“Boston,” to runners, doesn’t mean the city. It means the race. And now there’s a full feature-length documentary about the historic race, starting with the event’s humble beginnings to the international draw of today’s race. BOSTON will be shown at Oregon theaters (see below) on Wednesday, April 19.
There are two other films about the race that you may have seen: the movie “Patriots Day,” or the HBO documentary about the 2013 race at which many spectators and participants fell victim to a senseless terror attack. This film is different – this is a documentary that starts more than 120 years ago when only 15 runners (all men, of course) toed the line. This film has volumes of unique footage and information: the production team was granted exclusive documentary rights from the Boston Athletic Association to produce the film and to use the Association’s extensive archive of video, photos and memorabilia.
Produced over three years, the filmmakers spent time with Boston Marathon champions and amateur runners – because we all know that the allure of Boston doesn’t stop with those who have been there. BOSTON was directed by Jon Dunham, who also directed The Spirit of the Marathon. The film’s score, composed by Emmy Award® winner Jeff Beal, was recorded by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, and Academy Award winner Matt Damon provided narration.
Running legends Bill Rodgers and Dave McGillivray are featured in the documentary, discussing the legacy of Johnny Kelley, who ran the marathon 61 times, finished 58 times, and won in 1935 and 1945. Kelley’s last completion of the race was at the age of 84 in 1992. The film also casts a spotlight on the first charity runner, Stelios Kyriakides, who won the race is 1946 (he beat Johnny Kelley that year). His win helped provide for Greece, suffering from poverty due to World War II.
See below for a list of theaters showing BOSTON; most shows start at 7:30 p.m. on the 19th, but you should check local listings to verify. And if you’ve got a Boston jacket, be sure to wear it to the event. I’m expecting a lot of stories will be traded before the lights go down!
Tickets at most theaters can be purchased online here.
Shalane Flanagan, one of Run Oregon’s favorite professional runners, being followed by a film vehicle. Photo by Cheryl Treworgy.
Bend
Old Mill 16
680 SW Powerhouse Drive
Eugene
Cinemark 17 Springfield
2900 Gateway
Medford-Klamath Falls
Tinseltown Medford
651 Medford Center
Portland
Clackamas Town Center
12000 SE 82nd Avenue
Jeff Beal and the Boston Symphony Orchestra recording the BOSTON film score.
Century 16 Eastport
4040 SE 82nd Avenue
Lloyd Center 10 Cinema
1510 NE Multnomah Boulevard
Salem
Santiam 11
365 Lancaster Drive SE
