Saturday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m.—LUDLOW— FOLA will show the 1969 American sports drama movie, “ Downhill Racer ,” on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Heald Auditorium (upstairs at the Ludlow Town Hall).
“Downhill Racer” was directed by Michael Ritchie and stars Robert Redford as David Chappellett, a self-centered young man who games his way onto the U.S. Ski Team only to come into conflict with the team’s coach, played by Gene Hackman. It is as much a contemplation of Chappellett’s character and the cost of being a world class skier as it is a thrilling winter sports competition movie.
The screenplay for the “Downhill Racer” was written by novelist James Salter and the movie details the quest for Olympic gold by cocky and arrogant David Chappellett, who focuses obsessively on being the best skier in the world at the cost of everything else. He is most alive when he is winning ski races. Hackman plays Claire, his coach, who tries to harness the young Chappellett while keeping the upstart U.S. Ski team focused, together and funded.
The outdoor parts of “Downhill Racer” were filmed in Boulder, Colorado, Sankt Anton am Arlberg and Kitzbuehel in Austria, and Grenoble and Megeve in France. It features lots of ski cinematography, including many of the races being shot from the skier’s point of view.
Film run time is 101 minutes.
Everyone is welcome to attend the movie, which is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn and water will be provided. Ludlow Town Hall is located at 37 S. Depot St., Ludlow. For more information, call 802-228-7239 or visit fola.us.
Photo courtesy FOLA
Camilla Sparv and Robert Redford star in “Downhill Racer,” screening Feb. 2 in Ludlow.
