Original subtitles

I don't care who's on the line.

This is an emergency.

Tell the Minister of Finance to get off the line.

What?

Very well, very well.

But ring me back the instant you get through to Athens.

Damn, damn, damn.

My goodness, Pierre. What is it?

A telegram from Dr. Sloane in the United States.

The American team has been booked on a ship

that won't reach Athens until the games are nearly over.

Nearly over?

Their travel agent, it appears,

arranged for them to arrive on April 9th,

thinking the games didn't start until the 17th.

The 17th? But that's absurd.

For two years now, the whole world has known

that they were to begin on the 5th.

Ah, but this was a particularly conscientious travel agent, my dear.

Knowing that the Greeks still go by the old Julian calendar,

which is 12 days behind ours,

he cleverly decided that April 5th, in Athens,

meant the Greek date, not ours.

Accordingly, he added 12 days

and came up incorrectly with the 17th

as the actual starting date.

He then made the bookings on that assumption, the idiot.

Still, I don't see the problem, dear.

Why can't Dr. Sloane

simply book another space on another ship –

one that arrives in time?

Because the error wasn't discovered

until they'd already sailed.

Oh, Pierre, no.

Oh, Pierre, yes.

They are on the high seas at this very moment.

But... what will you do?

What can we do?

They are completely incommunicado

until they reach their first port of call,

which is Gibraltar.

Well, perhaps there you can transfer them to another ship,

a faster ship.

At this moment, that is our only hope.

Sloane is trying to work out something.

Pray God he succeeds.

Without the American team,

the first Olympics of modern times

is going to be the biggest disaster of all time.

Athens.

Hello?

I'm sorry to disappoint you, Dr. Sloane, but there is no other ship

that could get them to Athens on time.

Then I'm afraid it's hopeless.

Not quite hopeless, perhaps.

I think I have a solution.

But you just said that there –

I said we can't get them there any faster by sea,

but we might over land.

Look here.

They're scheduled to sail from Gibraltar on Monday,

arriving in Naples on Wednesday.

Now, while the ship lays over in Naples for two days,

then sails slowly around the boot of Italy

and the great Peloponnesus to arrive in Athens a week later,

the boys could disembark in Naples

and take the train across Italy to Brindisi.

Brindisi?

There's a steamer from Brindisi to Piraeus

that arrives on Sunday morning.

From there, it's only a short hop to Athens.

The boys would arrive only a few hours before the games...

And they'd be terribly exhausted with no time to recuperate.

But they'd be there, Mary. They would be in Athens.

There is one possible hitch, however.

I'm afraid the Italian trains are notoriously unreliable.

Even if theirs were on time,

the boys would have less than two hours

to make the connection with the steamer to Greece.

On the other hand, if it should be late...

When does the next ferry sail?

There's only one a week.

Which means they'd arrive in Athens after the games are over.

I realize it's a long shot, Dr. Sloane,

but I think it's worth the gamble.

I don't think we have any choice.

I'll cable Gibraltar at once.

Ironic, isn't it?

The boys have no idea of their predicament.

There they are, somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic,

oblivious to it all.

Perhaps it's just as well.

At least this way they can relax and get some rest before the games.

I think I'm gonna die.

Jamie, you really don't like the sea, do you?

I've only been on two boat rides, Mr. Graham.

The first was that joyous crossing from Ireland.

I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

All of us stuck down in steerage, sick as dogs.

It was worth it, wasn't it?

Yeah, it was.

If you could've seen the look on me mother's face

when she got her first glimpse

of that Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor...

you'd know what I mean.

That's why I gotta win in Athens,

'cause it would've meant so much to her.

And I'm gonna win, too.

Oh, if I don't die before I get there.

Oh, no. You see that bucket right there?

Quickly, Mr. Graham, the bucket. Thanks.

You're on your own, lad.

Isn't anybody hungry?

Excuse me.

Sorry.

If he's not gonna eat it, would you pass his dessert?

Oh, how can you, Gardy?

I never get seasick. I love the sea.

But how can you eat so much?

For a swimmer, aren't you afraid you'll sink?

My father says a swimmer needs a lot of energy,

so he has to eat plenty of food,

especially sweets.

You know, like whipped cream...

meringue...

custard...

pies...

puddings...

cream cakes...

éclairs...

fudge...

doughnuts...

Boston cream pie...

chocolate chip cookies.

It's all mind over matter, you know.

You just have to concentrate on something else.

Gardner, I'm speechless.

Hoyt, you awake?

Uh-huh.

Did you know that the only contest in the first Olympics –

I mean the very first, 3,000 years ago –

was a footrace?

Unh-unh.

The 100 meters.

A fellow by the name of Coroebus won it,

so they named the first Olympiad after him.

The Coroebus Olympiad.

What's an Olympiad?

The four-year period between games.

Apparently it became a tradition,

naming the next Olympiad

after the winner of the 100-meter race.

Wonder if they're gonna carry on that tradition.

Why?

I'm running the 100-meter race.

I - I kind of like the sound of it.

The sound of what?

The Burke Olympiad.

What?

Go to sleep.

I was just thinking out loud.

Hoyt, here's some fruit for you and the boys.

Catch.

That's not bad, Hoyt.

Like it?

Yeah, let's just hope you can hurdle

as well as you can juggle.

That's it. Good.

Certainly, gentlemen.

What would you like? The standard start?

Anytime you're ready, Tyler.

Where should we do it?

- On the line. - Okay.

Take your marks.

Get set.

Go.

Outta the way!

You know, there ought to be a better way

for them to start off.

I see what you mean. Got any ideas?

Let's put on our thinking caps.

Eleven... twelve...

Do you talk to yourself a lot?

Talk?

Oh, I recite poetry. I always do.

The meter helps me keep the pace, you see.

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear

"Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,

"On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five;

"Hardly a man is still alive

Who remembers that famous day and year..."

That's it.

"...of the midnight ride of Paul Revere."

Takes all the work out of it.

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear..."

Ideally, what they need is a catapult.

Ideally.

Pull.

On the other hand, I doubt the Olympics committee

would allow any sort of mechanical aids.

I was speaking figuratively, Sumner.

Pull!

I got you.

Pull!

Like a good push.

Exactly. Something to help them get up a head of steam, and fast.

Pull two!

A way to shove off is what we're looking for.

Pull two!

Trouble is...

there's nothing to shove against.

Only the turf.

And that's under them, not behind.

Whole trouble with the world today, Sumner...

it's upside down.

Pull four.

That all depends on the way you look at it, John.

Pull four.

More bonbons, Gardy?

Don't you think you oughta be getting some exercise?

It's not the same for swimmers, Mr. Graham.

Too much exercise tightens the muscles.

A swimmer needs to be loose and relaxed.

At least, that's what my father said,

and he ought to know.

I sure hope your father knows best.

Captain says we'll dock in Gibraltar right on schedule.

Won't be soon enough for me, I'll tell you that.

We're gonna be the guests of the British garrison there.

