Chariot: The Eric Liddell Story By Richard Hasnip, David Robinson

 Chariot: The Eric Liddell Story
By Richard Hasnip, David Robinson & Michael Taylor
Eric Liddell would be played by Michael and David plays Tom McKerchar – Eric’s
trainer.
Male Characters:
Wallace Longfellow:
Journalist for The Times or New York Times. Playing age
25 or over. Charming but devious – will get a story at all
costs.
Eugene Harvey:
Very American. Not adverse to a bet or a drink now and
then (which helps contrast Eric’s teetotalism)…Playing
age of 25 or over.
Caleb Hansen:
(International) Student at Edinburgh University and proud
friend of Eric. Late teens/early 20s.
Harold Abrahams:
100m runner. Watch Chariots of Fire! Late teens/early
20s.
Sebastian Dufraise:
Organiser of the Games in Paris. Very French. Playing
age - over 30.
Suggested Doubling: Caleb and Harold
Female Characters:
Translator:
Works as a Translator for Mr Dufraise. Suggested playing
age – over 18.
Geraldine Cianter:
Photographer and writer. Kind and considerate.
Suggested playing age – over 21.
Florence Mackenzie:
Canadian missionary at the Games, Eric’s future wife.
Late teens/early 20s.
Fifi Shiraz:
European. Socialite and singer. Probably over 35
(although she would never reveal her age)…
1 Scene One
(Lights fade up as we hear a lone piper play Amazing Grace. Tom McKerchar enters)
Tom
I want to start by thanking you all for being here today. This sports club
has a very special position in my heart and in my memories. It was here
I first met the man we gather here to honour today with this portrait. A
portrait that shows the man himself in familiar pose….running the race.
He loved this club and I know had treasured memories of this room and
the track outside. A place he and I spent many hours battling against all
the Edinburgh elements. In the run up to the 24 Games we were out
there in all weathers three or four nights a week. I never earned a
penny from all those hours out on that cinder track, but I gained so
much from just being alongside him.
Eric Liddell loved to run he was unlike any other athlete I have had the
privilege to train, with Eric it was more than a privilege, it was an
honour. In style, in gritty determination, in a desire to win and with his
grace shown to his fellow runners he was like no other I’ve seen before
or since on or off the track. The Duke of Sutherland one of the
infamous British Olympic Committee members in 1924 commented that
“Liddell was a true man of principal and a true athlete. His speed is just
a mere extension of his life. We must never seek to sever his running
from himself.
We will all have our special recollections of Eric, the 1924 Games of
course in Paris, the trials here in Edinburgh, and his remarkable
recovery in Stoke on Trent, everyone who witnessed it claimed they
had never seen a race like it.
He was about six feet tall and 165 pounds in weight but what he lacked
in brute strength he more than made up for in quickness and sheer
determination. Eric Liddell was fast, not always the most elegant runner
to watch, but he could run like the wind. One or two of us here today
can close our eyes and picture him running, coming round that final
bend, arms flailing, head well back and with wings on his heels, we will
not see his like again.
I miss him still, and I hope this portrait will be a permanent reminder of
one of our finest. People often ask me “What was your proudest
moment? “ “Easy” I reply it’s when I am given the opportunity to say “I
could count Eric Liddell as one of my closest friends”
We were a great and a close winning team. We shared many
significant moments together, here in this room, on the track, listening
to him preach, and probably most noteworthy in our team hotel in Paris
in the run up to the Olympic Games of 24……
2 (Music fades as scene change)
Scene 2
(We hear a newscaster announce the British Team travelling to Paris. Various cast
members with coats and suitcases cross from stage right to left – before re entering
in the hotel stage left trying to find their room. Eugene knocks into Wallace, whose
case opens and clothes, paperwork etc fall everywhere. Eric enters)
Wallace:
Oh blast!
Eric:
Here, let me help.
(Eric stoops and starts gathering up Wallace’s belongings)
Wallace:
Thanks. Good of you.
Eric:
Not at all.
Wallace:
This is all my wife’s fault!
Eric:
Oh yes?
Wallace:
No really, I travel all over the place, all the time, I take one bag. This
time I let her help with the packing and look at me. Are you married?
Eric:
No –
Wallace:
Well count your blessings.
Eric:
Couldn’t a porter - ?
Wallace:
A porter? You haven’t been to Paris before I presume.
Eric:
Well -
Wallace:
They don’t do anything here without expecting a tip - you have to pay
them.
Eric:
And you won’t.
Wallace:
On my salary? You must be joking.
(Eric helps him stuff the last thing back into the bag and get it closed)
Eric:
Well there you are.
Wallace:
Thanks again, if you’re around for a day or two –
(He looks at Eric properly for the first time)
My word, you’re Eric Liddell.
3 Eric:
I’m afraid so.
Wallace:
I’m Longfellow, Wallace Longfellow, I write for The Times. I was just
about to say I could probably get you tickets for one of the events but I
imagine you can get your own.
Eric:
I would have thought so….
(Eugene Harvey, a fan who is staying at the Hotel noticed Eric before
and now having heard it really is Eric Liddell decides to make his
acquaintance)
Eugene:
Hello there, I hate to sound like snooping Susan but did I hear you were
Eric Liddell?
Eric:
Yes.
Eugene:
Well blind me. Eric Liddell! The Flying Dutchman…
Eric:
It’s the flying Scotsman, but yes.
Eugene:
Pleasure to meet you sir, it’s a pleasure to meet you sir. Eugene,
Eugene Harvey.
Eric:
Pleased to meet you.
Eugene:
And yes, I’m a Yank but don’t you go holding that against me.
Eric:
Well technically I’m Chinese so I am to judge?
Eugene:
Chinese! You crack me - hey, can I buy you a drink?
Eric:
Sorry, I don’t drink.
Eugene:
Oh, neither do I. Hey, I know you must get this all the time but can I be
a pain in the old B-hind and ask you to sign this for me?
(Eugene starts to gets the schedule out of his jacket pocket and find a
pen on his person, Wallace sees his opportunity to pounce)
Wallace:
Eric, I couldn’t just ask you a question or two could I?
Eric:
I’m in a bit of a rush I’m afraid. My trainer’s waiting for me I only
stopped because it looked like you needed -
Wallace:
- Which was very decent of you of course, but please, just one minute?
It really would be quite a coup, just one quote, straight from the horse’s
mouth so to speak.
Eric:
You’re quite a flatterer, Mr Longfellow.
Wallace:
Well I only meant...please, one question?
4 Eric:
One.
Wallace:
Are you going to win?
Eric:
(Smiling) Well, I’m certainly going to try. (To Eugene) Who should I
make it to?
Eugene:
Make it to ‘The Major’.
Wallace:
And how is training going?
Eric:
(Laughs as he begins to write) You said one question.
Wallace:
You can’t blame a chap for trying!
Eric:
(To Eugene) ‘The Major?’
Eugene:
My best friend Chuck, Chuck Wasowski, you’d love him – made a
whole lot of money in the city – bought shares in Smith and Weston
before the war, so we all call him ‘The Major’.
(Wallace is still waiting for an answer)
Eric:
Training is going well. Training is going fine.
Wallace:
And the conditions here?
Eric:
Are fine, now it’s been nice to meet you Mr Longfellow.
Wallace:
Wallace, please. Call me Wallace.
Eric:
Wallace. (To Eugene) Well, here you go.
Eugene:
Are you in Paris for long?
Eric:
Just for the games. You?
Eugene:
Another couple of weeks and then heading over to Germany for a beer
festival…I mean….a culture festival….yes.
Eric:
Sounds great, just try and enjoy the culture in moderation, Mr Harvey.
(Wallace still wants more time with Eric and has stayed)
Wallace:
We’ve met before actually. Well, I mean I’ve seen you run, a few times,
I’m quite a fan.
Eric:
Thank you, that’s kind of you to say, all the best with your writing.
Wallace:
Thank you.
Eric:
Bye now.
5 Wallace:
Yes, yes, don’t let me keep you.
Eric:
(To Eugene) Goodbye.
Eugene:
Its very nice to meet you Mr Liddell and all the best of luck on Sunday.
(Eric starts to go. Wallace suddenly thinks of another question and chases after him)
Wallace:
Ooh, just as you go, who do you think will be tougher opponents Mr
Liddell, Jackson Scholz, or Harold Abrahams?
Eric:
(Laughing) Goodbye, Wallace. (Wallace walks off but Eric stops and
turns back to Eugene) Sunday?
Eugene:
For the one hundred metres heats.
Eric:
Friday, I think.
Eugene:
No, no, it’s - (he gets the schedule back out of his jacket pocket) – yes,
look here it is. One hundred metre sprint heats, Sunday afternoon.
(He hands it to Eric)
Eric:
This can’t be right.
Eugene:
I feel bad having met you now. You see I have a little wager – well
$100 - on one of your competitors – I hope you understand, it’s just that
Chuck managed to get some 8-1 odds on Jackson Sholtz winning and
with how he’s been running of late, Chuck was pretty certain he could
make this a very profitable trip for me – know what I mean?
Eric:
I – can I borrow this?
Eugene:
Leave it at reception when you’re done.
