Main Cast: Robert Duvall, Eric Fryer, Michael Zelniker, Chris Makepeace, Rosalind Chao
Release Year: 1983
Country: CA
Run Time: 96 minutes
Plot
This moving docudrama on a man whose courage raised $20,000,000 for a worthy cause is also an honest look at the nature of determination. When Canadian Terry Fox was diagnosed with cancer in 1977, his right leg was amputated and rather than simply battle depression, Fox decided to run his own cross-country marathon (5,150 miles) to raise money for cancer research. His parents, his doctor, and his friends opposed the idea but he persisted, convincing a friend with a camper to come along with him (or he could never have made the run). Fox starts at the Atlantic Ocean off Newfoundland, and with only a few supporters and very little fanfare, begins his odyssey. The amputee's human failings are clear: he is egocentric, impatient, short-tempered, and verges on the suicidal in forcing his endurance to the limit. As Fox's mental and emotional state is stretched at the beginning of the run, his friend driving the van has to call on his own reserves to stay with him. No one pays very much attention to Fox as he moves slowly through Quebec, but by the time he reaches Ontario, the Canadians start to notice his heroic effort. The Ontario Cancer Society representative, Bill Vigars (Robert Duvall), moves in like a steamroller to set up more sponsors, media events, and receptions. Fox is suddenly forced into the limelight, having to give speeches in front of huge audiences for the first time in his young life (he is 21). About half-way through his now well-publicized journey, Fox collapses and it becomes clear that his dream will have to end -- but not before he inspired millions of others to donate to cancer research. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
Elva Mai Hoover - Betty Fox; Frank Adamson - Rolly Fox; Marie McCann - Judith Fox; R.H. Thomson - Dr. Simon; Saul Rubinek - Dan Grey; Matt Craven - Bob Cady; Patrick Watson - Peg Leg; Roberta Weiss; Susan Payne - Rika's Friend; Barry Green - Man in the Crown #1; Ian Heath - Little Boy; Robert Desroches - French canadian driver; Brian Kaulback - Man with the Speaker
Credit
Gavin Mitchell - Art Director, John M. Eckert - Associate Producer, Ralph L. Thomas - Director, Ron Wisman - Editor, Michael Levine - Executive Producer, Bill Conti - Composer (Music Score), Gavin Mitchell - Production Designer, Richard Ciupka - Cinematographer, John M. Eckert - Producer, Robert M. Cooper - Producer, Bruce Carwardine - Sound/Sound Designer, Glen Gauthier - Sound/Sound Designer, Joe Grimaldi - Sound/Sound Designer, Jim Hopkins - Sound/Sound Designer, Austin Grimaldi - Sound/Sound Designer, Edward C. Hume - Screenwriter
The film was produced for HBO in the United States with Canadian co-producers. Although it also had a theatrical release in Canada, it was the first television film ever made for a cable network.
Awards and criticism
The Terry Fox Story won six awards at the 5th Genie Awards ceremony for Canadian film in 1984:
Best Sound (Joe Grimaldi, Bruce Carwardine, Austin Grimaldi and Glen Gauthier)
Best Sound Editing (same as above; tied with The Wars)
Best Film Editing (Ron Wisman)
The film was also nominated for Best Cinematography (Richard Ciupka) and Best Supporting Actress (Hoover), but did not win. Duvall was nominated for Best Actor at the 1983 CableACE Awards, but did not win.
Despite its awards, the film was criticized by Fox's family for depicting him as ill-tempered.[1][dead link]
