Maps of Movies
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Where Chariots of Fire says it takes place, and where it was really shot.
The Paris Olympics were shot in Merseyside, and the Cambridge of the film is Eton.
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Scenes and places
The beach run (1978)
Young athletes run along a beach at the start of the film, in a flashback during Harold Abrahams' 1978 funeral service. The scene frames the story as a memory told at Harold Abrahams' 1978 funeral service.
Set in The Broadstairs beach — The seaside at Broadstairs, Kent, where the athletes run towards the Carlton Hotel. Google Maps · Apple Maps
The Great Court Run (1919)
Abrahams arrives at Cambridge in 1919, meets antisemitism, and takes on the Great Court Run. He becomes the first to run round the college courtyard in the time it takes the clock to strike twelve.
Set in Trinity College, Cambridge, Great Court — The courtyard where Abrahams attempts to run round it before the clock finishes striking twelve. Google Maps · Apple Maps
Filmed at Eton College (exact spot for the run not given) — All indoor Cambridge scenes were shot at Eton; the source does not say where the Great Court Run itself was filmed. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Liddell's talk at the Scotland-Ireland meet
Liddell, a devout Scot who sees running as a way of glorifying God, addresses the crowd. He asks them to take part in faith the way a runner takes part in a race.
Set in A Scottish athletics meeting — A meeting in Scotland where Liddell runs and then speaks to the crowd about faith.
Filmed at Inverleith Sports Ground, Edinburgh — The Scotland–Ireland meeting was filmed here. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The Scotland-France meeting
At a Scotland-France meeting, Liddell beats Abrahams in their first race against each other. Abrahams takes it badly, and the professional trainer Sam Mussabini, whom he had approached earlier, offers to coach him.
Set in An Edinburgh athletics meeting — A Scotland against France athletics meeting in Edinburgh.
Filmed at Goldenacre Sports Ground, Edinburgh — The Scotland–France meeting was filmed here. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The Mikado at the Gilbert and Sullivan club
Abrahams enjoys the Gilbert and Sullivan club and falls in love with its leading soprano, Sybil Gordon. He stays focused on his running.
Set in A Cambridge Gilbert and Sullivan performance — Where Abrahams' love for a leading soprano grows, set in the university's Gilbert and Sullivan club.
Filmed at Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool — The Mikado performance was filmed here with members of the touring D'Oyly Carte company. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The railway station
A railway station scene: a platform announcement names the overnight Flying Scotsman from Aberdeen and mentions Mr. Liddell.
Set in A railway station — A station platform where the characters meet and part on their travels.
Filmed at York railway station — The railway station scenes were filmed here, with locomotives from the National Railway Museum. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Boarding the boat for the Olympics (1924)
The British team boards the boat to the 1924 Olympics. Reporters ask Liddell about his chances against Abrahams, and then about the heats on Sunday, which he has just learned about.
Set in Dover — The port from which the team sails to France. Google Maps · Apple Maps
Filmed at Woodside Ferry Terminal, Birkenhead — The embarkation scenes set in Dover were filmed here. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The Prince and the committee (1924)
Under intense pressure from the Prince of Wales and the British Olympic Committee, Liddell refuses to run the race on the Lord's Day. A solution comes from his teammate Lindsay.
Set in The British Embassy, Paris — The embassy in Paris, where officials press Liddell not to refuse the Sunday race. Google Maps · Apple Maps
Filmed at Liverpool Town Hall — The British Embassy scenes were filmed here. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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The Sunday sermon (1924)
While others race, Liddell delivers a sermon at the Paris Church of Scotland that Sunday. His stand for his beliefs has already made headlines around the world.
Set in The Scots Kirk, Paris — The Church of Scotland congregation in Paris where Liddell speaks on the Sunday. Google Maps · Apple Maps
The Olympic stadium (1924)
Mussabini, barred from the stadium, looks at it from outside with Abrahams. The 100 metres is Abrahams' last chance for a medal, and he asks whether he has everything Sam needs.
Set in Colombes Olympic Stadium, Paris — The stadium of the 1924 Olympics, where Abrahams' 100 metres is his last chance for a medal. Google Maps · Apple Maps
Filmed at The Oval Sports Centre, Bebington, Merseyside — The Colombes stadium scenes were filmed here. Google Maps · Apple Maps
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Characters
- Harold Abrahams — An English Jewish sprinter at Cambridge who runs to overcome prejudice.
- Eric Liddell — A devout Scottish runner who sees running as a way of glorifying God.