Eric:
I will
(Eric runs off down the corridor with the schedule. Eugene reaches for his hip flask in
his jacket and takes a swig)
Eugene:
8-1 to one. Ahh…finer than a frog’s hair, split four ways.
Scene 3
(Hotel room in Paris, Tom is preparing some drinks. Eric comes in from training, he
goes directly to his room to leave his sports bag)
Tom
I can offer you a tasteless French version of tea, some questionable
Parisian water, or a glass of a delightful red burgundy 1909.Which I am
reliably informed by the concierge on the front desk is full bodied, but
not too heavy and boasts a charming little raspberry after taste. Also if
6 we are interested his younger brother Louis can lays his hands on a
box for us to take home after the Games at a very enviable
discount….Eric?
Eric
Still got a bottle with me from training, thanks.
Tom
Feeling Ok?
Eric
Bit tight, pushed it a bit too far in the last thirty minutes.
Tom
Bath and a good massage should sort you out. You looked pretty
decent out there, just remember to keep those strides even. You focus
was good as ever, remember think start, then think finish don’t think of
anything in between.
Eric
Not easy with a few thousand people shouting and waving from every
angle of the stadium
Tom
I couldn’t give two hoots how many people are in that crowd, I couldn’t
care less if it was King George or your mother cheering you on, just you
look straight down that track and make sure you are first through the
tape, then you can go and kiss your mother.
Eric
She’s in China.
Tom
I know that Eric
(Pause)
Eric
I can’t do it.
Tom
The heats
Eric
You knew?
Tom
Not for long. But yes I knew they’d been scheduled for Sunday.
Eric
And you know that means I can’t run.
Tom
I knew that too…..(pause) I don’t know about you but I’m going to have
a glass of that Burgundy.
Eric
Why didn’t you just tell me, I had a right to know, more than anyone
Tom, you should have told me.
Tom
It was the training Eric, I didn’t want anything to interrupt the routine for
you.
Eric
Always the training for you isn’t it, nothing else matters.
Tom
The training is never for me it’s always for you, getting you fit enough to
break that finishing tape well ahead of everyone else that’s what I want.
7 For me it’s the satisfaction of watching some French toff put a chain
with a gold medal round your neck and then to stand back watch them
raise the union jack and then sing ‘God Save the King’ at the top of my
voice. That’s what I want and by God I’m going to do work damn hard
to make sure it happens.
Eric
Never heard you speak like this before.
Tom
No, never needed to have I?
Eric
Look I know how much you want this. All those years barking
instructions to me on the track, then silent treatment on the massage
table. Never knew if you were happy or mad.
Tom
I’m seldom either.
Eric
I could see what you were doing. But you say nothing must get in the
way of the training routine? There came a point must have been about
twelve months ago, you changed, you allowed a friendship to begin.
Tom
I’d got you to the point I needed you to be at.
Eric
Which was?
Tom
Fast…and more than that, a potential world record holder and Olympic
champion. Not a bad friend to have I thought.
Eric
I wouldn’t have got this far without you, Tom hope you know that.
Tom
You don’t need to say that either.
Eric
(pause) What did you mean about making sure it happens
Tom
I said I’m going to make damn sure they happen.
Eric
I heard that word too.
Tom
Meaning I’m going to ask our Olympic committee to let me talk to the
French and ask them to move the 100 metres heats to Monday
afternoon. That way you still get to sing in church and I still have a
chance of singing ‘God Save the King’.
Eric
They’ll never do it.
Tom
We shall find out soon enough.
Eric
You’ve spoken to them already?
Tom
I bumped into Lord Birkenhead in the lobby yesterday. He said they will
do what they can, no guarantees.
Eric
Which means no.
8 Tom
Which means trust me on this for now. Sure I can’t tempt you to a small
glass of burgundy?
Eric
It’s good for the heart, somebody told me once.
Tom
I told you once.
Eric:
Just a water please. (Tom sorts out some drinks.) Thank you.
Tom
Cheers…after that you could always try praying?
Eric
I’ve tried it many times. How about you?
Tom
Only the once.
Eric
Really, when?
Tom
Yesterday when I bumped into Lord Birkenhead.
Eric
Appreciate you trying.
Tom
Don’t forget lad I’ve wanted this a long time too you know.
Eric
Yes…I suppose so. Since when exactly?
Tom
Since I first saw you train, summer of 21. Powderhall Stadium
Edinburgh,
Scene 4
(At the training ground, Liddell has just finished a race and is chased on by a fellow
runner he has been jocularly teasing)
Eric:
...No, no, you almost had me,
Caleb:
I almost had you?
Eric:
I could feel you breathing down my neck…
Caleb:
Could you now?
Eric:
Well, I smelt something funny and I just assumed it must have been
your breath!
Caleb:
Liddell you’re going to pay for that one!
Eric:
Come on, I saw what you ate before the race.
Caleb:
What’s wrong with what I ate?
Eric:
Smoked Oysters and ketchup are not supposed to mix.
Caleb:
I’ll have you know we swear by that in Quebec.
9 Eric:
You’re not in Quebec anymore. And that smelt terrible.
Caleb:
No worse than Haggis…
Eric:
True.
(The lads laugh as they catch their breath. Tom has been watching all
of this and now approaches)
Tom:
I saw you run.
(Eric turns and notices him)
Eric:
Oh?
Tom:
Tom Mckercher (offers his hand)
Eric:
(Shaking his hand) Eric Liddell pleased to meet you.
Caleb:
Caleb Hansen. What did you think?
Tom:
What did I think? I think you’re friend here is too tight.
(He feels between Eric’s shoulders)
Yes feel that, your muscles are too hard, here, and in your legs.
Eric:
(A little bemused at being manhandled) Are they now?
Tom:
They are, for a fact.
Caleb:
Well if you him run then you just saw him win.
Tom:
Oh I saw him win all right today, but if he still wants to be running in a
year’s time...
(Pause)
Eric:
What?
(Tom shrugs)
If I want to be running in a year’s time...what?
Tom:
Take another little run for me would you? Just once round the track,
fast as you can.
Eric:
Mr Mckercher, I just ran.
Tom:
Once more, just so I can watch and then I promise I’ll tell you what I
think.
Eric:
(Humouring him) All right, once more.
10 (Tom takes out a stopwatch. Eric takes his marks and starts to run but
he hasn’t taken two steps before Tom calls out)
Tom:
Stop!
(Eric stops laughing)
Eric:
What is it now Mr Mckercher?
Tom:
What is it now? You tell me, what is it, do you suppose that you were
doing?
Caleb:
He was running.
Tom:
He was starting to run.
Caleb:
You asked him to.
Tom:
Ye gods lad! You never start a run by starting to run lads!
Eric:
Course not, silly of me.
Caleb:
That’s where I’ve been going wrong all these years…
Tom:
You have to dance on your toes first (demonstrates)
Eric:
Dance on my - ? I do?
Tom:
Of course you do! And that’s just for starters. Then you have to do a
series of short little bursts of speed. You have to get your muscles
warmed up Eric!
Eric:
Mr Mckercher –
Tom:
Tom.
Eric:
Tom, I just finished running, I was warm!
Tom:
Yes, you finished running and then you stopped and talked to me.
Caleb:
Hey you talked to us…
Tom:
And when you did, your muscles cooled down and if you want to use
them again, use them at their best, you have to warm them up so...
(Tom demonstrates dancing on his toes.)
Do what I do.
(Eric copies feeling very foolish)
Eric:
I feel ridiculous.
11 Tom:
Don’t worry, you look ridiculous but it helps. Now short little sprints from
the starting line, away and back, do three and then you’re off.
(Eric does as Tom encourages him)
Good, and back, that’s it and back once more... and back and now to
your marks, get set, go! And you’re off! Go on! Go on!
(Tom starts the stopwatch. Geraldine, a photographer, enters during
this and watches with Tom, as Eric goes round the track)
Geraldine:
New runner, McKerchar?
Tom:
We’ll see, we’ll see. Might be worth your while taking a snap of him…
Geraldine:
That’s Liddell isn’t it?
Tom:
Apparently so.
Caleb:
Hey, that’s Eric Liddell, the fastest thing in Scotland.
Geraldine:
He does look quick!
Caleb:
Quick? Are you kidding me? This guy set his school’s 100m record at
10.8 seconds. How many 16 year olds do you know that could do that?
Geraldine:
Not many.
(They are transfixed for a moment as they watch him run)
Caleb:
Are you here for the college magazine?
Geraldine:
No, The Express.
Caleb:
Why are you covering this?
Geraldine:
It’s a talent shoot. The editor sends me here to take shots of the
athletes and then we keep them on file. One day, if they make it big,
he’ll dig out these shots and print them under the headline ‘we were
there from the beginning’.
Caleb:
Serious?
Geraldine:
Look I just like taking pictures, he has to sell newspapers.
Tom:
Uh-huh, excuse me. (Shouting to Eric) Now flat out for the line!
(They are all totally absorbed in watching the running. Eric finishes and
stops abruptly)
(To himself) Ye gods! (To them both) Excuse me.
Eric:
How was that?
12 Caleb:
Are you ok Eric?
Tom:
(To Caleb) Would you excuse us please?