They're gonna let us practice on their parade ground for a day.

Only one day?

I'm gonna need more time than that.

Well, don't forget, once we get to Athens,

we got a whole week to get the team in shape.

And you're gonna be in shape.

Says who?

Says me, Connolly.

The man's an optimist.

Hey, it's gettin' to be a bad habit with you, Connolly.

How'd you like to take a swim, Blake?

Oh, yeah?

Come on, come on, come on.

What have you got against Connolly?

I just don't happen to appreciate his cocky attitude, for one.

He's too arrogant for my taste.

Funny... that's what he said about you.

What?

I thought we were supposed to be a team.

That is the information as I have received it.

If you ask me, this team's been jinxed from the start.

Might as well just turn around and go back home, guys.

I can understand how you gentlemen must feel,

but Colonel Waverly and I

have been looking over Dr. Sloane's alternate route.

For what it's worth, I think we should give it a try.

Provided the Italian railroad is running on time for a change.

And the steamer to Greece doesn't leave Brindisi

before we get there.

Hey, wait a minute.

What are you talking about?

We have no choice but to try.

Now, I can't speak for the rest of you...

but I'm going to Athens.

All right, let's have a show of hands.

Who's for giving it a try?

Good.

Then let's get out there and get in some practice while we can.

Let's go, let's go!

Gentlemen, let's get to our starting positions.

Sumner, you give me the pistol on the start.

John, a clocking at the finish.

And Curtis, try your best.

Let's get them in line, now.

Where's the other one? There it is.

Back a bit.

That's right.

Excuse me.

All right, gentlemen, take your starting places, please.

Ready?

Set?

Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!

- What was the time on that? - Thirteen seconds.

Not bad, Tommy. Thirteen seconds.

I can do better. I know I can.

- If I could just get off faster. - What do you mean?

We can't get into our running fast enough.

I don't understand.

We do. We've been studying your problem,

and what you need is a hammer to push yourself off faster.

- Isn't that right, John? - Right you are, Sumner.

- A what? - A hammer.

Like this.

Twelve seconds!

You gained a full second, Tommy!

Thanks to the fastest guns in the East.

Let's do it again!

I want to use this position when we get to Athens.

If we get to Athens.

Yes, if.

We're gonna practice again, Curtis, just for you.

Let's go, let's go!

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Mr. Flack?

Wyngate – ADC to Ambassador Egerton.

- Welcome to Athens. - Thank you, Mr. Wyngate.

I suppose you'd like to meet the rest of the English team.

Yeah.

Some of the Hungarian team.

They've been in Athens for two weeks already.

They always strut about like that?

Constantly – even on the streets and in restaurants.

Takes all sorts, huh?

I'm afraid we're in no position to cast the first stone.

We've got one of our own.

Mr. Flack, this is Grantley Goulding.

He's sort of acting as captain of the English team.

Mr. Goulding.

Well, you're a skinny little runt, aren't you?

Still, you'll doubtless do better than this scruffy lot.

Makes no difference to me, though.

I'm going to win all the medals here.

Is that so?

You see these? I'm the real champion.

Very impressive.

What about the Americans? Don't they worry you?

Why should the Americans worry anybody?

They're scarcely more than novices.

Besides, haven't you heard?

They're not getting here till it's nearly over.

Typical of the Colonials. Always one step behind.

Yes, well, I shouldn't bet on it, Mr. Goulding.

We understand they might make it yet.

Excuse me.

What exactly is the trouble this time?

It's broken?

Can you fix it?

Can you fix it?

How long will it take?

How long? How many minutes will it take?

Another hour?

That's what they said.

We'll never get to Brindisi in time.

They keep assuring me we will.

They just don't want to see 14 grown men break down and cry.

Well, I'm not waiting around here.

Anybody for a stretch?

Yeah.

Maybe we can get a decent meal in town.

Okay, but don't go too far.

The minute you hear the train whistle,

get back here on the double.

- Yes, sir. - Hey, coming, Blake?

No. It's too hot.

I'm gonna lay down or something, I dunno.

See you later, Skip.

Yeah, Billy.

Tommy, can I use your cap?

Thanks.

Oh, boy.

That did the trick.

Let James Connolly take care of this.

You understand the lingo here.

My pleasure.

Signore.

What do we have here?

Take a look at this.

Grazie.

Come on.

What do you think?

You really want to know?

Yes.

It's very nice.

Why don't you go ask him how much it is?

You don't think I can?

Watch this.

I've been studying.

Trenta lire.

How much?

Thirty lire. Think I should get it?

It's only 50 cents. Why not?

Cheap at half the price.

Yes, but I think you have to bargain with these people.

Venti lire.

He says 20. What do you think?

- Grab it. - Yeah.

Lei un cornuto magnifico.

Come?

Lei un cornuto magnifico.

I don't think he understands you.

It's supposed to be a compliment.

- He doesn't seem to think so. - I paid you.

You have your money in full!

I can't believe this!

Now I have to buy the plates.

He's got a gun! Let's get out of here!

What did I say?

They're so touchy.

Just remain calm.

- Tyler. - Never mind the hellos.

- Keep walking. - What's wrong?

There's a gentleman with a gun in there

who has taken exception to something Garrett said.

A gun? What did Garrett say?

I called him a cornuto magnifico.

Blake said that if you want to make a big impression

with an Italian, you call him a cornuto magnifico.

You idiot! You called him a cuckold!

You said his wife sleeps with other men.

Oh, no. I thought it was something nice.

Yeah, if you're one of the other men, Garrett.

Which way's the station?

Wait, I don't think he's coming.

They don't mess around here, do they?

That's our train. Come on, this way!

- Are you sure? - Yes! Come on!

Come on!

Watch the mud!

Mud?

Come on! It's this way!

Tell 'em to hang on!

I left my billfold at the café. I gotta get it.

Signore! Signore, did you see a...

Move it!

Move it!

Hold on!

Garrett, where's Connolly?!

He's coming. He forgot his billfold.

Thanks a lot!

Where is Connolly, huh?

There he is!

My ticket's on the train.

It's on the choo-choo – my ticket.

Sorry, old fella.

I got a very... important date in Athens.

Excuse me, excuse me.

Come on!

Please, let me through.

Grab my hand.

- It's my leg. - Your leg?

Excuse me, I'm trying to get through.

Please, let me through.

You're lucky the bone's not broken, Skip.

But I gotta tell you, I don't think you're gonna run on that.

Nothing's gonna stop me from running, Coach.

Nothing's gonna stop me from running!

Bloody nuisance, this dress rehearsal.

They don't want to risk the possibility of any hitches.

Means a great deal to the Greeks to have these games revived.

I hear you've been having trouble finding runners.

I always felt that the English had the finest in the world.

Oh, bad timing. All our best runners

are tied up in some big competition at home –

the Pan-Britannic Games.

I had to enlist half my staff at the embassy,

or we'd only have two entrants.

Have you ever seen a filing clerk and a librarian

run the 100-meter?

