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RACING TO WIN. “Chariots of Fire” is an outstanding motion picture that faces a tough time against more “commercial features containing formula amounts of sex, violence and car chases. Dennis Christopher, left, and Brad Davis are two of a handful of well-known actors who play bit parts in the film.by Dann GireHer akJ Mm criticThe first responsibilityabout the difference between goodadequate work and just plain junk. *Sometimes this responsibility must be extended to campaigning on behalf of a special piece of extraordinary quality and value, especially if the odds are against it becoming popular or a commercial success. “Chariots” a “of Fire” is such a work.This week’s issue of Time magazine called “Chariots of Fire work. And like old snapshots of forgotten people from another tii strangely evocative and moving.” Richard Schickel s praise is politely strained, as is the movie itself. But more than this. “Chariots of Filovelysubduedforged So wabout?It's the true story of two English track athletesobsessedthe other a pious Scot in Paris.who represent their country at the 1924 OlympicsCharleson and Ben CrossMagee, John Gielgud, Brad Davis, Dennis Christopher and Nigel Davenport have bit roles.see the problem with “ChariotsttYET,This is a film with a!” plot and a no-name cast. If you were the typical Hollywood , you’d pull your fingernails out before committing money toa product as iffy as this.CHARIOTS” is an inspirational film that teaches the value of ity without preaching doctrines. Because he is Jewish, Harold Abra-(Cross) runs to win, to prove himself to the Gentiles who lookmissionariesGodbest displayedOlympicGod by not running on the Sabbath. His decision rocks team, forcing the prince of Wales himself to help the the moral dilemma in his conscience.philosophical»♦producerPuttnam. a morality-conscious businessman responsible««Duelistst*ducing “Bugsy Malone,” “Midnight Express” and“More and more, I feel I’m living in what seems to be a totally expedient age,” he said. “Yet, the values I was given as a youngster were real values, such as the difference between good and bad, right and wrong, truth and untruth, decency and cynicism — all fundamental values which have beeneroded in the last 20 years.“Chariots of Fire” boasts a strong philosophical base, excellent directing, inspired casting and a technical slickness looking as though it cost five times its estimated $6 million budget. But can a no-star, no-gimmick, nosex, no-violence, no-car-chase movie make it in today's youth-oriented market screaming for visual shocks and easy laiwood studio initially approved production of “Charioti executives decided to unload the U.S. and Canadianobviously considered to be a loserthough the Holly-under its auspicesperceived selling problem was the lack of a track record for the director, the main stars and the art director, all of whom were working on their first feature film.Director Hugh Hudson is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and TV commerical creator. Cross and Charleson both have extensive theatertelevison credentials. Art director Roger Hall, responsible ite film decor and set construction, is another televi:transferee.“The two most important things a producer does are casting a writer and director. The greatest in the world could be perfect for one project and the worst for another,” Puttman said. “And I just cannot see myself mak-approachmost crediblen producers probably read omnivorously in search of literary might easily translate into film. Puttman came up with the idea’ after reading The Official History of the Olym-Chariots of Firepics, the only book in his newly rented Los Angeles home.HE PROMPTLY hired screenwriter Colin Welland (“Straw Dogs and “Yanks”) and Hudson, then deliberately set out to hire ideal unknowns forthe leading parts.After Fox predicted a bleak domestic future for “Chariots” (Fox and other investors retain foreign market rights), jittery executives unloaded the U.S. and Canadian territories on the Ladd Co., a group of former Fox officials who left the studio to form their own production corporation.“This may sound somewhat immodest, but we’re pretty goodpublicity.44film,” said Bob Dingilian, vice president for advertising and Ve’ve had a history of marketing these, such as ‘Julia,’ Turning Breaking Away.* This is a very fine film, and we re proud tohave this kind of picture in our company.”Ladd’s pickup of “Chariots” takes on miraculous overtones when oneponders the state of Hollywood in the post-”Heaven’s Gate” months.Since Michael CiminO, symbol of the short-lived young movie brat director era, ballooned his modestly budgeted western into a $36 million boondoggle late last year, a nervous Hollywood has been forced to scrutinize sky-high production costs and ensure the bankability of products.“Twentieth Century-Fox, like a lot of others, didn’t think this (“Chariots”) had a chance in thlt; president for marketing involvedAshley Boone, Ladd labor of love by all the people»*PICTURE’S budget is less than half of the average Hollywood idget today. A few more million probably will be pumped into ng and promotion before the picture opens in Chicagoland on Oct.23.Boone said his company realizes the film’s marketing handicaps, so it s conducting a strong sneak preview campaign to-get audiences talkingabout “Chariots of Fire. ( ^“We want to show this picture to as many people as possible (before theopening date),” Boone44don’t want this to becomeRembrandt painting to be discovered 300 years from now Schickel rightly observed that “Chariots»only a thinking» ftThis is a beautiful, unhurried film that unfolds a visionman’s ‘Rockythe past that reminds us there once existed a time of innocence and tion before Puttnam’s “totally expedient age” took root.
Newspaper Details
Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago
Arlington Heights, Illinois, US
Fri, Sep 18, 1981
Page 15
Full Page
Clipped by
Rotten T.
USA 19 Jul 2022
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