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{ "item_title" : "Downhill Racer", "item_author" : [" Robert Redford", "Gene Hackman "], "item_description" : "Director Michael Ritchie makes his feature film debut with DOWNHILL RACER, an adrenaline-soaked sports drama that features another alluring performance from Robert Redford. Redford plays David Chappellet, a cocky, undisciplined young skier from Idaho Springs, Colorado. Flying to Europe to compete with the United States downhill team, Chappellet stuns the ski world when he wins his first race. His coach, Eugene Claire (Gene Hackman), senses the cold reaction from his teammates, and tries to get Chappellet to become more of a team player. When it's obvious that this isn't going to happen, he must decide whether or not to let Chappellet represent his country in the Olympics. In the meantime, Chappellet finds romance in the form of Carole (Camilla Sparv), a beautiful young woman who works for a European equipment maker. Tensions arise when Carole lies about meeting up with Chappellet in Germany and then acts not to care that she has abandoned him. This disappointment provides Chappellet with even more desire to fly down the slopes and capture the Olympic gold medal. Redford's portrayal of the moody, determined Chappellet proves once again why he is one of the world's most recognizable movie stars. The same can also be said for Hackman, who finds the perfect chemistry in developing his character, making DOWNHILL RACER a fun film that even non-skiers can enjoy.", "item_img_path" : "https://mediacdn.aent-m.com/prod-img/500/57/2834257.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "39.95", "our_price" : "39.95", "club_price" : "39.95", "savings_pct" : "0", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "club_savings_pct" : "0", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00", "discount_pct" : "10" } }
Downhill Racer|Robert Redford

Downhill Racer

Robert Redford and Gene Hackman
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Overview

Director Michael Ritchie makes his feature film debut with DOWNHILL RACER, an adrenaline-soaked sports drama that features another alluring performance from Robert Redford. Redford plays David Chappellet, a cocky, undisciplined young skier from Idaho Springs, Colorado. Flying to Europe to compete with the United States downhill team, Chappellet stuns the ski world when he wins his first race. His coach, Eugene Claire (Gene Hackman), senses the cold reaction from his teammates, and tries to get Chappellet to become more of a team player. When it's obvious that this isn't going to happen, he must decide whether or not to let Chappellet represent his country in the Olympics. In the meantime, Chappellet finds romance in the form of Carole (Camilla Sparv), a beautiful young woman who works for a European equipment maker. Tensions arise when Carole lies about meeting up with Chappellet in Germany and then acts not to care that she has abandoned him. This disappointment provides Chappellet with even more desire to fly down the slopes and capture the Olympic gold medal. Redford's portrayal of the moody, determined Chappellet proves once again why he is one of the world's most recognizable movie stars. The same can also be said for Hackman, who finds the perfect chemistry in developing his character, making DOWNHILL RACER a fun film that even non-skiers can enjoy.

Awards:

Main Cast & Crew:
Michael Ritchie - Director
Robert Redford
Gene Hackman
Dabney Coleman
Camilla Sparv
Joe Jay Jalbert
Kenneth Kirk
Jim McMullan
Christian Doermer
Karl Michael Vogler
Kathleen Crowley

Details

    Blu-Ray Disc Format
  • Format: Blu-ray
  • Color Format: Color
  • UPC: 715515161718
  • Genre: DRAMA
  • Rating: PG (MPAA)
  • Release Date: December 2015

Movie Reviews

Synopsis:
The dazzling ski scenes are the best part of Michael Ritchie's sports drama about an undisciplined young skier on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Notes:
DOWNHILL RACER was director Michael Ritchie's first feature film. He would go on to direct a wide variety of movies, including THE CANDIDATE, THE BAD NEWS BEARS, and FLETCH. Robert Redford won the 1971 BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the stubborn ski star.

Reviews:
4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] riveting, terrific look at the glam world of alpine-skiing." - 09/01/2007 Empire, p.163


"[O]ne of the great unheralded films of the late '60s....Director Michael Ritchie packs the movie with adrenaline-junkie POV racing shots that put you right in the skiers' bindings." -- Grade: A - 11/27/2009 Entertainment Weekly


"[A]s a look at how Redford's character and those orbiting him spend their time between runs...it's superb." - 11/18/2009 A.V. Club

BAM Customer Reviews