The First Olympics: Athens 1896

This movie (originally shown as a mini-series in 1984) combines humor, athleticism, history, drama and patriotism into a delightful 4 hours! Children and adults will enjoy it equally. Though it takes a decidedly American bent, the movie is originally based in fact. The names and countries of origin of the winners are true. It is unclear how much else is true, but it doesn't matter! The length allows for more character and plot development than the average feature film so that by the end, the viewer feels connected to the characters. As children, my sisters and I watched it over and over. As adults, we continue to enjoy it!

YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB LISTING ALL OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE MOVIE. HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY ACTOR AND ACTRESS INVOLVED IN THE MOVIE AND WHO PLAYED WHAT ROLE. THERE IS A LISTING OF PERFORMERS, BUT NOT EVERYONE HAS THEIR APPOPRIATE CHARACTER LISTED BY THE NAME OF THE PERFORMER. I WOULD PARTICULARLY LIKE TO KNOW THE NAMES OF THE PERFORMERS ASSOCIATED WITH NICOS ZIAGOS (SPIRIDON LOUIS). WHO PLAYED HIS MOTHER, FATHER AND ELENI? INFORMATION APPRECIATED.

Romance might not be the first thing one thinks of when one sees a movie about athletics, but the story of Greece's Spiridon Louis provides a touching tale of love. He is devoted to his beloved Eleni and wants to do anything for her. She worries about the long separation and says if he did not wait for her, she'd understand. Then came one of the most touching lines of the movie, "I would run twice as far for my Eleni." Great family story!

The movie tells a perfect story about the first modern olympics in Athens 1896. I watched it on Dutch television and taped it. So I watched it over and over again. Unfortunetly the tape is missing so I am looking for a tape with Dutch Subscrition. I enjoyed it very much and i am looking forward to the next olympics in Sydney 2000.

This movies mixes history, sports, humor and drama in a wonderful mix suitable for any age. In an age without moving pictures, the first American Olympic team trys to figure out from history books the events and sports equipment used by the Greeks in the ancient games with some surprising results, innovative techniques, and humorous interpretations! Athletes from other countries are also featured. Great family film!