CHARIOTS OF FIRE distributed by 20th CENTURY FOX (1981). It opened in U.S movie theaters and grossed $59 million from a $5 million budget. It became the biggest grossing import from Britain that year. (movie ticket price $2.78 for 1981). It would also become the 7th highest grossing film of that year.
The story is based on two real life athletic runners from the United Kingdom (Britain). They are Eric Lidell and Harold Abrahams who competed in the 1924 Olympics. Eric is a devout Christian who says that he runs for the glory of God. Harold is an English Jew who competes against the prejudice of his people.
It is an inspirational movie because of the musical score. The film's theme was released as a single record. It climbed up the Billboard's hot 100 list for five months in the U.S.. It hit the number #1 spot for one week in May of 1981. Gone are the days when instrumental movie theme songs reached Billboard's top 100. It's not like that in 2024.
The "Chariots of Fire" single record debuted on the Billboard Classical Digital Songs chart three times. Number #3 (2012), number #18 (2014), and number #16 (2015).
The soundtrack album topped the U.S., Billboard 200 album charts for 4 weeks in 1981.
It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards (Oscar) and won 4. That includes, Best Picture, Best Screenplay by Colin Welland, Best Original Score by Vangelis and Best Costume Design by Milena Canonero.
Below is the digitally remastered movie trailer from 2012. Right before the London Olympic games that year.
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