The First Olympics: Athens 1896

I just got done watching the DVD of the 1984 NBC Mini Series, The First Olympics and I want to say that I thought it was very thoroughly researched. The details concerning the life of Spiridon Louis may or may not have been true. That's because the details in his life have never been made quite clear. Edwin Flack had, in fact, already finished college by the Games the had commenced and was employed by the accounting form of Price, Waterhouse, and Company. The facts surrounding Robert Garret's participation in the Discus Throw were also 100% accurate, though I don't ever remember reading about a similar incident involving the Shot Put ever having taken place. I supposed some amount of "Literary License" had to be granted in making this fine and historically accurate (for the most part) film.

i've seen this film a number of times. it is a great sports film. it is filmed well, has great actors, and the script has a wonderful storyline.

In response to this being American Arrogance, you're wrong. the movie doesn't just focus on America, but also British, Greek, and Austrialian athletes. The American athletes don't win everything, and in fact some of them are rude, bad, angry, drunks, and they lose. yeah the American anthem is played a lot, but if you've ever been to an olympics, anthems are played a lot, and the British, Greek, Austrialian and other anthems are also played. In fact in certain points it glorifies Greece, and the world for organizing the first olympic games.

this is one of those movies that if you like sports, it should def be on your must see list.

This is one of the most delightful miniseries I've ever seen! We've watched it as a family as part of a unit study on the Olympics. I thought we would learn the history of the first Olympics, but we learned that and so much more. We also discovered an engaging, entertaining, funny, perfect family film.

There are a few curse words here and there - such as calling someone an "a**," but this was certainly not overbearing. The humor inserted into the film was great.

I would highly recommend this to anyone!

Sonya

www.thehomeschooladvocate.com

This is one of my favorite sports films.

It has lots of historically accurate information much like a documentary but is presented in an entertaining narrative format with good story and plot.

Purists may be annoyed that the casting of the actors doesn't always respect the look of typical athletes in each discipline but it's otherwise pretty realistic.

The anecdotes around the discus event are hilarious and unforgettable.

Now if it could only come out on DVD I would buy it instantly.

-Ben

This is one of my favorite films on the Olympics. Although is doesn't completely tell the true historical story, as in Bud Greenspan's films, it does tell the story very well. The writer, director, and producer do take some liberties with the facts, but the film does show the trials and tribulation of some of the first "stars" of the revival of the Olympic Games. You will see many faces that go on, in their careers, to bigger and better acting roles, along with some old favorites. A great film that should inspire anybody about working hard towards a goal, and how the outcome can benefit you, even if the outcome is not what you desired. This film is on the level of Rocky and other great, heartwarming sport films.