Caleb:
Sorry, didn’t mean to intrude.
Tom:
Well if you’re looking for a complete breakdown you’re going the right
way about it, Mr Liddell –
Eric:
Eric.
Tom:
Eric good, all right. Never stop after you break the tape, Eric, carry on,
jog, walk around a little let your muscles finish the race! You’re too tight
and your muscles will just snap if you carry on like this. Now you need
a masseur and a trainer and I happen to be both of those things, so
what do you say?
(He offers his hand again)
Eric:
You don’t mince your words do you?
Tom:
I don’t.
Eric:
I like that.
Tom:
And?
Eric:
And I suppose if I’m as bad as you say, I don’t really have a choice do
I?
(They shake hands)
Tom:
Good, we’ll train three times a week starting Saturday.
Eric:
All right.
Caleb:
Eric, the bike ride…
Eric:
Oh yes. Sorry, I can’t this Saturday I’m going for a bike ride, I’ve
already agreed.
Tom:
A bike ride? Out of the question! That’s absolutely the worst thing you
could do, lad! You’ll be stiff as board by the time you get back, your
muscles will be like uncooked spaghetti!
Eric:
(Laughing) Well you’ll just have to boil them for me when I get back
Tom. I’m afraid I’ve already committed.
Tom:
But –
Eric:
I’m sorry Tom; I’ve already given my word. We’ll just have to start next
Saturday.
13 (Pause before Tom reluctantly agrees)
Tom:
All right, next Saturday, see you then.
Eric:
See you then, bye. Come on Caleb.
(Eric and Caleb exit. Geraldine approaches Tom)
Geraldine:
Well?
Tom:
Are you still here?
Geraldine:
Yes, I had a couple of things I had to, um... So?
Tom:
So?
Geraldine:
What do you think?
Tom:
What do I think? What do I think? I think his head’s too far back, his
muscles are too tight and the Lord only knows what he’s doing with his
arms.
Geraldine:
Yes he does have a peculiar form.
Tom:
Peculiar is one word for it.
Geraldine:
Fast though isn’t he?
Tom:
Fast?
(Shows Geraldine the stopwatch)
Ye gods, you just saw our next world champion.
Geraldine:
(Looking at the stop watch) My word!
Tom:
Aye.
Geraldine:
Is this right?
Tom:
Oh it’s right. Our next world champion - and I’m going to train him.
Scene 5
Back in the Hotel Room, Tom is massaging Eric who is sat up on a massage table.
Tom
You know what the trouble is don’t you? It’s these quads here. Always
have been, you know why don’t you?
Eric
Too much rugby as a lad.
14 Tom is preoccupied with the massage.
Tom
Too much rugby as a lad, that was your trouble. And not only that.
Eric
Too many long bike rides on Saturday afternoons.
Tom
Wasted too much time on a back of a bicycle, instead spending time
down on the track. Bike rides on a Saturday afternoon up Scottish hills,
what sort of enjoyment is that for anyone.
Eric
(In pain) What sort of enjoyment is this for anyone?
Tom
Your shoulders are no great improvement either. It’s all that running
with your head pushed back looking at the sky, that’s what that is.
Eric
How did I win so many races?
Tom
How you managed to run so fast as a youngster I’ll never know.
Eric
Sometimes it’s more about why and not about how. For me anyway.
Tom
Make sure you jog on a bit after you have broken the tape. You may
have finished the race but these muscles take a bit longer, give ‘em
time to finish as well. You pulled up a bit quick yesterday.
Eric
Aye, I know. You don’t miss a trick do you?
Tom
Literally you couldn’t be in better hands my lad. Now go and get
yourself changed, I’ll get you some fruit.
(Eric goes off to get changed)
I’ve been given some rather pleasant apple juice from our friend on the
front desk. He’s a fan of yours apparently; he admires you, your
running and your lifestyle.
Eric
(Shouting from his room) I shall need all the friends I can get. I can just
hear the rest of the team; they’ll reckon personal faith should take
second or third place in favour of national pride, honour and the good of
the team.
Tom
Not a bad shout, I’d probably be the same.
Eric
What was that?
Tom
Nothing, nothing. Besides we don’t know yet, you may still be running.
Eric
But not on Sunday.
Tom
No, but maybe on Monday. And if we can’t get them to run the 100
metres on Monday perhaps we can get you entered into something
else. He is checking the schedules.
15 Eric
Wonderful, any suggestions?
Tom
Ladies shot put…10.30a.m.
(Eric re enters)
Eric
I stand no chance, have you seen those Russians.
(They laugh, and then quietly have some juice and an apple each)
Tom
Can I ask you something Eric?
Eric
Course, anything you know that.
Tom
Running on a Sunday, why is it so wrong?
Eric
You’re getting me wrong Tom. It’s not about not running, it’s about me
not resting. Resting from labour, from activity any form of activity and
respecting the Lord’s day, more than that respecting God. You
understand
Tom
Maybe. My understanding of God was a couple of dusty memories from
Sunday school, until I met you. You told me about someone who
understands, and forgives, and wants the best for you, and most
interesting of all can turn a bucket of water into very good claret. Now
tell me this if he wants the best for you, if he can forgive you, if he
understands you, why the heck wouldn’t he want you running on
Sunday and winning a medal for King and country. What do think would
happen if you ran? Is he going to send a plague of frogs across the
long jump pit? He’s not going to strike you down is he, good heavens
man, a 100-metre gold medal winner; you’ll have more preaching
invitations than the Pope. You’ll be the toast of the Church of Scotland,
if they do ever toast anything. Maybe that’s what he wants for you, not
you sat in the stands watching someone else claim your prize. Our
prize.
Eric
I’m sorry Tom, I thought you understood.
Tom
Oh, maybe I do, maybe I always have, I don’t know. But I know this if
you don’t run I’m going to have to make sure others understand.
Eric
Others?
Tom
Yes Eric others. Like or lump it if you don’t run it will be big news, and
not just in the Scottish Highlands. People will need to comprehend your
judgement Eric, be ready for that. I’m not just talking about Scottish
athletics, this will be front page news you better believe it, why do you
think that chap from The Times is hanging around every corner. It may
16 not be all pleasant reading. I just want to make sure you are prepared
for that.
Eric
They’ll chase you for answers as well, you know that.
Tom
They can chase all they want.
Eric
You’ve worked for this for nearly three years Tom, don’t think I don’t
appreciate that.
Tom
You’d better darn well appreciate it, that’s why I’m not going back over
that Channel without a medal, 100, 200, 400 or ladies shot put, I don’t
really care as long as it’s gold.
Eric
Nothing would make me more proud Tom I can assure you.
Tom
Really, you really want to win?
Eric
I honour God first yes, but after that yes I want to win an Olympic gold
medal. More than anything I want that.
Tom
Do you think God wants you to win?
Eric
I believe God made me for a purpose. But he also made me fast, and
when I run I feel his pleasure. Eventually I intend to return to the China
mission, but for now if you ask me “when do I feel divinely inspired” I
would say when running, when running fast. To not run would be to
dishonour God.
Tom
Unless it happened to be a Sunday afternoon in Paris.
Eric
God will also honour I believe, those who honour him.
Tom
You really believe that don’t you.
Eric
Yes I do. Don’t get me wrong there is small part of me that whispers,
“go on make a small compromise, you’ll find it an easier path. But I
believe when I gave my heart to the Lord that was forever, for when
things are easy and for when things are hard.
Tom
I remember you saying that before somewhere.
Eric
You ought to, you said you’d never forget it you were so nervous.
Armadale Town Hall. You to read the Bible for me at the last minute
because my brother dropped out.
Tom
I’d never been so apprehensive.
Eric
I was pretty uneasy myself. I’d always hated public speaking. My
brother loved it but not me. I was quiet and shy. But this man D.S.
Thompson he found out I was a Christian and he asked me to speak at
17 a men’s meeting. He thought that because I was sportsman, that the
men might listen to me, I wasn’t so sure. I was pretty sure what I
wanted to talk about, and giving you some of the reading just bought
me a bit more time.
Tom
Whether you knew it or not Eric you had great impact on those men. I
shall never forget it. “The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the
ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and increases the
power of the weak”
Eric
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will run
and not grow weary; they will soar on wings like eagles.
Scene 6
(Eric is at the meeting in Armadale town hall. Eric looks at the congregation, he is
nervous.)
Good afternoon everyone. You know, I’ve played Rugby for Scotland a
few times now, with thousands of people watching but speaking like
this, well this really makes me nervous!
(He takes out his notes)
Excuse me one moment, while I just...
(He finds his place and then begins to speak, rather formally at first)
The motto at my old school was Gloria Filiorum Patris which means the glory of the sons is their fathers... the glory of the sons is their
fathers. Well my father was and is a missionary in China so you know I
grew up believing that that was pretty much the best thing to be, better
than playing Rugby, better than Athletics as much as I love both those
things. As I said I’ve always been scared of speaking in public but I’m
going to try today to follow the example of my father and put into words
what following Christ means to me.
There are people who will tell you that becoming a Christian will solve
all your problems. I’m afraid I am not one of those people, to tell you
the truth I think those people are talking through their hats! I follow
Christ because he is my Lord and my saviour and because I believe
that living by his commandments is the best way to live, for me and for
everyone else, the best, but probably not the easiest.
