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| Ben Cross in "Chariots of Fire" in 1981. Source: https://iconicgreats.co.uk/ (May be subject to copyright) |
“Chariots of Fire” was a much acclaimed movie when it came out in 1981, based on the real-life experiences of two British runners in the 1920s. It was a compelling story about two men, both driven by their faith, and the circumstances they dealt with.
Through it all was the powerful anthem that reverberated, composed by Vangelis. It became the first instrumental to top the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
“Chariots of Fire” came to mind the recently when I heard Ben Cross, one of the principal actors, had passed away at the age of 77.
Running for glory
“Chariots of Fire” opens with Harold Abrahams, played by Ben Cross, taking up the challenge to complete the Trinity Great Court Run at the University of Cambridge. The goal is simple – run around the college courtyard in the time it takes for the clock to strike 12. He becomes the first person ever to successfully complete the run.
“Chariots of Fire” opens with Harold Abrahams, played by Ben Cross, taking up the challenge to complete the Trinity Great Court Run at the University of Cambridge. The goal is simple – run around the college courtyard in the time it takes for the clock to strike 12. He becomes the first person ever to successfully complete the run.
Abrahams goes on to win a string of running competitions, ultimately qualifying for the track and field team of Great Britain for the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France.
All along the way, Abrahams battles anti-Semitism.
Meanwhile, Eric Liddell is another sprinter, in the 100 metres like Abrahams, and a rival. His faith is important to him as well. He is the son of Scottish missionary parents in China, and plans to return to missionary work there.
However, he too qualifies for the Olympic team, and wishes to compete in Paris first.
It seems there will be a showdown in the 100-metre sprint between the two British sprinters.
On the boat trip to France, Liddell discovers the qualifying heats for the 100 metres are to be on a Sunday. Liddell devoutly refuses to participate due to his respect for the Sabbath.
Later, one of Britain's 400-metre runners, who has already earned a medal in the hurdles, gives his place in the 400 metres to Liddell.
Against the odds, and the lowest of expectations, Liddell wins gold in the 100 metres.
Abrahams struggles and loses the 200-metre sprint. He hopes for redemption in the 100 metres – and earns it, taking the gold medal.
Ben Cross turned in a stellar performance as Harold Abrahams.
The years after
Much of the rest of Ben Cross’ career was spent on British television, the stage, doing commercials, and in guest roles in television and supporting roles in film.
Much of the rest of Ben Cross’ career was spent on British television, the stage, doing commercials, and in guest roles in television and supporting roles in film.
A notable role was as Ambassador Sarek, Spock’s father, in the 2009 re-boot of “Star Trek”.
The song
The haunting and powerful “Titles” music for “Chariots of Fire” was composed by Vangelis. The song went all the way to number one the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and garnered Vangelis an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1982.
The haunting and powerful “Titles” music for “Chariots of Fire” was composed by Vangelis. The song went all the way to number one the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and garnered Vangelis an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1982.
The movie
“Chariots of Fire” was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture; Colin Welland for Best Original Screenplay; Milena Canonero for Best Costume Design; and the aforementioned Vangelis for Best Original Score. The movie also received nominations for Hugh Hudson for Best Director; Ian Holm for Best Supporting Actor; and Terry Rawlings for Best Film Editing.
“Chariots of Fire” was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture; Colin Welland for Best Original Screenplay; Milena Canonero for Best Costume Design; and the aforementioned Vangelis for Best Original Score. The movie also received nominations for Hugh Hudson for Best Director; Ian Holm for Best Supporting Actor; and Terry Rawlings for Best Film Editing.
Parting thoughts
“Chariots of Fire” is a rare movie. In order to respect actual events, the two protagonists not only do not share the screen in the climax of the movie, but are not even in the same event. However, the movie does have a satisfying ending for both protagonists who, in their own way, honour God and achieve Olympic glory.
“Chariots of Fire” is a rare movie. In order to respect actual events, the two protagonists not only do not share the screen in the climax of the movie, but are not even in the same event. However, the movie does have a satisfying ending for both protagonists who, in their own way, honour God and achieve Olympic glory.
It is very much a character-driven story, and Ben Cross turned in an excellent performance as Harold Abrahams. The sprinter was a flawed character, and nowhere near as likeable as his rival Eric Liddell. Yet, being Jewish in England in the 1920s meant Abrahams had to deal with a lot of prejudice and bigotry that Liddell did not. It brought a whole othr level to Harold Abrahams.
Ben Cross’ performance made you like, loathe and root for Harold Abrahams.
It was an impressive performance.
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