Can't say I have.

Mr. Ambassador?

Yes. Very good.

Perhaps a little less passion, don't you think, Baron?

Absolutely. Will you inform our bandmaster

of Ambassador Egerton's reaction?

And now, with your permission, Ambassador Alexander,

the American theme.

What is that?

Is this some kind of practical joke?

It definitely sounds like it, Ambassador Alexander.

Mr. Dimitrios, "Yankee Doodle"

is certainly a lovely little tune,

but hardly in the mood and spirit of the occasion.

I'm afraid it was the only American sheet music

Colonel Podrinkis was able to locate.

Stop!

Stop!

Stop the music!

Stop!

Mr. Ambassador, I have an idea.

I think you told me that an American cruiser

is anchored in the harbor.

Yes, the U.S.S. San Francisco.

Don't you think that their bandmaster

could rustle up a piece that could somehow convey musically

what America represents,

which is the whole point, isn't it?

That's a good idea, Baron –

not that I think we'll need the music,

the way things are going.

Bad bit of luck about your boys.

Any word on their progress?

Well, I know that they caught the train to Brindisi.

The question now is

will they make the connection with the steamer?

You're very late.

Yes, I know. Are these our carriages?

All right, okay. Let's go, fellas.

- Where we going? - These carriages.

First carriage, yeah. Come on, let's go.

Where do you want me to go, Coach?

Let's go. Come on. Let's go.

On the carriages. On the carriages.

I'm going.

Let's go. Get on, get on.

Is this thing safe with all of us?

Take this, Robert. Take this.

All aboard! Go! Go!

Go! Go!

Hey! Get off! Get off!

Hey!

Hey, hey, hey!

- Ah, Mr. Flack. Good afternoon. - G'day.

- You have visitors. - Oh, yeah? Who?

Ma! Pa!

Son!

Great to see you, son!

What are you doing here?

We'll watch the games.

Come on! Let's go, let's go!

Get on! Everybody on! Everybody on!

Come on!

- Hoyt! - Hoyt, come on!

I'm coming! Catch!

Jeez!

You almost became a swimmer.

So, tell me, how was the voyage?

Great. Couldn't have been better. I've always loved the sea.

We had one storm after another.

I spent the whole trip confined to our cabin.

None for me, thank you –

Try some, Annabella. Doesn't look too bad.

- I'd rather not. - You're not ill, are you, Ma?

Oh, of course not, my sweet.

Simply not very hungry, that's all.

It's probably the excitement of seeing you again after so long.

Waiter?

Waiter?

Would you take this away, please?

Just bring me some clear soup.

Why must they drown everything in grease?

They don't drown everything in grease.

That was swimming in oil.

There's a difference. Olive oil is vegetable.

Grease is animal fat.

You know that, of course, in the slaughtering business.

Whatever it was, it turns my stomach.

I hope we're not gonna have a fuss every meal.

I am not making a fuss.

I simply have a discriminating palate –

something you wouldn't know about.

What's that supposed to mean?

Only that you'll eat any swill that's put in front of you.

That doesn't say much for your cooking, does it, old dear?

Well, isn't it nice to be back together again?

You mean to tell me the United States has no national anthem?

We never adopted one... officially.

So what do you play at state occasions?

One of two pieces.

Either this –

O Columbia, the gem of the ocean

The home of the brave and the free

The shrine of each patriot's devotion

A world offers homage to thee

Thy mandates make heroes assemble

When Liberty's form stands in view

Thy banners make tyranny tremble

When borne by the red, white, and blue

Or, lately, they've been playing this too.

Of course, it has no lyrics.

Very nice, very nice.

Both very nice.

But which one shall I use for the games?

Take your pick.

It was nice to have met you.

Nice to have met you, too, and thank you again.

Obviously there is no choice.

So, make up full arrangements for the good one.

I'll need them in the morning.

William?

Are you all right, dear?

Mm-hmm. Couldn't sleep.

You're just too excited.

Can you hear it?

Hear what, dear?

Listen.

Only the crickets.

What am I listening for?

Cheering.

Over there.

Half a world away.

At this very moment,

after 1,500 years...

it's about to begin again.

And they're cheering, Mary...

for our boys.

Yes.

I think I can hear it now.

Raise them.

Fix your button.

There. Now you're a credit to your regiment.

But smile, for goodness sake.

You look like you just lost your best friend.

I think I'm going to be sick.

Nonsense. On Friday you must be a hero,

but today, you are only on the parade.

There's no place to hide, my boy.

This is your destiny.

Now, take a deep breath, and try to relax.

Harold, dear, help me.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen...

the athletes of the competing nations.

Australia.

Harold, there he is. Look.

Austria.

Wyngate, who is that for Australia?

That chap? Edwin Flack, sir.

Thought he was one of ours.

Isn't he running for the England team?

Chile.

Oh, look at him.

Edwin! Edwin!

Steady, Annabel.

- Horton. - Sir?

Unless they missed that boat, they oughta be here by now.

Get them here as fast as possible.

Yes, sir.

Sorry, mister.

Documents not in order.

Not in order?

What do you mean they're not in order?

It says here you arrive in Athens next Thursday.

This is Piraeus.

Documents not in order.

Now, you listen to me, my good man,

my boys have just come halfway across the world to get here on time.

Half of them have dysentery. Most are weak with seasickness.

We haven't had a good night's sleep or a decent meal in over a week.

Now we're here, I'm damned if I'm going to let some petty-minded –

What seems to be the trouble here?

What's it to you?

Felix Horton, United States Consul in Athens.

Am I glad to see you.

- Welcome to Greece. - Thank you.

Great Britain!

Hungary.

- Sweden. - Who is that, Wyngate?

Goulding, sir.

Switzerland.

United States.

Greece.

Hellas, Hellas, niki, Hellas.

I'll be!

They made it!

Good luck, Mr. Graham.

Thank you, Mr. Horton.

Glory be to God.

You can say that again.

Look at that!

At least we're protected, huh?

Come on!

In front of the flag! In front of the flag!

Ellery, put the bag down!

Gardner!

Skip, in front of the flag!

We pray that the immortal spirit of antiquity

will give life and animation to these noble new games.

After a lapse of 1,500 years,

we declare this modern Olympics open.

Let the games begin!

All participants in the 100-,

the 400-,

the 800-meter heats,

the discus, and the triple jump,

you have five minutes to report to the track.

Five minutes.

All right, up, up, up, up, up.

Up. Hand in hand. Good.

Again, again, again.

Mr. Graham, I am Persakis, your track host for the games.

Mr. Persakis, pleased to meet you.

Is your team ready?

They're just loosening up now.

Mr. Tyler, this is Mr. Persakis.

- Good to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

Why don't you come this way and meet some of the others.

Sumner and John Paine, this is our host for the Olympic games, Mr. Persakis.

Just want to wish you luck out there, Skip.

I don't want anything from you, Connolly.

Just stay away from me.

- Good luck. - Thanks a lot, James.

