Continuing a New Series: The Great Jewish Movies - "Chariots of Fire"

Today we're continuing our new series The Great Jewish Movies on Jewish Humor Central. Each post will focus on one of the movies produced in the last century that had a Jewish theme, including comedy, drama, and musical genres.

We'll include a brief plot summary, a video clip, and tell you how and where to watch the full movie. Some will be free and others will require a small rental fee.

Today's focus is on Chariots of Fire, the 1981 British historical sports drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Colin Welland and produced by David Puttnam. It is based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. 

Ben Cross and Ian Charleson star as Abrahams and Liddell, alongside Nigel Havers, Ian Holm, John Gielgud, Lindsay Anderson, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, Brad Davis and Dennis Christopher in supporting roles. Kenneth Branagh makes his debut in a minor role. 

Chariots of Fire was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Score for Vangelis' electronic theme tune.

The full two hour and four minute film is available to watch free on YouTube.  Enjoy!

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