They didn't believe the barrier could be broken. They didn't know Roger Bannister
2005
85 Minutes
Feature Film
Available on DVD
"Ladies and gentleman, here is the result of event number nine, the one mile. First, number 41, R. G. Bannister of exeter and merton colleges for the Amateur Athletic Association with a time which is a new meeting and track record, and which subject to ratification will be a new English native, British National, British all-comers, European, British Commonwealth, and world record. The time, 3 minutes..." Track Announcer Norris McWhirter.
You may have heard some negative comments about this ESPN film when it was originally broadcast October 6, 2005, yet the bottom line is that it is a film that can entertain you, if you allow yourself to enjoy the story. However, if you are the type that wants to nit pick this production then there are quite a few opportunities to criticize the body types and technique of the runners, fictional characterizations (coach Archie Mason & Annabelle), or a lap counter that counts the wrong way. I would recommend that folks relax and enjoy the entertainment value of this production that is "based on the true inspirational story" and written by renowned sportswriter Frank Deford. The real reason this DVD earns the right to be featured here is the excellent set of bonus features that last about an hour and were not originally broadcast.
There is a traditional selection of bonus features that are commonly accepted as part of most current releases: Deleted scenes, outtakes, on the set: Four Minutes, audio commentary, and enhanced trivia track. Four additional items make owning this release a true delight. There are original interviews with both Roger Bannister (run time of 12:00) and Chris Chataway (11:30). Next there is an outstanding 15 minute short entitled "Barrier Breakers" that was assembled by Cappy Productions and covers the world stage at the time including race footage and interviews with both American Wes Santee and Australian John Landy (who ran 3:58.0 on June 21, 1954 in Turku, Finland). Last, but not least, is a complete original film of the actual running of the four minute mile as provided by BBC Television (6:10). Although this footage is not brushed to perfection, it is by far the highest quality of the race that can be found in today’s marketplace.
Quotes from Sir Roger Bannister:
"I can remember when I was a child running barefoot on the beach and feeling the sand under my feet, the wind in my face, and a sense of joy that I could run fast."
"I always believe in races rather than time trials, but by 1953 it became perfectly obvious that the four minute mile stood in the way of these events."
"I was not run at all for five days and so felt so full of running that I couldn't believe that he was going fast enough, so I shouted ’faster’."
"The pain that you get in your legs is counteracted by the excitement of what you hope you're managing to achieve; and the crowd, of course, were then making a great deal of noise anyway, and that I suppose feeds into one’s excitement."
You can order this 2005 release in DVD format from Amazon.com. Enjoy the movie for what it is, entertainment, and relish in the bonus features that will give you both a look back into history as well as a personal insight into these record setting men that removed the psychological barrier know as four minutes. For additional information you can visit the official movie site at ESPN.com to learn more as well as view a trailer.