- Good luck. - Thanks, Jamie.

The first event will be the qualifying heats

for the 100-meter race.

In heat one, Mr. Lane and Mr. Burke of the United States,

Mr. Subercaseaux of Chile,

Mr. Atkins...

Gentlemen, on your marks.

...Mr. Dupont of France,

and Mr. Szabo of Hungary.

Get set.

United States qualified.

In heat two, the runners are Mr. Curtis of the United States,

Mr. Szokolyi of Hungary,

Mr. Schmidt of Denmark,

Mr. Tonoire of France,

Mr. Elliot of Great Britain...

Take your marks.

Get set.

Mr. Curtis of the United States

wins the second heat for the 100 meters.

In the third and final heat of the 100 meters,

the runners are Mr. Jamison, United States,

Mr. Lermusiaux, France...

Take your marks.

Mr. Sjöberg, Sweden, Mr. Gennimatas...

Get set.

I say, you chaps are part of the American team, aren't you?

We sure are.

Where did you get this new starting position?

- It's an American invention. - What do you call it?

That's the famous Four-Point Hammer. We thought everybody knew that.

Four-Point Hammer? Must remember that.

Way to go!

The next event this morning will be the triple jump final.

Jamie! Jamie! It's the triple jump!

The finals!

Finals? No elimination first?

Not for this event.

Each man will have one try only.

This is it, then. I better make it good.

Good luck, lad.

Next to jump, Mr. Tuffèri of France.

Thirty-seven feet, five inches.

Next, Mr. Karapas of Greece.

Karapas holds the world record.

It's a very impressive jump.

Karapas of Greece – 39 feet, 10 inches!

And the final contestant,

Mr. Connolly of the United States.

Come on, lad.

Jamie! Jamie!

We won!

Quickly, the American anthem.

Nice tune.

It's more appropriate than the first one,

but I don't know if it'll catch on.

What's that tune they're playing?

It sounds Greek to me.

The first Olympic champion in 1,500 years.

Dean Elliott tried to keep him from coming.

This is for you, Ma.

This is for you.

The next event

is the first qualifying heat of the 800-meter race.

Gentlemen, take your mark.

Get set.

Come on, lad!

Hey!

Oh, he's won!

By George!

Well, it seems –

It seems our Mr. Flack has just qualified for the finals.

...of Hungary and Mr. Flack of Australia...

Well, it seems Mr. Flack isn't ours after all.

Apparently he's running for Australia.

...are in lanes one and two.

Mr. Lermusiaux of France in lane three,

and Mr. Blake of the United States in lane four...

Excuse me. Excuse me.

Why do you wear the white gloves?

Because I run before the king...

of course.

Oh... of course.

Gentlemen, please take your marks.

Get set.

Come on. Come on, Skip.

That's it.

...the 800-meter race,

Mr. Blake of the United States...

Good running, Skip. How's your leg?

It's fine. It's okay.

I just need to get off it, though, okay?

Get up to the changing room.

Thanks.

The next event will be the discus.

Crown Prince Constantine, Duke of Sparta, will officiate.

You ready?

Good luck.

Now throwing is Mr. Schumann of Germany.

Next, Mr. Versis of Greece.

Hellas, niki, Hellas.

Hellas, Hellas, niki, Hellas.

Hellas, Hellas...

What are they chanting?

Hellas, Hellas, niki, Hellas –

Greece, Greece, win, Greece, win.

Hometown boys?

Both Versis and Paraskevopoulous are national heroes.

They can throw better than 90 feet.

They have nothing to worry about.

Garrett's best throw is maybe 75 feet.

Perhaps that is for the best.

This is one event a Greek must win.

It is a matter of national pride.

Next, Mr. Paraskevopoulous of Greece.

Excuse me, mister...

Garrett, sir, of the United States.

...Garrett, what have you there?

Oh, this is my discus, sir.

I'm afraid we can't allow you to use that, Mr. Garrett.

But –

You'll have to use the official discus like all the others.

Sir, I don't think that's fair.

Those are the rules, Mr. Garrett.

I'm afraid you have to.

Sir, I don't think that's fair!

What's going on?

Looks like there's trouble about his discus.

The discus.

You want me to throw this?

I'm afraid you'll have to.

Yes, sir, if you insist.

My God, it looks half the size.

It weighs approximately two kilos,

about four of your pounds, I believe.

It is half the size.

Next, Mr. Garrett of the United States.

That was a magnificent throw. Don't you agree with me? Bravo.

At 95 feet, 7 5/8 inches,

the winner is Mr. Garrett of the United States.

- My first recruit. - Where's he from?

Princeton.

Well, well, well.

Winning is something you must do all alone,

by yourself and for yourself,

and once you've achieved it,

no one can ever take it away from you.

Come on, come on.

Mr. Garrett!

Get him upstairs! I got to send a telegram!

Come on! Mr. Garrett! Mr. Garrett!

Mr. Garrett, I am Koulermos of the Athens Express.

Do you have something to say to the Greek people?

I –

Mr. Garrett, I need something to print about you!

I'll tell you what to print.

Say Alexander the Great once conquered Greece,

but today that young man conquered the world

and again put the Greeks to shame.

"I know it's a great honor,

"but I can't help feeling that I only won by a fluke.

"The Greeks were terribly disappointed.

"They wanted to win the discus, the shot put, and the marathon

"more than anything.

"Of course, Mr. Graham keeps reminding me

"that that's what competition is all about – winning.

"But somehow as I sit here looking at my medal,

"I get the uneasy feeling that winning isn't everything.

"I can think of other things

that seem more important to me now."

Just coming through.

Well, Mr. Bulgardis?

I can't make heads or tails of it,

but I'll give it to you just as it came through.

"First day – Lane, Burke, Curtis, Jamison

"qualify for 100-meter finals. Stop.

"Jamison, Lane, Burke qualify, 400-meter finals. Stop.

"Blake qualifies, 800-meter finals. Stop.

"Connolly wins first gold medal,

"1,500 years for triple jump. Stop.

"Garrett wins second gold medal, discus. Stop.

Athens golden. Stop. Graham."

Does that make any sense to you?

It's a mystery to me, Mr. Bulgardis.

It's a mystery to me.

God bless them.

Our boys, William.

Our boys!

In the first heat of the 110-meter hurdles

are Mr. Curtis and Mr. Hoyt of the United States,

Mr. Tuffèri of France...

Gentlemen, take your marks.

Get set.

Yeah!

Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Curtis have achieved equal time

and are the co-winners of the first...

It was even-steven!

You two boys run like that in the final,

they're gonna have to give two golds!

Nice work, fellas.

In the second heat are Mr. Sjöberg of Sweden,

Mr. Goulding of Great Britain, Mr. Traun of Germany,

and Mr. Skaltsogiannis of Greece.

Goulding! Goulding! Goulding!

What on earth does he think he's doing?

Bit of puffery, I'm afraid. Seems to be his style.

The man's an ass, and he'll give us a bad name if he goes on like that.

