Running (1979)

American marathon runner Michael Andropolis sets his heart on representing his country at the Olympic games. Meanwhile his marriage has fallen apart and his children have no respect for him... See full summary »

Director:

Steven Hilliard Stern

Writer:

Steven Hilliard Stern

Stars:

Michael Douglas, Susan Anspach, Lawrence Dane

7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Douglas	...	Michael Andropolis
Susan Anspach	...	Janet
Lawrence Dane	...	Coach Walker
Eugene Levy	...	Ritchie Rosenberg
Chuck Shamata	...	Howard (as Charles Shamata)
Philip Akin	...	Chuck Stone, Black marathon runner
Trudy Young	...	Pregnant woman
Murray Westgate	...	Mr. Finlay
Jennifer McKinney	...	Susan Andropolis
Lesleh Donaldson	...	Andrea Andropolis
Jim McKay	...	Self
Lutz Brode	...	Boston Race Winner
Deborah Burgess	...	Debbie Rosenberg (as Deborah Templeton Burgess)
Gordon Clapp	...	Kenny
Marvin Goldhar	...	Maloney

Storyline

American marathon runner Michael Andropolis sets his heart on representing his country at the Olympic games. Meanwhile his marriage has fallen apart and his children have no respect for him. He sets out on his task with determination and hope that his success will resolve his personal problems.

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Plot Keywords:

marathon | olympics | running | male female relationship | family relationships | 

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Taglines:

...the movie that will bring you back to your feet.

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Genres:

Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Eugene Levy: As Michael Douglas's friend, Ritchie Rosenberg. This was the American Pie (1999) star's third theatrical film. An early role for Levy, he is seen with an afro.

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Goofs

When Michael is running alongside his youngest daughter Susan supposedly down a Queens, NYC neighborhood street on the way to her school, a standard Canadian 'Maximum 50 (km/hour)' speed limit sign is clearly visible instead of the U.S. standard 'Speed Limit 25 (M.P.H.)'

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Quotes

Ritchie Rosenberg: Michael, you're my friend. But you spent two years in medical school. And you quit. Two years in law. And you quit. A couple of businesses - quit. And God knows how many jobs. Now your marriage......
Michael Andropolis: Ritchie, I gotta do it.

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Crazy Credits

The Marathon Theme is inspired from the original music composed for Games of the XXIst Olympiade, a National Film Board of Canada production.

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Connections

Featured in Sneak Previews: Running/Head Over Heels/Skatetown, U.S.A./The Legacy/Yanks (1979)

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Soundtracks

Homeward Bound
Written by Paul Simon (uncredited)
Performed by Simon & Garfunkel
copyright 1966 Paul Simon
Courtesy of Columbia Records

User Reviews

Find me a copy of this movie.

I saw this movie with my Dad in 1979. In 1994 I ran my first marathon with my Dad and I think that was the first time I recalled seeing this movie. I have run four other marathons with him since and have been in an on and off again search of this movie for over 9 years. It is nastalgic to me know and I am hoping someone is out there who can help me locate a copy. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 October 1979 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Running

Filming Locations:

Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$3,600,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$6,012,556

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,012,556

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Film Development (CFDC), Guardian Trust Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1