Set during the 1960 Rome Olympics, the film focuses on four runners in the 26 mile marathon race: a Brit (Michael Crawford), an American (Ryan O'Neal), a Czech (Charles Aznavour) and an Australian Aborigine (Athol Compton). Based on the novel by Hugh Atkinson and directed by Michael Winner (CHATO'S LAND). A by the numbers sports movie on the stale side. The British and American runner stories aren't interesting but the two others have some appeal. The aging 41 year old Czech runner pulled out of retirement for propaganda purposes by his communist government and the aborigine exploited by his racist trainer (Jeremy Kemp). Not boring if you can tolerate the cliches. There's an excellent score by Francia Lai (A MAN AND A WOMAN). With Sam Elliott, Leigh Taylor Young, Stanley Baker, Stephanie Beacham, Kent Smith, Mona Washbourne, Rafer Johnson and Elaine Taylor.