Take your marks, please, gentlemen.

Get set.

Well, well.

Well, at least he'll give the Americans

something to think about in the finals.

Come and dance with me, Eleni.

I don't feel like dancing.

Why so sad?

Everything is changing.

Everything is wonderful.

How can it be wonderful if I'm losing you?

Losing me? That's impossible.

When you are a hero, you'll belong to them,

to all those people.

Never. I'll always be yours.

So... ha! This is the famous Eleni, huh?

Now I can see why a man can run his heart off,

for a face like this.

Leave her alone, Sergeant.

Can't you see you're embarrassing her?

Embarrassing her?

Oh, I tell you, my pretty child, if this lovesick ass of yours

wins the marathon, we will build a monument to you –

two monuments, perhaps one in every city, huh?

You will be as famous as Helen of Troy.

The face that won a marathon.

You mustn't count so much on my winning, Sergeant.

What if I should lose?

Don't talk such nonsense. Of course you're going to win.

There is no man who can match my boy's endurance.

You tempt the fates when you boast like that.

I defy them to prove me wrong.

Even the fates know

that my son has the wings of Hermes on his heels.

There will be many, many of us running, Father,

all good men.

I say there isn't a man who can beat you.

You may be wrong.

This American, the one who won the discus yesterday,

he's good, very good.

The next event will be the broad-jump finals.

First is Mr. Khalkokondilis of Greece.

Niki, Hellas!

Mr. Connolly of the United States.

Good jump!

Mr. Garrett of the United States.

Come on, Robert!

And Mr. Clark, also of the United States.

Good jump, Ellery!

Maybe President Cleveland will become a sports enthusiast after all.

Maybe.

Horton, what's next?

The 400-meter finals, sir.

Gentlemen, take your marks.

...of the United States.

Also, Mr. Elliot of Great Britain

and Mr. Lermusiaux of France.

Get set.

The White House will never believe this.

You Americans are winning everything.

I suppose we should be delighted for our cousins across the pond,

but it's damned embarrassing.

We have won two gold medals in lawn tennis, sir.

Lawn tennis?

Don't sneer, Edwin. It's a fine sport.

The track-and-field events are the only ones that count.

Everyone knows that.

Well, there may be hope yet, sir.

The 1,500-meter finals are next.

Major event.

Flack is running...

The Australian chap.

Take your marks.

Get set.

Come on, Skip!

Come on, Skip!

Hellas, Hellas, niki, Hellas!

Come on! Come on, Skip!

No! No!

Oh! My boy! My boy!

Wyngate.

Yes, sir?

I want that young man in my office

tomorrow before the games.

Yes, sir.

The next event will be the shot-put final.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Constantine

will officiate.

First up, Mr. Gouskos of Greece.

Hellas, Hellas, niki, Hellas!

The next competitor

is Mr. Garrett of the United States.

Try this one, Mr. Garrett.

The winner is Mr. Garrett,

with a new record throw.

You see? You see?

Like it says in my article, nobody can beat this Garrett,

not even the Greeks.

Does that mean you're not going back to Oxford?

I haven't decided yet. I'm still...

But it was all settled.

You were going to study law, then come home and set up a practice.

Things have changed, Ma.

Changed?

I don't know what you mean. Nothing's changed.

Well, I've changed. Things have moved on.

I'm not the same person

that I was when I left home two years ago.

I've got to rethink my future.

Annabella, this is hardly the place.

This is important, Harold. It could affect his whole life.

What about Eileen McGovern?

Eileen McGovern?

Yeah, she's your fiancée, Edwin.

He hasn't actually asked for her hand as yet.

Well, it's certainly his intention.

His or yours, Mrs. Flack?

Edwin?

Well, I'm – I'm – I'm not sure anymore, Ma.

A lovely girl like that.

One of the finest families in Melbourne.

I can't imagine what's got into you.

He's learning to think for himself.

I'm sure it's all the same to you if the boy throws away his future.

You'd probably be content if he married a barmaid,

so long as she was a good breeder.

Mother, please!

I'm not content to see him manipulated

into a marriage he doesn't want.

Pa, can we please discuss this later?

You mean you haven't been trying to manipulate him

all these years into the meatpacking business with you?

Some kind of future that'd be.

If it was good enough for my father

and it's good enough for me –

"Then it's good enough for my son."

Will you ever stop repeating that mindless slogan?

Will you show a little respect for my trade?

Respect? I've lived with the stench too long.

Stop it! Why don't you just give it a rest?!

You've been using me to get at one another all my life!

If this is what you came over here for,

I wish you'd both just go back to Australia!

Edwin!

Let him go.

I never meant the boy any harm.

Talk to him, Harold. Bring him back.

If it's not too late.

Lord Byron, the English poet, has his named carved here.

See? Byron.

I'm sorry, lad.

Why do you put up with it, Pa?

Because I love her,

and I know, in her own way, she loves me.

Oh, I know it doesn't show, at least not much anymore,

but there were some good times, some great times.

I only wish you could've known her then.

What made her change?

Well, your mother had a lot of disappointments in her life.

She was brought up with grand expectations...

too great for me to fulfill, I'm afraid.

I'm a simple man, a rough man,

not at all what she had in mind, I'm sure.

Then why did she marry you?

I fancy she was blinded by love...

but love wasn't enough.

It couldn't make all her dreams come true.

It couldn't make me any more than the local butcher.

Then you came along, the only thing in her life

that's never been a disappointment to her.

Don't you see, son? You're her great chance.

The chance to make her dreams come true.

And what about my dreams?

Well, she's your mother.

I suspect she'll be just as glad

if your dreams come true instead.

So go to it, lad. Live your life.

She won't approve.

Ah, yes. Like me, she'll come to realize

no one can live your life for you.

God, why do I need to win so badly?

Show the world who you are.

I don't even know who I am.

Aye.

Why, aren't you the lad from Australia

no one had heard of before yesterday?

What's his name...

Flack?

"And when asked for a comment

"after winning the gold medal for the discus,

"Mr. Garrett said, 'Alexander the Great once conquered Greece.

" 'Today I conquered the world

and put the Greeks to shame again.' "

I'm afraid it's been reprinted

in all the major European and American newspapers.

I never – I didn't –

We know, Robert. We know.

Mr. Garrett, the man who wrote this is an irresponsible idiot.

I apologize on behalf of my fellow Greeks.

First thing tomorrow morning, I'll go down to the newspaper office

and demand a complete retraction.

Please excuse me. I need some air.

Let him be, Skip.

It's late. Tomorrow's a rough day.

Let's all get some sleep.

Thank you, Mr. Persakis.

Good night, Jamie.

Twenty-three, please.

What happened to Connolly's hand?

He smashed it into a concrete wall

when you lost out to Flack.

Thirty-one.

He still feels pretty bad about your leg.

You're not making it any easier on him.

Why should I?

You behave as though he did it on purpose.

You know, Skip, I'm disappointed in you.

Frankly, I thought you were made of better stuff.

