Downhill Racer main backdrop
Downhill Racer main poster

Downhill Racer

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5.9/10 • 90

1969-11-061h 41m

Drama

How fast must a man go to get from where he's at?

An ambitious young skier, determined to break all existing records, is contemptuous of the teamwork advocated by the US coach when they go to Europe for the Olympics.

Directors
Michael Ritchie
Editors
Richard A. Harris

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Robert Redford

    Robert Redford

    David Chappellet

  2. Gene Hackman

    Gene Hackman

    Eugene Claire

  3. Camilla Sparv

    Camilla Sparv

    Carole Stahl

  4. Karl Michael Vogler

    Karl Michael Vogler

    Machet

  5. Jim McMullan

    Jim McMullan

    Johnny Creech

  6. Kathleen Crowley

    Kathleen Crowley

    American Newspaper Woman

  7. Dabney Coleman

    Dabney Coleman

    Mayo

  8. Kenneth Kirk

    Kenneth Kirk

    D.K.

  9. Oren Stevens

    Oren Stevens

    Kipsmith

Reviews2

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talisencrw Avatar

talisencrw

Sep 28, 2016

8/10

If ANY film I have ever seen comes the closest to taking a sophisticated look at what most of the world would consider to be the spoiled-rotten, prima donna, mega-talented amateur athlete (I would add 'American', but I believe they would be like Redford's characterization even if they weren't), Michael Ritchie nails it. Way underrated. And it makes you wonder, especially with the poster pictured here, if the title's a double entendre (and not just slickly-marketed sex-advertising), not merely for various OTHER curves Redford's character wants to/succeeds in navigating, but also the possible crash-and-burn Chappellet may have, if he continues his wild, burn-the-candle-at-both-ends lifestyle while participating in quite a dangerous sport. Sonny Bono-jokes aside, this kind of thing happens. Simply marvelous work by Redford, Gene Hackman, Ritchie and cinematographer Brian Probyn. Essential purchase and rewatches for sports fans and the work of Redford, Hackman and Ritchie especially. Easily my favourite of Ritchie's work, next to, sentimentally, 'The Bad News Bears' (which is a whole different kettle of fish altogether).

Media

  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster
  • Downhill Racer poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$16,500,000.00
Revenue
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Keywords
based on novel or booksportsolympic gamesswitzerlandnarcissismoregon, usateammateinjurysnow skiingski resortskiing