The 1981 film "Chariots of Fire" is about two runners competing in the 1924 Olympics. One is British Harold Abrahams and the other is Scottish Eric Liddell. Abrahams arrives at a Cambridge train station where two porters, both wounded World War I soldiers, carry his bags. He tips them with a British coin. Later a running coach uses British large pennies to explain the mathematics of a runner's stride. An Olympic medal is shown at the end of the film.

Harold Abrahams, the son of a wealthy Jewish banker, arrives at a Cambridge train station to attend Cambridge University.

Two porters, both wounded World War I soldiers, carry his bags. Harold tips them with a British coin.

"That's what we fought the bleeding war for. To give shits like them a decent education."

Abrahams encounters British anti-semitism from some students and college officials. Abrahams and another student, Lord Andrew Lindsay, both claim that they can run a course around the college grounds under a certain time. A student cries out "Win it for Israel!".

Abrahams completes the run with Lindsay behind him.

In Scotland, Eric Liddell, has become known as an athlete and a runner. He is a member of a strict Scottish church where it is a sin to work or play sports on Sundays. Eric's sister Jennie doesn't like his running at all.

Eric tells her that he plans to continue competing in races. Harold has become a local celebrity for his running ability and is able to meet Sybil Gordon, a local stage actress.

Harold and Sybil begin seeing each other but she wishes that he would spend more time with her and less time running.

Harold and Eric finally meet in London for a race.

Eric wins the race and Harold takes the loss badly. Both become interested in competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Harold contacts a running coach, Sam Mussabini, to coach him.

The coach shows Harold some photographs of American champions.

"Do you know why you lost? Because you're overstriding, just a couple of inches."

"These coins represent the strides in your 100 meters. Have you got another two coins, Mr. Abrahams? Well, maybe we can find them."

The coins are worn British large pennies with the obverses face up. The obverses of King Edward VII facing right and King George V facing left appear.

British Pennies of King Edward VII and King George V:

Bronze, 30.8 mm, 9.45 gm

Bronze, 30.8 mm, 9.45 gm

He tells her that he plans to compete in the Olympics which she is opposed to. The British Olympic team leaves on a ship for Paris. Eric discovers that one of the events he has entered, the 100 meter race, is being held on a Sunday. He tells British officials that he can not run in the event due to his religious beliefs. The officials bring the Prince of Wales (the later Edward VIII) to talk Eric into racing but he still refuses.

Lord Andrew, another team member, offers to give up his place in another race, the 400 meter event, which is being held on a Thursday, so that Eric can compete.

Harold enters the 200 meter event and loses to Americans. He then enters the 100 meter event which he wins, making his coach happy.

Harold packs his goods for the return to England along with his Olympic medal. Eric's event is held and his sister, having changed her mind about his running, watches.

Eric wins his event and returns with the team to England.

Eric is greeted as a hero but Harold is met only by Sybil.

Sybil greets him.

Ben Cross as Harold Abrahams
Ian Charleson as Eric Liddell
Alice Krige as Sybil Gordon
Cheryl Campbell as Jennie Liddell
Ian Holm as Sam Mussabini
David Yelland as the Prince of Wales
Nigel Havers as Lord Andrew Lindsay
Director: Hugh Hudson
Writers: Colin Welland