Champions: A Love Story

I saw this film when it first aired on t.v. in 1979. Since then I check my listings every week to try and catch it being aired again. Somehow I manage to miss it. I loved this movie and cant wait to see it again.

This TV movie has stayed with me for decades but not just for the standard teens-in-love story. In the late Seventies figure skating had become an extremely popular spectator sport, with the skaters' personal stories as important as their athletic prowess (e.g. Scott Hamilton, the Carruthers siblings, Tai and Randy). This movie gives the viewer a glimpse behind the glitter. "It's work!" the hockey-playing son insists to his macho dad. Top-level figure skating is also expensive, especially for his ordinary middle-class family. Most of all, however, what has stayed with me is the acting by Richard Jaeckel who plays the boy's father. His stunned demeanor when he has to drive to a hospital after a tragic loss is a master class in acting. Tony Lo Bianco is great as the veteran coach as well. If you love figure skating, check this out if you can.

I remember watching this movie as a kid (who was an aspiring figure skater even before I saw it) and would LOVE to see it aired again, and often. Though the skating was not stellar, the plot definitely stands the test of time. It's still as relevant today as when it was made. Actually, I think this movie is worthy of a re-make. With the special effects and editing capabilities and the advances in the sport of skating today, it could be even better! I still go through a box of tissues watching this movie! So, if you're watching it with someone who picks on you for crying over sappy movies, you may want to send them to the store while you watch this one.

I saw this when it originally aired on 1/13/79 as the CBS Saturday Night Movie and it's never left me after all these years. One of the best made-for-tv movies ever produced. It has tons of heart and oozes sincerity. It is, in my view, a MUCH better film that a similar picture made around the same time starring Robbie Benson known as Ice Castles. If you are child of the late 70's and love a good romance, do yourself a favor and buy this on DVD because that's the only way you'll ever see it. It hasn't been aired on TV in decades.

I love this movie! I was and still am a big fan of Jimmy McNichol and this movie was the one that got me hooked, on him and ice skating! Although the ending is very sad, I have watched this movie over and over again! They did a great job.