Champions **** (1984, John Hurt, Edward Woodward, Jan Francis, Ben Johnson) – Classic Movie Review 13,174

The inspiring 1984 British sports drama film Champions is based on the true story of jockey Bob Champion, and stars John Hurt, Edward Woodward, Jan Francis and Ben Johnson.

Director John Irvin’s 1984 British sports drama film Champions is based on the true story of jockey Bob Champion, and stars John Hurt, Edward Woodward, Jan Francis and Ben Johnson.

John Hurt gives a champion performance as the jockey Bob Champion who is diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979 but wins the 1981 Grand National race on a horse that had recently nearly been put down with a broken leg tendon, in this often inspiring film.

Hurt is particularly effective in the gruelling scenes where he is undergoing the operation and chemotherapy that saved him. You could accuse this harrowing but life-affirming biopic as voyeuristic, manipulative and uncomfortable as entertainment. But it is still impossible, as with Chariots of Fire, not to cheer it, or be cheered by it. Certainly Hurt’s expert performance must be applauded to the winning post. And there’s a lovely cast to back him up.

The screenplay by Evan Jones is based on the book by the real-life jockey Bob Champion (co-written with Jonathan Powell).

In 1985, John Hurt won the Evening Standard British Film Award as Best Actor for his role in this film and in The Hit.

Aldaniti (25 June 1970 – 28 March 1997) was the racehorse who won the Grand National on 4 April 1981. He stars as himself in the film. He was owned by Nick Embiricos (played by Peter Barkworth) from Kirdford, West Sussex, and trained by Josh Gifford (played by Edward Woodward) at Findon, Sussex.

The cast are John Hurt as Bob Champion, Edward Woodward as Josh Gifford, Jan Francis as Jo Beswick, Ben Johnson as Burly Cocks, Alison Steadman as Mary Hussey, Kirstie Alley as Barbara, Ann Bell as Valda Embiricos, Peter Barkworth as Nick Embiricos, Judy Parfitt as Dr Merrow, Michael Byrne as Richard Hussey, Carolyn Pickles, Fiona Victory, Mark Burns, Richard Leech, Frank Mills, Aldaniti as himself.

Champions is directed by John Irvin, runs 115 minutes, is made by Archerwest, Ladbroke and United British Artists, is released by Embassy Pictures, is written by Evan Jones, is shot by Ronnie Taylor, is produced by Peter Shaw and Eva Monley, and scored by Carl Davis.

Release date: 20 April 1984.

Jan Francis (born 5 August 1947),

Alison Steadman (born 26 August 1946).

Ann Bell (born 29 April 1938).

Judy Parfitt (born 7 November 1935).

Michael Byrne (born 7 November 1943).

© Derek Winnert 2024 – Classic Movie Review 13,174

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