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Champions (1984) More at IMDbPro »


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Overview

User Rating:
6.3/10   235 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 10% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Bob Champion (book) &
Jonathan Powell (book) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Champions on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
20 April 1984 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
A true story [International]
Plot:
The true story of Bob Champion (John Hurt), a British steeple chase jockey who, in the late 1970s, was diagnosed with cancer... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Edward Woodward Dies
 (From EmpireOnline. 16 November 2009, 4:28 AM, PST)

The Best Fall Gay TV Guide Ever!
 (From AfterElton.com. 24 August 2009, 5:32 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
Lovely true story which serves as an inspiration to us all. more (12 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

John Hurt ... Bob Champion
Gregory Jones ... Peter
Mick Dillon ... Snowy
Ann Bell ... Valda Embiricos
Jan Francis ... Jo
Peter Barkworth ... Nick Embiricos

Edward Woodward ... Josh Gifford

Ben Johnson ... Burly Cocks

Kirstie Alley ... Barbara
Alison Steadman ... Mary Hussey
Jonathan Newth ... Mr. Griffith Jones
Ceri Jackson ... 1st Nurse
Francesca Brill ... 2nd Nurse
Andrew Wilde ... Graham
Judy Parfitt ... Dr. Merrow
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Additional Details

Runtime:
106 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.78 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
First cinema film of Alison Steadman. more
Goofs:
Factual errors: At the start of the film, Bob Champion and Aldaniti are seen winning a race at Chepstow racecourse. Aldaniti never raced at Chepstow. more
Soundtrack:
Sometimes more

FAQ

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful.
Lovely true story which serves as an inspiration to us all., 13 February 2005
7/10
Author: Jonathon Dabell (barnaby.rudge@hotmail.co.uk) from Wakefield, England

Cinema audiences have always enjoyed sporting dramas in which the underdog triumphs against the odds. Champions goes one step further in that it takes its plot from the true story of Bob Champion, an English jockey whose quest to win the Grand National was jeopardised by health problems to himself and his horse. The film is very conventional and workmanlike in its approach, but it tells such a remarkable story (if it wasn't a true story, you'd accuse it of being too far-fetched) that it's hard not to find it alternately absorbing, moving and inspiring.

Bob Champion (John Hurt) is a successful jockey who learns that a swollen bruise picked up in a horse fall has turned cancerous. Initially believing that he will be treated quickly and painlessly and back in the saddle in next to no time, Champion soon finds his plans in tatters as the illness is diagnosed as much more serious than originally thought. After months of chemotherapy and drugs, he emerges from hospital a thin, weak, pale, aged shell of his former self. He can barely walk, barely ride a pony around a patch of garden, barely feel a thing. Against the odds, Champion pushes himself to the limit to restore his health. However, during his illness his favourite horse, Aldaniti - aboard which he dreams of having a crack at the Grand National - suffers a severe injury. Can both man and horse get fit in time for the most gruelling race of them all? And even if they recover in time to enter, do they have a chance in hell of winning?

Hurt is excellent as Champion, a not-always likable man who often upset those around him in his stubborn yet determined journey to the Grand National. The scenes of Champion's treatment are quite punishing and vividly show a man on the brink of despair. Just as effective is the exciting climax in which Champion's fairy-tale comeback becomes a reality. There are some overly-stylised slow motion scenes of horses galloping across the horizon which don't feel quite right in this film, and some of the subsidiary characters are under-developed, but these are the only significant flaws in an otherwise well-made film. If you don't find yourself emotionally stirred when Champion races his way into everyones' hearts - as well as the history books - check your pulse... you may be dead!!!

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Champions (1984)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Champions-Now on youtube!! steveo22
what was your rating */10 for this movie ??? DawnRun
What was the cause of Bobs cancer?? johndeansmarshallcgli200
Want on DVD cowgirl-in-the-sand
The music in this is awesome + Ques. bAzTNM
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