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Last Stage (USA), Zielgerade (Germany)

1994
97 Minutes
Foreign Feature
Unknown Source

from France by director Christian Zerbib. This film tackles doping and the affects in the sport of running. The plot of this production is based on the true story of Birgit Dressel, a West German heptathlete, who lived with her coach and received over 400 injections over the course of 16 months. In one season she climbed 30 places in world rankings, although she died two days after a competion in 1987 at the age of 26. This movie follows a female 800 meter specialist played by actress Anne Richard. Nothing is held back as the athlete, following an injury, will do anything to return to the height of her sport. The shady coach and doctor are willing to manipulate the body to cheat at any cost. The hard reality of these choices is shown without pulling any punches. This title is a rare find, as are other titles that have also approached this subject including the 1988 film Finish Line as well as a 2004 release Race of the Century: Ben Johnson, Drugs & the Quest for Gold.


· Foreign Films   · Feature Films   · 1994   · Topics   · Steriods