Take the ten commandments: love the Lord your God, have no other
gods before Him, do not take the name of the Lord in vain, keep the
18 Sabbath day holy, honour your father and your mother, do not murder,
do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not lie, do not covet.
I imagine that there are some of those that we can all agree on. But for
others you might well ask, why? Why should you follow these
commandments? After all isn’t it easier sometimes to lie than to tell the
truth? Sometimes doesn’t that even seem kinder, nicer? Isn’t it natural
to envy what someone else has? Are there not times when the Sabbath
day seems more like a nuisance than a blessing?
My answer to those questions as a Christian is ‘yes’. Yes there
absolutely are those times when the commandments seem to be in my
way, unnatural even. But as a Christian it isn’t about going my way, but
about going God’s way the best way for me and for everyone around
me. Jesus says ‘I am the way the truth and the life and no-one comes
to the father except by me.’ That’s the way that I want to go.
Gentlemen, what following Christ means to me is that I will obey the
Bible not only when it seems good to me to do so, but also, I might
even say especially, when I don’t want to, when everything within me
would very much like to walk an easier path, to compromise just a little
bit.
I believe that everyone’s conscience is their own but when I gave Christ
my heart and my life, gentlemen, I meant it. That means that Christ is
the Lord of my life when things are easy and when things are hard.
The Bible tells me that faith without works is dead, in other words, in
life, just like in sport - it’s your actions that count. It isn’t what you say, it
isn’t even what you believe in your hearts – it’s what you do.
When I’ve played Rugby there have been times when the sun was
shining and everything my team tried seemed to work, points were
coming from everywhere and life was easy but I’ve also played in mud
up to my knees in pouring rain with the crowd on our backs when
everything we do seems to go wrong. The players I want beside me are
the ones who’ve been through the mud and the blood and they’ve kept
on trying. They didn’t hide from the ball, they didn’t shy from the tackles
they didn’t try to cheat or foul they kept on trying to play good rugby
and win the match. And it’s like that with being a Christian too doing the
right thing, playing the game the right way not just when times are good
but in the other times too.
Gentlemen, I love playing for Scotland, I love running and I love
competition I love it - it’s in my blood. So I hope that it will mean
something to you if I tell you that I can cheerfully say, along with St
Paul in his letter to the Philippians, that I count everything, even sport,
19 even competition – I count it all as rubbish, absolute rubbish next to the
surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. If you knew
how much I love Rugby and running and competition in general – then
that gives you some idea of how much I love Christ, what He means to
me. He is the way and the truth and he is my life, he is my strength and
he is my joy and that is why I pray that I will always put Him first.
It has been a privilege to speak to you today gentlemen. Thank you
very much for your attention.
Scene 7
(Tom goes rushing through the lobby to get back to his room. He is stopped by Fifi, a
lady of a certain age)
Fifi
Bonjour Tom Tom…
Tom:
(To himself) Oh no! (To her) I really don’t have anytime right
now….Ferdi…
Fifi:
Fifi!
Tom:
Took the words right out of my mouth. Maybe I could see you in the bar
in an hour or so?
Fifi:
It is a little bit early is it not?
Tom
I’m going to need it, I’m about to go three rounds with the Organiser of
the Games.
Fifi:
Sebastian Dufraise?
Tom:
Do you know him?
Fifi:
Oh yes. He is a sweet man. His wife is very beautiful and very
understanding. What is your problem that requires him?
Tom:
I can’t really say…
Fifi:
Come on. You can tell me. We are so close.
Tom:
Yes we are and yet we really haven’t had time to get to know each
other properly.
Fifi:
What about last night at the bar, you fell at my feet…
Tom:
Well I tripped, yes
Fifi:
We were in each others arms.
Tom:
You wouldn’t let me go of me.
20 Fifi:
We can be close again…Tom Tom
Tom:
Just Tom…
Fifi:
Maybe Tommy instead? You can be my English Tommy….
Tom:
Well look because it’s you I’ll tell you. I need to get Mr Dufriase to move
the heats from Sunday, otherwise or Britain’s biggest gold hopeful
won’t be running.
Fifi:
Harold Abrahams?
Tom:
Eric Liddell…
Fifi:
You have got to be joking?
Tom:
Can you see me laughing? Eric won’t run on the Sabbath and that’s the
end of the story.
Fifi:
That was not the joke, getting Monsieur Dufraise to try and move an
Olympic heat. Now that needs a sense of humour Tommy…
Tom:
Well why don’t you go a find a seat in the corner of the bar and send up
a few prayers. And while you’re at it, order me a large scotch!
(Wallace enters and spots Tom)
Wallace:
Tom! Good to see you.
Tom:
It’s Mr McKerchar to you and don’t bother.
Wallace:
What’s the problem?
Tom
You are with your nosey questions.
(He starts walking off)
Wallace
(Calling after him) Sorry, just offering a helping hand, don’t forget sometimes having the press on your side can be quite beneficial.
Tom
You’re all heart aren’t you.
(He exits)
Wallace
Fifi!
Fifi:
Oh Pierre!
Wallace:
No, no Wallace, Wallace Longfellow
Fifi:
You took the words right out of my mouth, Wally.
Wallace:
Can I buy you a drink?
21 Fifi:
(Checking Tom has gone) Yes why not?
Wallace:
Saw you with Tom McKerchar there.
Fifi:
Ah yes, Tommy.
Wallace:
He seemed to be in hurry.
Fifi:
Well of course, he has Mr Dufraise coming to see him.
Wallace:
Why ever for?
Fifi:
That is a secret, he has revealed only to me.
Wallace:
Well I think secrets are made for sharing.
Fifi:
No they are not…
Wallace:
Mine are…
Fifi:
Tell me one then.
Wallace:
Are you sure? It’s a big one.
Fifi:
Oh yes, quite sure.
Wallace:
Well don’t say I didn’t warn you, but I’m not really married.
Fifi:
What? How can this be? Your ring?
Wallace:
Might as well wear it in my nose for what it’s worth.
Fifi:
I do not understand.
Wallace:
You see I learnt a few years ago that all the people who get ahead in
life, I mean really get ahead, they’re all married. But, seeing as I wasn’t
quite ready to send this particular pony to the glue factory, I just starting
pretending and here I am.
Fifi:
That is quite a secret!
Wallace:
Indeed. So why is Tom McKerchar meeting Sebastian Dufraise right
now?
Fifi:
Oh…you really must not tell anyone.
Wallace:
Please, it will be our little secret.
Fifi:
Ok. It is his runner.
Wallace:
Liddell?
Fifi:
Yes, he won’t run this Sunday.
22 Wallace:
Why ever not?
Fifi:
I do not know. But Tommy is asking Dufraise to move the heat.
Wallace:
Well that is a good secret. I’ll tell you what, why don’t you head to the
bar and I’ll meet you there in two shakes of lambs tail.
Fifi:
Ok.
(She goes)
Wallace:
What a scoop, what a scoop, what a scoop, what a scoop! Hold the
back page – no wait hold the front page – Eric Liddell refuses to run for
his King and his country, what has derailed the Flying Scotsman? – this
exclusive is brought to you by Wallace Longfellow of The Times…
(She returns)
Fifi:
This is our little secret, yes.
Wallace
Trust me, I’m a journalist.
Scene 8
(Downstage right has some easy chairs and coffee table. Tom waiting there for his
meeting. Mr Dufraise and his translator enter)
Tom:
Mr Dufraise come in. First of all I appreciate you agreeing to see me.
It’s a tricky matter but, well it’s about the schedule, I’ve seen it and it’s
the heats…
(The translator coughs and motions Tom to stop so they can translate)
Translator:
(To Dufraise) Je vous remercie d'avoir accepté de me voir. J'ai besoin
de vous parler de l'échéancier, je l'ai vu ...
(Thank you for agreeing to see me. I need to talk to you about the
schedule, I have seen it…)
(Tom takes his cue to continue)
Tom:
The heats for the one hundred metres are on a Sunday. Eric, Eric
Liddell....well he won’t do it; Eric Liddell will not run on a Sunday.
(The translator goes to begin)
I mean I can ask him, I can try to argue with him but it won’t do any
good. It’s because of his faith you see…
23 Translator:
(To Tom) Please Mr Mckerchar can you keep your sentences petit. (To
Dufraise) Le chauffe pour les cent mètres sont un dimanche. Mais Eric
Liddell ne fonctionnera pas sur un dimanche.
(The heats for the one hundred metres are on a Sunday. But Eric
Liddell will not run on a Sunday)
Dufraise:
Pourquoi pas, il n'a pas eu de courses dans la course jusqu'à ce - il doit
être bien reposé de son voyage, je ne vois pas pourquoi il devrait
vouloir plus de temps pour se préparer.
(Why ever not? He has not had any races in the run up to this – he
should be well rested from his journey, I don’t see why he should want
more time to prepare.)
Translator:
(To Tom) He asks why not? Mr Liddell should be in good condition, not
so tired from his journey. Why more time siv a plei? (Tom goes to start)
Oh, please remember, (motioning with their hands) petit.