Thirty-six, please.

Oh, it's you, is it?

Look, I'm in no mood for another go-round with you,

so if you don't mind –

I was wondering – I thought you might like to join me.

What's that?

It's called ouzo.

It's an old-fashioned remedy.

Remedy? For what?

Well, they say it's a guaranteed painkiller.

I heard about your hand...

so I figured maybe we could both use a healthy bolt, huh?

What do you say?

Get in here.

You know, it's like me Uncle Mike used to say –

never spit in the eye of a man who's offering you a free drink

until after you've had the drink.

I'd like to see Uncle Mike.

Yeah, well, you will.

I've got some glasses over here.

Damn it all, Flack.

There's such a thing as loyalty, you know?

Loyalty, sir?

After all, you're only here

because the London Athletic Club's footing the bill.

That should count for something.

I'm very grateful to them, of course.

You've a fine way of showing it.

I wear their emblem on my tunic, as we agreed,

but that's all we agreed.

Look here, my boy.

Great Britain needs a winner.

We've had a damn poor showing so far.

You know as well as I,

England's got the finest runners in the world.

If they'd been here,

we'd have had our share of those gold medals, by George,

and then some.

The irony is, they were all kept at home

for the ruddy Pan-Britannic Games,

and now the damn thing's been cancelled.

Cancelled?

Can you imagine?

Of course, it's too late

to get any of our best men here in time.

It's damn frustrating.

I might have been in the same predicament myself.

I qualified for the Pan-Britannic Games.

Why didn't you participate?

The Oxford team didn't want me, sir.

They said it was only for Englishmen.

Well, then. Well, here's your chance.

Run for us in the 800-meter this afternoon

and you can win for England.

That'll show them.

I'm afraid it's impossible, sir.

I'm asking you as a personal favor to me, Flack.

I'm sorry, sir, but I can't.

I should think you'd consider it an honor

to run for England.

An honor?

Let me set you straight about something, Mr. Ambassador.

My grandfather was a Pommy.

That's what's carved on his tombstone –

P-O-M-E, prisoner of Mother England.

He was sent to Australia as a convict,

a criminal because he was in debt.

When the penal system was finally abolished,

he worked hard and became a respected member of the community,

owner of the biggest meatpacking company in Victoria.

My father runs the business today.

Eventually I'll take over from him, I imagine.

What I'm saying, sir, is that Australia is my country.

I consider it an honor to run for her.

Quite frankly, I don't give a damn for England...

or for most of the English.

You Aussies are a cocky lot.

It must be something in the beer, sir.

Next is the 800-meter final.

The competitors are Mr. Dáni of Hungary...

Gentlemen, take your marks.

...of France,

Mr. Blake of the United States,

Mr. Flack of Australia,

Mr. Schmidt of Germany,

and Mr. Versis of Greece.

Get set.

Come on, Skip! Come on, come on!

Come on! Yes! Come on!

Run, Skip!

Come on, Edwin!

Come on, come on, come on!

Come on!

Come on, Edwin!

Run, Skip!

Come on, Edwin!

Come on!

Edwin, come on!

Come on!

Yeah!

Which one won?

I don't know.

Come on!

Who was it?

It was close. He won.

Blake?

We got a decision, a split decision.

Give it to us.

The judges have ruled

that the winner of the 800-meter final

is Mr. Flack of Australia.

Mr. Blake of the United States is second.

In third place, Mr. Dáni of Hungary.

Bravo.

Take a look at that.

All right, Flack! All right, Skip!

I'll give him this much, Wyngate –

the lad has style.

That's your son, Mrs. Flack.

And yours, Mr. Flack.

Haven't done too badly after all, have we?

Firing completed.

Check the score, please.

All right, Sumner, which of us wins this one?

I don't mean to be churlish, John,

but you've already won your gold medal.

Say no more, Sumner. Say no more.

Next competitor, Mr. John Paine of the United States.

You may commence firing.

Firing completed. Check the score, please.

Gentlemen, take your marks.

Good luck, Gardy. Show them what you're made out of.

- I don't need luck, Coach. - Attaboy.

Good luck.

Get set.

What's wrong, Williams?

I'm not swimming in that water.

- Why not? - It's freezing.

The high-jump bar will now be raised

to 5 feet, 11 1/4 inches.

Mr. Garrett of the United States.

Go, Robert! Go, Robert!

Next, Mr. Connolly of the United States.

Come on, Jamie, let's go! You can do this!

Next, Mr. Clark, also of the United States.

Ladies and gentlemen, the results are in.

Thanks for your patience.

"High jump –

"Clark first, Connolly second, Garrett third. Stop.

"Broad jump –

"Clark first, Connolly second, Garrett third. Stop.

"400-meter race –

"Burke first, Jamison second, Lane third. Stop.

"Shot put – Garrett wins second gold medal! Stop.

"1,500-meter race – Blake second. Stop.

"25-meter revolvers –

"John Paine first, Sumner Paine second. Stop.

"30-meter revolvers –

"Sumner Paine first, John Paine second. Stop.

"800-meter race – Blake second by hair. Stop.

"Swimmer down drain. Stop.

"Tomorrow last day. Stop. Team delirious. Stop.

Hope you are same. Stop. Graham."

Three cheers for Dr. Sloane!

I'll second that!

Hip, hip, hooray!

Come in.

Am I disturbing you?

Oh, Edwin.

Shouldn't you be getting ready to leave?

I wanted to talk to you about something before I left.

Where's Pa?

He's gone down to see the desk clerk

about our travel arrangements.

Probably catch him in the lobby.

Actually, it was you I wanted to talk to.

I've decided not to go back to Oxford after all.

I'm going home, and I'll finish off at Trinity College.

Well...

I'm glad you've come to a decision.

You must be very relieved.

You mean you don't mind?

If it's what you want, it's what I want.

I can't tell you how pleased I am to hear you say that.

Actually, I've made some very foolish mistakes

in the past, Edwin,

particularly, I'm ashamed to say, where you're concerned.

- You don't have to – - Please.

I want you to know I've turned over a new leaf.

Now, at my age, that may be difficult,

but I'm – I'm determined to succeed.

That much I owe you.

Well, I've never known you not to succeed...

especially when you put your mind to a thing.

Lucky for me, I have your father.

He's a very wise and patient man.

- I'm just beginning to learn that. - Yeah, so am I.

I suppose this means

we'll be traveling back to Australia together.

Well, actually, I'm afraid you'll be making

the voyage home by yourself.

Why's that?

Well, you see, when we leave here,

your father and I are going to England...

England?

On our second honeymoon.

Well, what do you know about that?

"And the reporter regrets any embarrassment

he has caused Mr. Garrett as a result."

There. You see, Robert, a complete retraction.

Wait, there's more.

I'm afraid, Robert, like it or not,

you have an unshakable admirer in this fool Koulermos.

"However, in this reporter's humble opinion,

"Mr. Garrett should have made the remarks attributed to him.

He has conquered the world and put the Greeks to shame."

