Champions (1984)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

John Irvin

Writers:

Bob Champion (book), Jonathan Powell (book)

Stars:

John Hurt, Gregory Jones, Mick Dillon

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Hurt	...	Bob Champion
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
Ceri Jackson	...	1st Nurse
Francesca Brill	...	2nd Nurse
Andrew Wilde	...	Graham
Judy Parfitt	...	Dr. Merrow

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

horse | one word title | horse racing | independent film | based on book | 

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Taglines:

A true story [International]

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Romance | Sport

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bajnokok

Filming Locations:

England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$54,262, 22 April 1984, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$54,262, 29 April 1984

Company Credits

Production Co:

Archerwest, Ladbroke, United British Artists (UBA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Aldaniti, the horse, on which Bob Champion won the Grand National, portrays himself in the movie.

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Goofs

During the race, a riderless, grey horse with the number 45 is seen amongst the runners. No grey horse ran in the 1981 Grand National.

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Quotes

Bob Champion: You can't blame me, Governor, the horse isn't right...
Josh Gifford: The horse isn't right. There we go again! The vet says there's nothing wrong with him!
Bob Champion: The vet didn't ride him...
Josh Gifford: The vet could have bloody won on him! It doesn't look like you're going to make a comeback riding one of my horses, does it?

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Connections

Referenced in Demons (1985)

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Soundtracks

Sometimes
Music by Carl Davis
Lyric by Norman Newell
Sung by Elaine Paige
(Deleted from general release print)

User Reviews

Lovely true story which serves as an inspiration to us all.

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!!!