Tom:
Petit. He is. (Tom motions the translator, who slightly incredulous at the
length of sentence, to start!)
Translator:
Il est.
Tom:
A Christian (Tom motions the translator and crosses himself)
Translator:
Un chrétien
(Tom motions the cross to Dufraise who is incredulous at the answer)
Dufraise:
Vous ne pouvez pas attendre que nous considérons qu'une raison
valable? Je suis un chrétien. C'est un pays catholique. Notre histoire,
nos origines, notre culture est enracinée dans la Bible et les
enseignements du Christ. Quelle raison peut «être chrétien «faire de la
participation d'un athlète?
(You cannot expect us to consider that an appropriate reason? I am a
Christian. This is a Catholic country. Our history, our ancestry, our
culture is rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Christ. What possible
reason can ‘being a Christian’ make to an athlete’s participation?)
Translator: (To Tom) He would like to know how this affects his participation?
Dufraise:
Et assurez-vous qu'il sait que les Français sont des chrétiens aussi. (And make sure he knows that the French are Christians too.)
Translator:
(To Tom) Monsieur Dufraise, is also keen for you to know that France
is a Catholic country - he is a Christian too.
24 Tom:
Well yes, we all are aren’t we? I’m British – it’s the same over there.
But it’s the Sabbath you see. Eric believes in resting on the Sabbath.
Translator:
C'est le sabbat. Eric croit en repos le jour du sabbat.
(It’s the Sabbath. Eric believes in resting on the Sabbath)
Dufraise:
Comme nous. C'est pourquoi nous avons programmé les chaleurs de
l'après-midi. Le sabbat sera terminée à midi.
(As do we. That why we have programmed the heats for the afternoon.
The Sabbath will be finished at noon.)
Translator:
(To Tom) The heats are in the afternoon by which time the Sabbath will
have finished.
Tom:
How come?
Translator:
In France, the Sabbath is just the morning.
Tom:
Oh. I’m pretty sure his lasts all day…(motions Dufraise with his hands)
Dufraise:
(Breaking into angry English) This is ridiculous. This is a heat. A simple
heat. It will be over in 10 seconds. Surely he cannot have objections to
this?
Tom:
I appreciate that it is only a heat, Eric knows that too but I’m afraid it
won’t make a blind bit of difference. It is a matter of principle, I’m sure
you can understand that.
Translator: (In French for Dufraise) Il s'agit d'une question de principe pour lui.
(This is a matter of principle for him)
Dufraise:
Eh bien, il devrait être une question de patriotisme. Pour représenter
ceux pays est un honneur....It is a privilege. It is to be held in the
highest regard - above all other convictions and beliefs…Il devrait être
fier de courir pour son roi et son pays
(Well it should be a matter of patriotism. To represent ones country is
an honour. It is a privilege. It is to be held in the highest regard - above
all other convictions and beliefs. He should be proud to run for his King
and his country.)
Translator:
(To Tom) Where is the love for his country? Should that be enough for
him to run?
Tom:
No, with respect, it is not a question of patriotism. Eric is a proud Scot,
he is British to the core and he has dedicated himself to running this
race and winning it for his country. He is a man of loyalty, honour and
25 principle I am very proud to call him my friend and were it possible
within the bounds of his conscience to run then nothing would prevent
him from doing so, and I daresay winning the race as well. But I can
guarantee you that he won’t.
Translator:
Please Monsieur, petit. (To Dufraise) Eric est un patriote, mais c'est
une question de conscience pour lui. M. McKerchar garantit que Liddell
ne fonctionnera que si la chaleur est déplacé.
(Eric is a patriot but it is a matter of conscious for him. Mr McKerchar
guarantees that Liddell will not run unless the heat is moved.)
Dufraise:
Déplacez la chaleur? (Move the heat?)
Translator:
Move the heat?
Tom:
Now you're talking! Yes…oui oui oui…
Dufraise:
Do you have any suggestions as to when we should rearrange? Lundi,
mardi, mercredi peut-être jeudi - en fait, pourquoi se donner la peine de
transférer cela, pourquoi ne pas réorganiser les jeux entiers pour son
athlète...
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday maybe Thursday – in fact why bother
just moving this, why don’t we rearrange the whole games for his
athlete…?)
Tom:
What did he say?
Translator:
He was being, how do you say ‘the tongue in the cheek’ as to when he
should move it…
Tom
Ay up! I didn’t bring you here to take 6 of the best, not least from a
Frenchman. Don’t you forget we saved you country for you, the very
least you could do is move this heat – you’d all be speaking German
right now if it weren’t for us! You tell him, he’d selling frankfurters up the
Chans a Wotsit if it wasn’t for us.
Translator:
M. McKerchar tiens à vous rappeler Angleterre ...
(Mr McKerchar would like to remind you England…)
Tom:
No, no, on second thoughts, don’t say that – (to Dufraise) Sorry, just
got a little carried away.
Dufraise:
Nous devons aller. Dites-lui que je vais y réfléchir et d'annoncer des
changements à la conférence de presse. Mais je ne recommanderais
pas qu'il obtient ses espoirs
26 (We need to go. Tell him I’ll think about it and announce any changes
at the press conference. But I wouldn’t recommend that he gets his
hopes up)
Translator:
My apologies but Monsieur Dufraise, has a press conference right now.
He will think about your request and announce anything at it, but
changing the events at this notice would be a very difficult task to
administer, you understand? Merci.
Tom:
Well merci and abiento.
Translator:
Bonswour.
(Lights fade)
Scene 9
(Back in the hotel room, Eric is listening to gramophone - playing ‘Fight the Good
Fight’ and looking at his sermon notes)
Tom
You can turn that rubbish off for a start.
Eric
Still no news I take it from the Organisers.
Tom
Organisers! What the heck do they know anyway? Couldn’t run a bath,
never mind the 100 metres.
Eric
I’m sure they’ll do their best.
Tom
Maybe. It’s what I feared, they don’t really understand you. To them
one man’s principle is another man’s stubbornness.
Eric
Look, my refusal to not run isn’t a stubborn I will not, nor is it an
arrogant I shall not, it’s a simple but none less heartfelt I cannot. And
unless you are in the race you can’t get the prize. One Corinthians nine,
it’s going to be my reference for Sunday morning.
Tom
Working on Sunday are you?
Eric
I’ve been asked to speak at the Church of Scotland chapel on the west
of the city.
Tom
And in the afternoon?
Eric
Well assuming the response from the Organisers is a negative one I
shall make my way to the stadium and watch Harold Abrahams win the
heats for the 100 metres final.
Tom
You can beat Abrahams any day of the week.
Eric
But not on Sunday.
27 Tom
It would seem so.
Eric
I’m going to get ready for bed, I’m done in. You do understand Tom?
Tom
I understand that bit you said about if you’re not in the race you can’t
win the prize, that’s the most sense you’ve made all week. Go on I’ll get
this tea for you, and something a little stronger for me.
(Eric goes to his room)
Tom:
Refill?
Eric:
No, no, I’ll never sleep if I have any more.
Tom:
That’s a good point...but since I doubt I’ll sleep anyway.
(He refills his wine glass)
‘Take wine for thy stomach’s sake.’
(Eric appears now in pyjamas and dressing gown)
Eric:
‘Take a little wine for thy stomach’s sake.’
Tom:
Trust you to take all the fun out of it.
(He drinks. Pause. Eric looks at him seriously)
Eric:
That isn’t really what you think, is it?
Tom:
What?
Eric:
Do you think that I take the fun out of things?
Tom:
No.
Eric:
Because if that’s the impression I’ve given, I mean of God –
Tom:
No Eric, not at all.
(Pause)
Eric:
That would be the worst thing. If people hear about, my decision and
they think that God’s some kind of killjoy...that would be the worst thing.
Tom:
People will think what they want to think and there’s nothing you can do
about it.
Eric:
You’re right.
Tom:
You can’t do anything about opinions.
Eric:
That’s right.
28 Tom:
So don’t worry about it.
Eric:
You’re quite right Tom, as always.
Tom:
Course I am. (Scrutinising his glass with an expert eye) This is really
quite an amusing vintage you know.
Eric:
I’m happy for you. (Pause) Well, I believe I’ll turn in.
(Instantly we hear a knock on the door of the hotel suite. Eric looks
quizzically at Tom)
Eric:
Do you think? (Eric goes off to the door) Err Wallace isn’t it? Come in.
Wallace:
Yes, of course, it’s just, um, – look I know it’s awkward and the timing
couldn’t be worse but, it’s my editor really he’s being quite
unreasonable and he’s insisting…
Eric:
What can we help you with Mr Longfellow?
Wallace:
I just need a quote, that is my editor...I just wanted to get your reaction
to the news.
Eric:
What news?
Wallace:
Well, you know from the Press Conference downstairs.
(Tom and Eric look at one another)
Eric:
I think you’d better sit down. Now what can we get you, tea?
Wallace:
No, no, I couldn’t possibly.
Eric
Tom has some wine…?
(Tom looks nervously at Eric)
Wallace:
No…
Tom:
So –
Wallace:
Well all right then maybe one glass.
(Tom rather pours him a very small glass)
Awfully decent of you…
Eric:
Not at all, it’s our pleasure
Tom
(Handing him a half filled small glass) You’re very welcome.