Hear, hear.

I certainly hope the Greeks don't think I feel that way.

If they thought I was boasting –

No one thinks you were boasting, Robert.

You won those medals fair and square, didn't he, fellas?

Besides, we Greeks still have a chance to win the marathon,

although, to tell you the truth,

most bets are on you and the Greek boy – Spyros Louis.

All right, all right, all right! Let's go! Let's go!

Blake, Garrett, the wagons are ready and waiting!

You're off to the marathon. Let's go!

- Let's go, you guys. - Let's go, let's go.

Do you think you could have a bicycle waiting out front

first thing in the morning?

Nice evening. These our wagons down here?

Yes, Mr. Graham, these are the new wagons down there.

Good luck, Skip. This is your wagon over here.

Good, steady pace.

Good luck, Skip.

Good luck, Skip. You can do it.

It's no distance at all.

Bring us back some more gold from the mountains.

If I can carry any, I will.

Good luck, Robert.

I'll be waiting for you at the end of that tunnel.

I'll get there as soon as I can, Coach.

Good luck, Robert. Good luck, Skip.

Goodbye. I'll see you later.

Certainly, certainly.

We'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night.

Good luck, Skip.

- Good luck, Skip! - Good luck, Skip!

Keep a nice, even pace!

Mr. Persakis, what's all that?

It's the Greek boy I mentioned,

the shepherd from Maroussi named –

Spyridon Louis.

That's right.

Good luck, Robert! Run!

Good luck, Robert!

All right, wish me luck.

Mr. Persakis, what are they singing?

It's an old folk song –

"Out of a barren land, out of a dead land,

"One great one goes...

the hope of Greece."

How about you? Are you ready for this?

I think 40 kilometers

is more than anyone's gonna be able to cope with.

A mile's about my limit. After that, I'm finished.

These Greeks here have been in training for a long time.

They mean business.

Louis, Spyros Louis.

Garrett.

- Robert Garrett? - Yeah.

What did he say?

He says your name is very well-known to all the Greeks now.

Please tell him that I said nothing of the things

that were in the newspaper. None of that was –

He would not know anything about that.

He can't read nor write.

But he says he sympathizes with you.

He sympathizes with me? Why?

What? What's he –

He says winning must be like dying and going to heaven...

both frightening and beautiful.

Frightening because you must go through it alone...

and beautiful because it gives you eternal life.

Aionis zoi.

- Aionis zoi. - Aionis zoi.

Eternal life.

Aionis zoi.

You're up early for a man with a free day.

Coming to the stadium?

No, I got a little debt to settle today.

Oh, yes?

Yeah.

Thanks.

I'll see you later, all right?

All right.

Are you sure you wouldn't rather come to the stadium?

No, I'm not sure.

Mr. Flack, Mr. Blake, good morning.

Good day for the marathon.

- Yeah, good day. - Yes. Good luck.

The Greeks take their religion very seriously, Mr. Garrett.

He's been praying like this all night.

I watched him from here till midnight...

and when I came back at dawn, he was still here.

When that young man runs today, Mr. Garrett...

he won't be running merely for himself.

He will be running for all Greeks like him...

for all those who share with him the poverty, the ignorance,

the hopelessness that is a peasant's life.

In his heart he understands

he will be carrying with him their hopes and their dreams

when he enters that stadium today.

For an illiterate shepherd, Mr. Garrett,

that is a terrifying burden...

so he prays for strength.

I almost envy him.

Look at the height of that.

That's three feet!

I could jump that with a toothpick!

Listen to them! They're laughing!

Those are the rules, Mr. Tyler.

The bar must start at three feet and be raised one inch

after every jump until all but one man has been eliminated.

- The competition's ridiculous. - It sure is.

You're not required to start jumping

until you think it is at a height you wish to try.

We'll wait.

The next competitor, Mr. Sjöberg of Sweden.

Gentlemen!

May I have your attention, please?

The marathon run will be 40 kilometers –

or exactly 24 miles, 1,500 yards –

from here to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

When you reach the stadium,

you will make a turn of the outer perimeter

before you enter and go to the finish line.

Villages along the route have set out drinks and refreshments

for the runners.

You are welcome to help yourselves.

Medical attention will be available

for those who require it

in wagons traveling in front of the runners and at the rear.

And now, if you will all take your positions...

Line in twos on this path, please.

- Ready... - Louis! Louis!

Go!

Look out.

The pole-vault bar is now at four feet, three inches.

Wake me up when they get to six feet.

What, are we allowed to stop here?

Yes.

Thanks.

What is this, wine?

It's great.

Good on you, mate. Thanks a lot.

Gentlemen, you must start jumping now or withdraw.

But it's not high enough.

There are only the two of you left.

Well, look, can we move the bar up a bit?

I'm afraid that's impossible. The rules, you see.

We know, we know. One inch at a time.

We have just received word that the marathon runners

have passed through the village of Pikermi.

Mr. Blake of the United States is in the lead.

Right!

Thank you very much.

- Good luck. - Thanks.

Good, good, good. Good, good, good.

I love this.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Will participants in the 100-meter final

report to the start immediately.

100 meters – let's go, let's go.

Good luck, good luck, good luck.

If one of you doesn't win this, you're on the boat back.

Gentlemen, take your marks.

Get set...

Run, run, run, run! Let's go, let's go!

Burke, Burke, Burke!

Yeah!

Good running, good running.

Tommy! Well done, Tommy!

I knew it was you all the way, Tommy.

G'day. Can I have some of this?

- Yeah, yeah. - Thank you.

Thank you.

You're gonna be able to start your own shrubbery soon.

Thanks, Ed.

I kind of like the sound of it –

"The Burke Olympiad."

Hey, move over, American.

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear

"Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,

"On the eighteenth of April in Seventy-Five;

"Hardly a man is still alive

Who remembers that famous day and year."

Sorry, me Skip, but alas I fear

That water's the best we can do for you here.

But if you should win this endless race,

We'll drown you in ouzo by the case

And prop you up and let them cheer

And name you the biggest drunk of the year.

Come on, Skip, here we go.

This is a big turn coming up here.

Take this turn right here.

The next event will be the final for the 110-meter hurdles.

In lane one, Mr. Curtis of the United States.

In lane two...

Go, Curtis. Good luck.

Stop that Goulding guy.

You and Hoyt stop that Goulding guy!

From the United States...

They just called the hurdles. I gotta go.

I'm sorry, Mr. Hoyt, you cannot leave one event for another.

If I don't leave, I can't run the hurdles.

There is nothing I can do about it.

This is unbelievable!

What do you mean there's nothing you can do?

Excuse me. What's the problem?

I'm sorry, Mr. Graham, it is now Mr. Tyler's turn.

If Mr. Hoyt is not here to take his turn after that,

Mr. Tyler will win by default.

When does Mr. Tyler have to make his jump?

As soon as he's ready.

Well, Tyler... you ready?

No, sir, no.

I've done something to my...

Thanks, Coach.

