Finish Line (1989 film)

Last updated
Finish Line
GenreDrama
Sport
Written byNorman Morrill
Directed by John Nicolella
Starring James Brolin
Josh Brolin
Mariska Hargitay
Music by William Olvis
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers Jon Peters
Peter Guber
Gerald W. Abrams
Producer Stanley Brooks
Production locations Corvallis, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
University of Oregon Hayward Field
Springfield, Oregon
CinematographyJonathan West
EditorsDouglas Ibold
Michael Renaud
Running time95 minutes
Production companyThe Guber-Peters Company
Original release
Network TNT
ReleaseJanuary 11, 1989 (1989-01-11)

Finish Line is a 1989 American made-for-television sports drama film starring real-life father and son James and Josh Brolin. The movie also features Stephen Lang as a hard-driving track coach and an early appearance by Mariska Hargitay as a student reporter. It was originally broadcast on the then-new TNT on January 11, 1989. [1]

Contents

Background

During Finish Line's production, Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson was disqualified from the competition for using steroids in what became a major scandal that made national news. Although the film was in the works before this scandal, its unfolding throughout the news brought the film inevitable timeliness. [2] Josh Brolin, doing press for the film, said he thought steroids should be banned, but acknowledged the pressure athletes faced to get an edge on the competition. [3]

The film was the first time the two Brolins had worked together. [3] Its producers originally wanted to film at the University of Oregon but were turned down. They ended up filming in several locations across Oregon, including Corvallis. [4]

Plot

Glenn Shrevelow and Tito Landreau are childhood friends who share a mutual love of running. Their athletic prowess results in them receiving scholarships to a prestigious university. Their new coach tells them that they are among the fastest runners in the country and inspires them with visions of Olympic glory.

Glenn finds himself facing pressure from both his coach and his demanding father, himself a former runner, who pushes him to commit and excel. Desperate after falling behind in a race and facing the loss of his scholarship, he resorts to taking steroids after another track team member tells him that they will improve his performance and are the real "breakfast of champions".

It is during this time that Glenn meets Lisa Karsh, a student reporter doing a story on athletes and drugs and they begin to develop a romantic relationship. Glenn's journey into the world of drugs grows darker as he progresses from taking pills to injections. His father is furious when he find out but Glenn insists it is the only way he can excel.

Glenn finally pays the price when he suffers a heart attack after a grueling race. His heart has suffered massive damage and he is scheduled for a coronary bypass. Glenn's father begs his forgiveness after realizing he is partly to blame. Glenn is wheeled into the operating room and the final scene shows Glenn's father tearfully watching Tito win an Olympic race on television and dedicating it to Glenn who has died.

Cast

Critical reception

The Los Angeles Times praised the Brolins' performances but called the script and direction heavy-handed. [1] The Chicago Tribune also praised the actors' performances, writing that their "sensitive and sympathetic performances" elevated the film above other "affliction-of-the-week" dramas. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 Rosenberg, Howard (11 January 1989). "Television Reviews 'Finish Line' Explores Steroid Use, Abuse". Los Angeles Times.
  2. ↑ "After Johnson, TV film has theme of athlete on steroids". The Vancouver Sun. Reuters. 4 October 1988.
  3. 1 2 Ladd, Patty (11 January 1989). "Father, son team up for new Turner network movie". Austin American Statesman.
  4. ↑ Wilson, Katherine Ann (29 March 2019). Echoes from the Set. Trine Day. ISBN   9781634242295 . Retrieved 23 May 2023.
  5. ↑ Clark, Kenneth R (10 January 1989). "Story of a loser goes for the gold". Chicago Tribune.
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