(Eric looks at Tom whilst Wallace knocks back the wine)
29 So come on then Mr Longfellow, what did they say?
Wallace:
Yes of course, well Monsieur Dufraise gave a short statement about the
proposed changes to the marathon route and then happened to
mention that he’d had a request, from an athlete, to move the 100m
heats, he’d looked at the feasibility and his decision was
Eric:
No. Wasn’t it?
Wallace:
Yes. I’m sorry, it was.
Tom:
How did you know it was Eric?
Wallace:
(Lying) Educated guess.
Eric:
So you want my reaction?
Wallace:
Yes.
(Eric shrugs not sure what to say)
Eric:
What do you want to know?
Wallace:
Will you run?
Eric:
No, Wallace, I will not.
Wallace:
Why not?
Eric:
Because I’m a Christian, and it’s against my beliefs.
Wallace:
But – yes- but the heat is in the afternoon you know, you could go to
church in the morning. I hear that the French Sabbath is just in the
morning.
Eric:
(Laughing) Mine lasts all day. No Wallace, no compromises they won’t
change the time and I won’t run on Sunday, that’s it.
Wallace:
But you could win, you could win an Olympic gold medal – no longer
just the Flying Scotsman but the Fastest Man on Earth…
Eric:
And what’s the use of a victory I’d be ashamed of? Tell me that. Now if
you’ll excuse me I really am rather tired and my bed is calling. Good
night Mr Longfellow, thanks for the news.
Wallace:
Good night.
Tom:
Eric –
Eric:
Good night Tom.
(Eric goes into his room)
30 Wallace:
And what about you Mr Mckerchar?
Tom:
I won’t run either.
Wallace:
(Confused) Sorry?
Tom:
A joke Wallace. It was a joke.
Wallace:
Oh. No I just mean you’ve spent years training Mr Liddell, what do you
think about him refusing to run.
Tom:
I think...it doesn’t really matter what I think – he stands by his beliefs
and I stand by him.
Wallace:
I see. Thank you, I’m sorry to have been the one to...
Tom:
That’s not your fault, good night.
Wallace:
Good night.
(Wallace turns to go)
Tom:
They’re...they’re going to crucify him for this aren’t they?
Wallace:
It’s hard to say. Some will understand. But yes most of the papers will
say he owes it to his country to run, that duty to your country should
come before, um, private principles/scruples.
Tom:
Private principles/scruples?
Wallace:
That’s what they’ll call it, yes. I’m sorry.
Tom:
Don’t apologise to me. Listen, whatever they say, don’t bother Eric with
it. He doesn’t need to know.
Wallace:
No, of course not. You have my word.
(They shake hands)
Good night.
(Wallace exits. Tom crosses to Eric’s room)
Tom:
Eric, are you all right lad?
Eric:
I’m fine Tom, really.
Tom:
Good, good.
(Eric enters)
Eric:
I’m so sorry... all the work you put in.
31 Tom:
Nonsense, nonsense. Anyway, it’s not over yet.
Eric:
What do you mean?
Tom:
Well we still have the four hundred, don’t we?
(Eric smiles)
Eric:
I suppose we do. But I’m not exactly...
Tom:
What?
Eric:
No. Nothing, I’m done in, we’ll talk in the morning.
Tom:
Aye, sleep well lad.
Eric:
Goodnight Tom, thanks for everything.
(He exits. Tom goes back to his chair and sips his wine)
Tom:
Mmm (he looks at the wine approvingly). It’s not over yet...it’s not over
yet.
(Fade to Blackout)
Chariot Act 2
Scene 1
(The hotel suite. A table is laid for breakfast there is a newspaper in a rack on the
table. Tom enters, immediately sees the newspaper, and begins to read the hatchet
job written by Wallace Longfellow on Eric)
Tom:
Longfellow! You devious snake.
(He hides it. Then he sits and starts buttering toast and pouring tea. Eric enters.)
Tom:
Morning.
Eric:
Morning Tom, sleep well?
Tom:
Like a log, you?
Eric:
Oh, on and off, off and on... too many thoughts really.
(Tom pours tea for Eric)
Thanks. No newspaper?
(Tom takes a bit of toast and shrugs noncommittally)
Tom:
They’re all in French anyway.
32 Eric:
I just wondered what they were saying about the hundred metres final.
Today’s the day, eh?
Tom:
Not for us.
Eric:
No, not for us.
(Pause, they busy themselves with breakfast)
Tom:
Any regrets?
Eric:
I wish I was out there, put it that way, but I’d do the same again.
(Pause) I wonder how Harold slept.
Tom:
Not well I would guess.
Eric:
Probably not.
Tom:
Brutal race the hundred. You practise all your life and it’s over in ten
seconds... and Jackson Scholtz is an animal, so is Paddock.
Eric:
So is Harold, I wouldn’t bet against him.
Tom:
You wouldn’t bet.
Eric:
True enough, true enough.
(They continue to eat in silence)
Harold is fast.
Tom:
You’re faster.
Eric:
We’ll never know now, not over a hundred metres.
Tom:
No, I don’t suppose we will.
(Pause)
Eric:
I’m sorry Tom.
Tom:
Ah (waves his hand dismissively).
(Eric stirs his tea absent-mindedly)
Eric:
It is pure though isn’t it, the hundred? Ten seconds and we know who
the fastest man on earth really is.
Tom:
Not this year.
Eric:
There’s no tactics, no time for thought, just pure speed.
Tom:
Pure speed.
33 Eric:
The gun releases you; the crowd roars, your heart hammers away and
your legs pound the cinder track. The wind’s on your face and here
comes the tape and your home and the cheering fills your ears...it’s
pure.
Tom:
Let it go, lad.
Eric:
I know, I know.
(They eat in companionable silence)
Four hundred’s different though.
Tom:
Well, it’s longer.
(Eric laughs)
Eric:
You know what I mean. It’s different. You can’t just run it; there are
things to think about, the bend, staying in touch but saving enough for
the final burst, it’s not -
Tom:
Ah, it’s different and it’s the same. Aye the quarter mile is a strange old
beast but in the end it’s about breaking the tape first and to do it, you
need speed ... and you’re fast.
Eric:
Ah but that’s the thing, you need stamina too.
Tom:
You’ll break their hearts by the bend.
Eric:
And then they’ll catch me.
Tom:
Not if you’ve got a lead, a big one, you’ll break their spirits. They’ll look
up after the first fifty and there’s Eric Liddell, not even the favourite and
he’s off in the distance- you’ll just have to hold on in the final straight.
Eric:
But can I?
Tom:
We’ll see.
(Pause)
Eric:
I don’t think I can win, Tom.
Tom:
Nonsense!
Eric:
I can’t see it. I might get the lead right enough but then they run me
down and I have to watch them pass me at the line.
Tom:
We’ll get you out on the track again today, you just need some
confidence.
34 Eric:
You’re right. You’re right, you’re right, you’re right, sorry Tom, rough
night, too much thinking.
Tom:
Never been your strong suit.
Eric:
That’s true!
Tom:
You’ll see - you’ll feel better on the track. Come on, finish your
breakfast we need to get you moving.
(Tom gets up from the table. Eric stays for a moment and prays as the lights fade)
Scene 2
(On the Track. Tom is shouting off to Eric)
Tom:
Come on lad, now you can push it, push it, you need to go harder,
Scholtz will catch at this rate. He’s breathing down your neck, he’s
gaining Eric, he’s gaining! On your toes lad on your toes, I need to see
you dancing, go on, go on…
Geraldine:
New runner McKerchar?
Tom:
Geraldine? Good to see you. It’s been, well I haven’t seen you since…
Geraldine:
Stoke.
Tom:
Was it really Stoke?
Geraldine:
I know it’s been a while.
Tom:
Where’s the camera?
Geraldine:
In my room. I’m writing this morning.
Tom:
A novel?
Geraldine:
Copy for my editor.
(Tom is taken aback)
Woman can write – and not just novels.
Tom:
Next you’ll have the vote.
Geraldine:
We do! I’m able to get printed a couple of times a month, but not under
my own name yet.
Tom:
Geraldine Cianter (Putting 2 & 2 together) Gerald Cianter! You wrote up
that piece on Eric before the Games. I was mentioned rather favourably
a few times if I remember correctly.
35 Geraldine:
I thought you deserved a bit more attention. Everyone keeps on about
Abraham’s trainer Mussabini – and don’t get me wrong he’s good - but
the way it gets written up, it sounds as if Abrahams trains and Liddell
prays.
Tom:
Well I’ve nearly taken to it myself recently.
Geraldine:
It’s not been smooth sailing for you of late has it?
Tom:
Longfellow and his cronies have seen to that.
Geraldine:
They’ve been pretty ruthless. How’s Eric holding up?
Tom:
Good. He’s doesn’t really know. I managed to keep the Sunday papers
away from him, hiding yesterdays was tricky – now I’m just hoping it will
die down.
Geraldine:
You’re a good friend Tom.
(Eric enters exhausted)
Tom:
Well I try. What was you last lap there?
