Kathleen Sullivan in this video.
The film was conceived and produced by David Puttnam, written by Colin Welland, and directed by Hugh Hudson….and was nominated for seven Academy Awards….winning four including Best Picture and Best Screenplay….as it is ranked 19th in the British Film Institute’s list of Top 100 British films. The film is also notable for its memorable instrumental theme tune by Vangelis….who won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
Just as a matter of interest….the film’s title was inspired by the line….”Bring me my chariot of fire” from the William Blake poem adapted into the popular British hymn “Jerusalem”….as the hymn is heard at the end of the film.The original phrase “chariot(s) of fire” is from 2 Kings 2:11 and 6:17 in the Bible.
