John Baker's Last Race (1976)

John Baker emerges as a fine runner while in High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then continues setting records at the University of New Mexico. His ability is world-class, and ... See full summary »

Director:

Douglas G. Johnson

Writers:

William Buchanan (adaptation), Susan Evans McCoud (screenplay)

Stars:

John David Carson, Elizabeth Saxon, Ed Pennybacker

Cast

Credited cast:
John David Carson	...	John Baker
Elizabeth Saxon	...	Polly Baker
Ed Pennybacker
Megan Lienau
Michael Myers
John Mulhalland
Kip Allen
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Rulon Bradley	...	Narrator (voice)
Debbie Letteau	...	Law student (credit only)
Paul Plunkett	...	Mike

Storyline

John Baker emerges as a fine runner while in High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then continues setting records at the University of New Mexico. His ability is world-class, and after receiving his university degree he accepts a position as a coach and physical education teacher at Aspen Elementary School while continuing to train (with the 1972 Olympics in sight). He becomes very popular with parents and students alike, for seeking ways to involve all his students, even those with an apparent lack of ability. Learning that he has terminal cancer he contemplates suicide, but instead chooses to dedicate himself even more to the kids, helping even the handicapped to participate, and co-founding and coaching the Duke City Dashers, an all-girl AAU track team. He hopes his "last race"...already beating the odds by a year, will not end before seeing this team win the national title.

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Plot Keywords:

cancer | handicapped | coaching | track | suicide | 

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Genres:

Short | Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Filming Locations:

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Brigham Young University

Technical Specs

Runtime:

28 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in The Field Is White (2002)

User Reviews

One of the best inspirational films of all time

I first saw "John Baker's Last Race" at a Leadership Camp. This story is so moving, and so inspirational that every person at my camp could not help but be emotionally moved by it. It is the true story of an Albuqurque man who tried his hardest to overcome his bouts with cancer, and inspire a group of children to dream big and achieve their goals. At my camp, we watched this film together as one of our ending activities. We even went on to talk about our own personal "John Baker's" in our lives. Watching the film and going through the activities of our camp is an experience I will never forget. I highly recommend this film for anyone looking for a motivational or inspirational story. It definitely helps one to appreciate life, and also to want to do more with the time we have. It is guaranteed to make you change your outlook on life in a positive way. It deserves no less than an excellent rating.