Eric:
50.1
Tom:
Not bad lad, not bad. But it’s no world record yet. We need you back in
less than 48 seconds. Now give me 20 for being over 50 seconds.
(Eric begins some press-ups)
Eric:
I’d be happy with a gold medal round my neck.
(Wallace enters stealthily)
Tom:
So would I lad, but I’d buy a round of drinks if we got the world record
as well.
Wallace:
I’d like to be there for that.
(Tom is not pleased to see him!)
Tom:
Aye I bet you would, not one to get the back of the queue when free
drinks are around are you?
Wallace:
I meant I would appreciate being there to celebrate the victory and the
record. How are you feeling Eric?
Eric:
Exhausted.
36 Tom:
So you should be, you are a 100 metre runner doing 400 metres. But
grab a few more yards and who knows Mr Longfellow here might buy
us all a drink.
Wallace:
You think he can win Mr McKerchar?
Tom:
Don’t ask such a daft question, why else do you think I’m out here,
French suntan? Go on, in you go Eric, warm down then I’ll catch up
with you in the changing room.
(Eric exits, Longfellow goes to follow him)
Longfellow! After what you wrote, you’ve got some cheek turning up
here. I’d knock your block off if there wasn’t a lady present.
Wallace:
Look there’s no need to be rash.
Tom:
Oh, you make my foot itch! All mouth, no trousers. We have a word for
people like you where I’m from, scum.
Wallace:
McKerchar I make a living writing the news. Liddell was news. We sold
more newspapers on him not running than we did on the ending of the
war. Now I am sorry that spins your moral compass out of control but it
is how we sell newspapers and consequently how we write them. So, if
there is any comment you would like to make now, I would be happy to
hear it if not then I shall be on my way.
Tom:
I made the mistake of trusting you once, I shan’t make it again. And you
print any of this conversation in your rag and you’ll find yourself hanging off the Eiffel tower. Are we clear?
Wallace:
Good day (He exits)
Geraldine:
So what are Eric’s chances?
Tom:
Still needs to find some extra speed round the last 100, at this rate
they’ll catch him and he’ll be lucky to come home with a bronze.
Geraldine:
Can you get him to win?
Tom:
I can tell him what I know, but he’s the one who’s got to win.
Geraldine:
Can he?
Tom:
There is not a doubt in my mind that he can - the question is, will he?
Geraldine:
And?
Tom:
I’ve told you all I know – you’ll have to read the rest in the newspapers.
Geraldine:
I write the newspapers.
37 Tom:
Then do me a favour and write us a happy ending would you?
Geraldine:
I’ll do my best. Thank you for your time, and good luck Mr McKerchar.
Tom:
Tom, please. Eric won’t be long he’s just towelling down if you want to
catch him for a few moments, I’m sure we can manage a few questions.
Geraldine:
Thank you, but maybe later, I need to get to my spot in the stadium, I’m
shooting the 100 metre final.
Tom:
Ah yes of course, how could I forget? If you get the opportunity to
congratulate Mr Abrahams for me I’d appreciate it.
Geraldine:
If he wins you mean?
Tom:
Like I say, if the opportunity arises, just give him my congratulations.
Good afternoon.
(Tom exits, lights fade)
Scene 3
(Downstage centre, there is a young woman – Florence looking at a map – lost – Eric
walks past her)
Flo:
Hi there, I don’t suppose you know where the stadium is?
Eric:
Yes, I do. Do you know where you are now?
Flo:
Paris?
Eric:
Well yes….
Flo:
Sorry that was stupid…
Eric:
No, it wasn’t.
Flo:
Yes it was.
Eric:
Well maybe a little silly…but that’s ok. I just wasn’t sure how lost you
were but at least you know you’re in Paris.
Flo:
Thank you.
Eric:
My pleasure. Right so what you want is…
Flo:
Sorry, but your accent. Are you Irish?
Eric:
Err no….
38 Flo:
Oh English I’m so sorry.
Eric:
So you should be. I’m Scottish.
Flo:
What’s the difference?
Eric:
Just because two countries are next to each other doesn’t make them
the same. I think a Canadian of all people should know that…
Flo:
Oh my goodness how did you know that I’m Canadian? Nobody ever
guesses it, people always just think American but how could you tell the
difference…?
Eric:
You have a Canadian Bible Society leaflet in your hand.
Flo:
Oh…
Eric:
Yes…
Flo:
If it’s all the same, this time I would like to feel stupid.
Eric:
I’ll let you have it, just this once.
Flo:
Thank you. I take it you’re here competing?
Eric:
What gave me away?
Flo:
Well you don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to notice the running garb.
What is your event?
Eric:
I could let you guess…
Flo:
Oh, I’m no good with sports things. You could be doing shot put for all I
know…
Eric:
Well I almost was for a while but…I run.
Flo:
You’re a jogger?
Eric:
Not so much jogging, more sprinting. I run the 100m. Well I did anyway.
Long story. I take it you’re on one of the teams giving out Bibles at
events?
Flo:
You know about us then.
Eric:
(Producing a Bible from his pocket) We’re on the same side.
Flo:
Oh my goodness. You’re a Christian?
Eric:
Yes.
Flo:
Wow, a runner and a Christian.
39 Eric:
I tend to put it the other way round but yes. How long have you been on
mission?
Flo:
Two years. But I’ve been in language training for most of that.
Eric:
What are you learning?
Flo:
Mandarin.
Eric:
And how’s it going?
Flo:
(Its ok, thank you) Háihǎo, fēicháng gǎnxiè.
Eric:
(Not bad, pretty lady) Búcuò, mei nu.
Flo:
How do you…?
Eric:
(Explaining himself) I was born in China. My parents are missionaries in
the Tianjin province. I’m hoping of joining them out their next year.
Flo:
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone before who grew up in China.
Eric:
Well you still haven’t. I lived in China till I was 5, then my parents
brought me and my brother to be looked after in England and they went
back with my sister.
Flo:
When would you see them?
Eric:
The mission society had a 7-year cycle, so every eighth year after that.
Look, I would love to talk to you more but I’m going to start seizing up
unless I stretch.
Flo:
Oh stretch away….I mean not here unless you want to…
Eric:
Thanks but I need a shower too…
Flo:
Of course.
Eric:
Maybe see you running?
Flo:
Oh no, my mom always said ‘running is for children and hamsters’…
(realises her joke is a smidge inappropriate in her current
company)…but I could get into it.
Eric:
Well then you’ll need directions the stadium, so, you see this road
here? It branches out in a few hundred yards, take the left side and if
you keep walking 10-15 minutes you’ll come to a stature of Napoleon
and if you take a right there, you’ll be at the stadium in no time.
Flo:
Thank you. See you soon…
Eric:
Eric. Eric Liddell
40 Flo:
Florence. Florence Liddell. MACKENZIE! Florence Mackenzie.
Eric:
Um. Ok Florence. I’d better make like a hamster and run. See you
soon.
(Eric leaves)
Flo:
Florence Liddell! Florence LIDDELL! What were you thinking?
(Eric re-enters)
Liddell! (She notices him and immediately composes herself) Eric…
Eric:
If you wanted to finish our conversation later I’m staying at the St Louis
Hotel (aware of how that potentially sounded) I mean there’s some nice
cafes around there if you wanted to get a cup of tea. I know where the
mission is based so I could meet you, I mean, do Canadians even drink
tea?
Flo:
Tea sounds good. I’ll meet you tonight in lobby.
(She exits as Eugene - who is a little worse for wear - enters)
Eugene:
Hey – you’re Eric Liddell – remember me? Thank you. Thank you so
much for taking Sunday off – did you know I got 100 bucks on Jackson
Sholtz to win the 100? Looks like it’s going to happen thanks to you.
Can I buy you a drink?
Eric:
If you remember, I don’t drink.
Eugene:
I do! Here, let me sign this for you. (Starts writing on his newspaper)
Eric:
Ok. Don’t you want me to sign it for you?
Eugene:
No way – the way you’re going you’ll be forgotten in a week my friend!
Eric:
Yes
Eugene:
Here it is. For the runner who wouldn’t run. Eric Liddell. The Flying
Dutch Scotsman! (Hands him the newspaper)
Eric:
Thank you for your time (Noticing an article about him) What
the…(absorbed in reading)
Eugene:
Pssst. Hey Scotty. Did I tell you that I had 100 bucks on Jackson
Sholtz? I got the odds when you were still running – do you know what
odds I got? Nope? I’ll tell you. 8 to 1 – 8 to 1! Do you know how much
that means I’ll get? Nope? I’ll tell you. $800! Plus I get my hundred
back.
41 Eric:
Well I hope for the sake of your liver that you spend it wisely should you
win. Good day to you.
Eugene:
Well thank you. (Reaching for his hip flask) Finer than a frog hair, split
four ways.
Scene 4
(Eric is in the hotel room, he is continuing to read the paper as Tom enters)
Eric
‘Liddell puts God before King – Scottish runner Mr Eric Liddell has
chosen to put his private principle ahead of his patriotic duty...
Tom:
Where did you find that?
Eric:
A fan.
Tom:
Ah well so what? You knew they wouldn’t understand. Forget ‘em lad.
Eric:
I know...you’re right. There was a part of me that thought people
might...never mind. Have you been hiding the papers from me?
