TheatriCast has scheduled at least 20 showings of 1981 best picture Oscar winner “Chariots of Fire” on Aug. 1, four days before the Summer Olympics opens in Brazil, Variety has learned exclusively.
The screening of the film will include additional programming to celebrate “Chariots of Fire,” which tells the true story of British sprinter Eric Liddell, who famously refused to run his signature 100-meter race because of his strict observance of the Christian Sabbath. Liddell triumphed in a new event, winning the 400 meters in Paris.
Harold Abrahams, a Jewish runner, won gold in the 100-meter race. “Chariots of Fire” won Oscars for best original screenplay, costume and original score. Ian Charleson played Liddell and Ben Cross portrayed Abrahams.
TheatriCast is an initiative from Different Drummer. Most recently, TheatriCast sold out multiple showings in 14 cities of “Last Days in the Desert,” starring Ewan McGregor.
TheatriCast is partnering with Warner Bros. for the special showings. It has not yet set locations, but a spokesperson indicated that probable sites are in Los Angele, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Nashville, Richmond, Phoenix and Washington, D.C.
“‘Chariots of Fire’ aligns the best of cinema and the ideals of the Olympic movement around a powerful, true story of conviction and calling,” said Erik Lokkesmoe, principal of Different Drummer and co-creator of TheatriCast.
TheatriCast is also partnering with Penguin Press to broaden awareness of Duncan Hamilton’s new book “For the Glory: Eric Liddell’s Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr.” The book covers Liddell’s life, from his Olympic victory to his missionary work in China to his last years in a Japanese work camp during World War II.
