This film is part of Free
The Olympic Games in Paris 1924
The real Chariots of Fire heroes feature in this comprehensive look at the 1924 Olympic Games.
Overview
Paris 1924, the Chariots of Fire Olympics, and this sporting extravaganza has it all - from the excitement of the opening ceremony to some spectacular slow-motion gymnastics and a highly controversial (and violent) rugby final, in which the USA took gold against France. British interest is focused on the two stars whose achievements were immortalised in Chariots of Fire: Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.
Along with Abrahams and Liddell's record-breaking victories, we see those of their team mates, and much more. There's the marathon, swimming, diving, sailing, football and even some moments from the first ever Winter Olympics, held the same year in Chamonix. The daring and determination of the athletes is clear - several of the events result in broken legs.
Related
Flashing Blades Flashing Blades
Sport 1948 9 mins Silent
Tricky weather conditions cause some spills in the downhill and ski jumping at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St Moritz.
The Wheelchair Olympians The Wheelchair Olympians
Documentary 1983 25 mins Location: Cleckheaton
With the Paralympics even more marginalised than today, these athletes show great determination, dedication, camaraderie and humility.
Mining Review 22nd Year No. 1 Mining Review 22nd Year No. 1
1968 3 mins
We're off! Olympic training on the streets of Mansfield as local boy John Whetton prepares for the 1968 Mexico City games.
Women's Olympiad Women's Olympiad
Non-Fiction 1924 3 mins Location: Fulham
British "girl athletes" prove themselves in competition with women from around the world at Stamford Bridge.
Diving and Swimming Diving and Swimming
1926 14 mins Silent
Special effects galore in this demonstration of fancy swimming and diving, featuring Olympic medallist Belle White.
Olga Olga
Sport 1973 54 mins
A rare insight into gymnast Olga Korbut's life at the height of her fame, showing the discipline it takes to be an Olympic champion.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.