Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
John Hurt | ... | Bob Champion | |
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Gregory Jones | ... | Peter |
Mick Dillon | ... | Snowy | |
Ann Bell | ... | Valda Embiricos | |
Jan Francis | ... | Jo Beswick | |
Peter Barkworth | ... | Nick Embiricos | |
Edward Woodward | ... | Josh Gifford | |
Ben Johnson | ... | Burly Cocks | |
Kirstie Alley | ... | Barbara | |
Alison Steadman | ... | Mary Hussey | |
Jonathan Newth | ... | Mr. Griffith Jones | |
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Ceri Jackson | ... | 1st Nurse |
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Francesca Brill | ... | 2nd Nurse |
Andrew Wilde | ... | Graham | |
Judy Parfitt | ... | Dr. Merrow |
The true story of Bob Champion, a British steeple chase jockey who, in the late 1970s, was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than succumb to the disease, however, Bob stages a miraculous recovery and goes on to win the 1981 Grand National steeple chase on the horse Aldaniti. Written by Jonathan Broxton <j.w.broxton@sheffield.ac.uk>
A wonderful movie, easily one of the best of the last 50 years. I would put it in the top 5 ever made. Great acting, production, script,drama,realness. Why this film didn't scoop all the awards in 1985 is beyond belief. I feel sorry for people who haven't seen this film. It is a beauty, and John Hurt is simply a genius. A knockout and a true story. Absolutely a magnificent film that I hope people rediscover. It is a story of a jockey and a horse who rise against incredibly difficult circumstances. A great feature of the film is the casting . Some films are cast badly, but this one gets it remits in every part. Though it was made in 85, some films age, but to this one. It is as relevant, raw and real as it was in 1985 and moves easily as a believable storyline in 2013.