Chariots of Fife?
Date: (13/07/2012)
Ahead of the Olympics in London, there’s new life for the landmark, Oscar winning film 'Chariots of Fire' and a TV programme about the story.
Made in 1981, it has been remastered for its 2012 version.
Produced by Lord (David) Puttnam, the film won huge acclaim and three Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
Nigel Havers visited Fife recently for a sentimental journey to the West Sands at St. Andrews for ITV’s, 'The Real Chariots of Fire' produced by Silver River Productions. The film was also shot in Crieff, Perthshire.
Local people and would be extras can remember queuing up at the Crieff Hydro hotel for their moment in front of the production team, not knowing that the film and its makers would go on to reap worldwide fame and success.
The programme revealed the stories of the athletes, fierce rivals, played in the film by actors Ben Cross and Ian Charleson. They were the wealthy Englishman, Harold Abrahams and the deeply religious and principled Scot, Eric Liddell who competed at the 1924 Paris Olympic games.
'The Real Chariots of Fire' is available at the ITV Player.
The film marks another Olympic film connection for the Fife Tayside region.
TayScreen was delighted to report recently on the successful ascent of Everest filmed by award winning adventure cameraman, Keith Partridge, based in Fife. The expedition was fulfilling a promise to take a 1924 gold medal to the summit in honour of an expedition led by George Mallory in 1922.
Someone who can identify more than most with the heroes of Chariots of Fire is Dundee's own world champion, distance runner, Liz McColgan. She was filmed recently by the British Medical Journal for their film on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics for sport in the UK.
Visit our Youtube channel to see clips from Chariots of Fire at the West Sands of St. Andrews.
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