Goulding! Goulding! Goulding!

This man should not be competing.

I quite agree, Baron. The man's a bloody nincompoop.

Still, beggars can't be choosers.

He is the only professional on our team.

These games are for amateurs.

Making money should never intrude on the Olympic ideal.

Oh, you mean the perfect panacea for a troubled world,

the selfless pursuit of lofty ideals and so forth and so on?

Yes. Yes.

Two weeks – two little weeks every four years.

Not too much to ask, is it?

Makes sense.

- 10 drachmas, Goulding wins. - Okay, I'll take bet.

- Gentlemen, take your marks. - I'll take the American.

Get set...

Go! Go, go, go!

Yeah!

Congratulations, Tommy.

Thanks.

Can you hold these for me?

Yeah, sure.

Only a silver?

Hardly worth waiting for.

Well, I've still got one chance to get a gold.

- Aren't you forgetting something? - What?

Me.

"Thus at the flaming forge of life

"Our fortunes must be wrought;

"Thus at the sounding anvil shaped

Each burning deed and thought!"

Come on! Come on, Skip!

Skip!

You gotta get up! Skip, you gotta get up.

Now, come on, now – the meter.

Come on. Catch your breath.

- Catch your breath. - I'm all right.

Now, listen to the meter.

"Thus at the flaming forge" –

Here we go. Here we go, Skip.

"Thus at the flaming forge of life

Our fortunes must be wrought" –

Watch that turn.

"Thus at the sounding anvil shaped

Each burning deed and thought!"

Come on, Skip! Looking good now! Let's go!

"Under the spreading chestnut tree The village smithy stands;

The smith, a mighty man is he" –

I'm right here, Skip.

I can't make it.

I know.

...10 feet, 9 3/4 inches.

"Where Alph, the sacred river, ran...

"Through caverns measureless to man...

Down to a sunless sea."

They're coming.

Keep going.

Keep going.

And win!

We're at the end, Skip.

It's the end.

Remember the day we had the fight?

You remember that?

That eliminates Mr. Tyler.

Mr. Hoyt of the United States is the winner.

The marathon runners have now reached the outer perimeter

and will soon enter the stadium.

Spyridon Louis of Greece is in the lead.

Mr. Robert Garrett of the United States is second.

Go, now, Robert!

Come on, Robert, go!

Spyros! Spyros! Spyros!

- Come on! - Take him! Come on!

No!

Louis! Louis! Louis!

Louis! Louis! Louis!

Robert Garrett?

Baron.

Congratulations.

Sir, congratulations really belong to you.

Robert Garrett, I'm going to tell you the truth.

I do feel like one of you –

an athlete in the stadium after the longest, toughest race –

elated and exhausted.

And you've won.

Come.

Where are you from?

Just outside Melbourne.

Good performance, Mr. Flack.

Thank you, sir.

You Americans did very well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr. Curtis.

Nice meeting you.

It was really good.

Mr. Garrett, sir.

That was excellent, Mr. Garrett.

Pistol champion.

- Well done. - Well done.

We appreciate your winning.

Louis! Louis! Louis!

Here they come!

There's Mr. Connolly!

Right, now! Get that flag up! I think he's coming!

James!

Jamie! Over here!

Jamie, come on!

Jamie!

Our champion!

Mike, I want you to meet somebody.

All right? Stay here.

Thank you, sir. How are you?

I guess you came down to meet the team, then, huh?

- What? - Ah, the hell with it!

Listen, I want you to meet my Uncle Mike, okay? Come on.

Hello.

You're the little lass, are you? It's lovely meeting you.

And Garrett! Mr. Garrett!

- Welcome back, Mr. Garrett! - Welcome home!

Robert! Robert, over here!

Mother.

- You look wonderful. - Oh, so do you.

Oh, I'm so proud of you, Robert –

so very proud.

That makes it all worthwhile.

Mother...

you remember Cathy – Catherine Baker?

Hello, Mrs. Garrett.

Oh, yes, of course. How lovely to see you again.

I've asked Cathy to be my wife, and she's accepted.

Robert, I told you this wasn't the time.

We want to be married soon.

All we need is your blessing.

Well, how can I refuse?

I only want your happiness.

I make it a policy never to resist the inevitable.

And looking at you both,

I can see that... this is inevitable.

Bless you. Bless you both.

William!

William... Mary...

Hello, John.

John, well...

was it worth it?

It was wonderful.

I'd do it again for... half the pay.

Well, I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Graham,

because I received a tele –

What's going on?

Gentlemen! What is going on?!

For he's a jolly good fellow

For he's a jolly good fellow

Which nobody can deny

Which nobody can deny, which nobody can deny

Thank you.

I think you all should know

what your remarkable achievements have accomplished.

Only this morning, I received this telegram

from the Baron de Coubertin, the gentleman who's responsible

for reviving these games in the first place.

Bravo!

He has appointed me... a permanent member

of the International Olympics Committee.

And I am –

Wait.

And I am here required to begin recruiting a team

for the next Olympics – Paris, 1900.

Will there be women in the next Olympics, William? Women?

If I have anything to say, they will.

We shall be there!

So, my dear, dear friends,

you seem to have started something.

May it never end.

Please, everybody, please, stay as you are. Please.

Mr. Skoukilakis.

I want a picture of the victorious team for my newspaper.

Is that all right, gentlemen? Come round, come round.

Yeah, one more photograph! One more!

Get them all. All of them.

How's this, sir?

It's beautiful.

Never have I seen a picture so beautiful.

Dr. William Milligan Sloane retained his seat

on the International Olympic Committee

and organized the 1912 Stockholm Games,

although he was unable to keep his promise to Madame Schumann

establishing the participation of women in the Olympic games

until 1928.

Impressed with the symbolism of the first marathon,

John Graham and the Boston Athletic Association

organized the first Boston Marathon in 1897.

It has been run every year since.

Robert Garrett finished his Princeton days

as president of his class.

A successful banker, he never lost his interest in education,

and many of his concepts are still part

of the school curriculum all over America.

James Brendan Connolly became a novelist,

ironically specializing in tales of the sea.

He finally returned to Harvard University

40 years later

and was presented with an honorary degree.

The event was organized by his lifelong friend

Charles Arthur Blake,

who became a respected Boston insurance executive

and raised a large family.

He never lost his love of poetry

and published many verses of his own.

Edwin Flack returned to Australia,

where he completed his education, married, and raised a family,

and took over the family meatpacking business.

Spyridon Louis finished his army service, returned to his village,

and married Eleni and had three sons.

He refused to accept the 100,000 drachmas prize money

and never ran another race.

To this day, he remains a symbol of national pride.

The inscription on his gravestone reads

"Blessed by the gods, a hero of Greece."

Baron Pierre de Coubertin

lived to see the modern Olympics become a permanent tradition.

On his deathbed, he made a strange request –

his heart was to be buried in ancient Olympia.

Now every fourth year, when the athletes of the world

join together in peaceful competition,

his spirit lives on.