(Pause)
Tom:
Yes.
Eric:
Stop doing that.
Tom:
All right.
Eric:
I’m a big boy, I won’t break.
(Pause)
I’m ‘Scottish’ now, you notice? ‘Scottish runner Eric Liddell’ I’m British
when I win. (Pause) So how am I doing?
Tom:
Out there? Perfect, coming along great, couldn’t be better.
Eric:
My times?
Tom:
Improving, better and better.
Eric:
You’re a bad liar Tom.
Tom:
It’s the truth, on my grandmother’s soul.
Eric:
Where would I come?
Tom:
On the day? Well that depends on a lot of things, you know but with a
following wind and a bit of luck you’ll be there or thereabouts.
42 Eric:
What about without the following wind Tom? What if we all ran close to
our best times, where would I finish?
(Pause)
Tom:
Third.
Eric:
Third?
Tom:
Maybe fourth. Probably fourth, it depends. The Swiss chap, Joseph
Imbach he’s the favourite he broke –
Eric:
The world record in his heat I know, forty-eight seconds flat, the man
was flying.
Tom:
Then the American –
Eric:
Horatio Fitch, always finishes strong.
Tom:
But you only need a couple of them to be off the pace and you’re in the
medals. You need to find some way of keeping something in reserve
for the back straight; at the moment you’re fading every time and they’ll
catch you.
Eric:
I know, I know (groans in frustration).
Tom:
I hate to say it Eric, but you chose this, lad.
Eric:
I know, Tom! And I’d choose it again. I’m just...it’s not the losing, it isn’t!
I’ve lost lots of times but I always ran believing I could win. It’s hard
work without the belief. I know you think I don’t care enough –
Tom:
Nonsense!
Eric:
- but I’ve given up a lot to keep doing this. My rugby, time with my
family, my studies have suffered –
Tom:
I never said you didn’t care.
Eric:
No, I know you never said it.
Tom:
I just wanted...I want to train a world champion.
(Pause)
Eric:
I’m...Tom I’m finding it difficult to...
Tom:
What?
Eric:
I’m finding it hard to...find myself in this...I...it was one thing running the
400 as well...you know, as an extra thing. I thought I had a good
chance of a medal in the one hundred then the pressure was off for
43 this...now I just...it isn’t just the losing Tom, it’s the way it’s going to
happen – I develop a good lead, I try to keep something back but when
I reach down in the final stretch - there’s nothing there - I run out of
stamina and I watch them sweep past me, it’s just so shameful. Listen
to me, I know it sounds ridiculous, I feel like a spoilt child ‘I can’t win so
I won’t try’...
Tom:
What do you mean you won’t try?
Eric:
No, no, I’m not saying –
Tom:
You’re damn well running this one Eric if I have to drag you to that track
myself!
Eric:
I’m not saying I won’t run it I’m just saying...
Tom:
This is fear talking Eric, fear. And the Eric Liddell I know would
recognise it for what it was, face it like a man and plough through it.
Eric:
I know Tom, I will, I promise. I just, I can’t see it this time that’s all.
Tom:
Then start seeing it. You need to train your mind as well as your body.
Train yourself to see it. See yourself breaking that tape. You’re fighting
for breath, your lungs are burning you turn round and you see the rest
of the field coming in. The crowd are roaring, the band starts playing
‘God save the king’ everyone’s smiling. Can you see it?
Eric:
I’m trying.
Tom:
Then someone says ‘who trained that runner?’ ‘Tom Mckerchar!’
comes the answer, ‘Good old Tom Mckerchar!’ they cry, they pick me
up and hoist me onto their shoulders and I’m carried round the streets
of Paris. You’ve got to see it Eric.
Eric:
The picture seemed to be getting slightly more fanciful at the end there!
I’m sorry, you’re right I should pull myself together and I will. I just
struggle to imagine it.
Tom:
Then just believe in it Eric. There’s a word for believing in things you
can’t necessarily see. I daresay if you put your mind to it, a preacher
like you, it might just come to you.
(Eric smiles, then plays along with Tom’s visualisation)
Eric:
Hey! Hey! Who trains that runner over there, the handsome one who
just won the four hundred?
Tom:
Tom Mckerchar.
Eric:
Good old Tom Mckerchar.
44 (They are interrupted by the sound of ‘God save the King’ playing
outside)
What, which - ?
Tom:
That’s the hundred metres.
Eric:
The hundred - ? So Harold?
Tom:
It looks that way.
(For a second it isn’t clear how Eric will react, then he laughs though
there is sadness there)
Eric:
Well good for him! Good for him. (Pause) Fastest man on earth.
Tom:
You’re –
Eric:
No I’m not. Not today. He’s the Olympic champion and he deserves it.
(Pause) Well done Harold. (Pause) I just wish my times were a little
closer, you know?
Tom:
I spoke to Mr Abraham’s trainer the other day, Sam, Sam something,
Italian name.
Eric:
Mussibini
Tom:
That’s the one. He told me that he’d promised to find Harold an extra
two yards - looks like he must have found them.
Eric:
Well it looks like you need to find me three hundred yards!
Tom:
Ha! I’ll do what I can Eric. Where are you going?
Eric:
I need to congratulate Mr Abrahams.
(There is a knock at the door Eric goes off to answer it)
Fifi:
(From off) Bonjour. Ca va?
Eric:
Ca va bien.
Fifi:
Is Tommy in?
Eric:
Of course. Who shall it is?
FifI:
Fifi. Merci bien.
(Eric re-enters)
Eric:
Tommy. Do you know a Fifi?
Tom:
No, no, no, no - tell her I’m not in. Tell her I’m indisposed.
45 (Fifi enters)
Tell her I’m very pleased to see her.
Fifi:
Tommy!
Tom:
Fifi!
Fifi:
I have something for you.
Tom:
Not again…
Fifi:
I have an invitation for the Ambassadors Reception tonight, would you
like be my knight in shining armour on my arm, my English Tommy.
Tom:
I would love to but I’ve got to help Eric with the…very important thing
we were just discussing…
Eric:
What important thing?
Tom:
The extra training I want you doing tonight.
Eric:
Tonight? Tom I’m still tired from this morning.
Fifi:
Come on Tommy, do not be too hard on him. It is clear to me that
needs a night off, like you. You work too hard, you need to slow down
and relax more.
Tom:
I couldn’t leave Eric on his own.
Fifi:
Maybe he can bring a lady too?
Tom:
He doesn’t really have anyone to bring.
Eric:
Well, I might. I’d need to see if she was free…
Tom:
Do you now?
Eric:
Maybe we could an hour of training late afternoon Tom?
Tom:
Who is she please?
Eric:
(Pointing at Fifi) Who is she please?
Tom:
(Tom stops for moment and considers his options before taking Eric
aside) We’ll train from 5-6 then come back here to get ready and you
don’t ask me any questions about Ferdi.
Eric:
Fifi.
Tom:
Don’t be smart. Deal?
Eric:
Deal.
46 Fifi:
So what will it be boys?
Tom:
We’d love to accept your kind offer.
Fifi:
(She gives Tom a hearty embrace) I knew you could be my shining
knight, so tonight we go to the ball.
(Lights fade as we hear a the opening of the 1812 overture strike up for the party)
Scene 5
(The Ambassadors Reception – Or - The Ferrero Roche Scene. Dufraise and his
translator. Geraldine. A slightly more sober Eugene and Wallace.)
Dufraise:
Mesdames et Messieurs, bonsoir et bienvenue. Ce soir, nous honorons
l'homme qui a lutté courageusement cet après-midi dans la finale du
100m et était victorieux, Harold Abrahams.
(Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome. Tonight we honour
the man who battled bravely this afternoon in the 100m final and was
victorious, Harold Abrahams)
Translator:
Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome. Tonight we honour
the man who won the 100m final today, Harold Abrahams.
Dufriase:
C'est un honneur d'être en présence de l'homme le plus rapide sur terre, mais le plus grand honneur est de l'esprit olympique qui a alimenté
son effort victorieux cet après-midi
(It is an honour to be in the presence of the fastest man on earth but
the greater honour is to the Olympic spirit that fuelled his victorious endeavour this afternoon)
Translator:
It is an honour to be here with the fastest man on the world. But the
greater honour is to the Olympic spirit that fuelled his victory this afternoon.
Dufraise:
S'il vous plaît venez ici Harold (Come here Harold).
Translator:
Please come Mr Abrahams.
Dufraise:
Au nom du peuple de France. Nous vous félicitons de ce vase
(On behalf of the people of France. We congratulate you with this vase)
Translator:
On behalf of the people of France we congratulate you with this vase.
(Geraldine takes a photograph of the presentation. ‘For He’s Jolly Good
Fellow’ plays. Eric and Florence enter. Dufraise and Harold continue to
talk as Geraldine goes over to Eric)
47 Geraldine:
Can I have two minutes with you on the record, at some point Eric. I’ve
convinced my editor to leave a space for previewing you finally running
in the 400.
Eric:
Look, Harold deserves the coverage, not me. Between you and me I’m
not sure my running the four hundred is worth writing home about.
Geraldine:
Oh, I am. I’m perfectly sure. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I assure
you.
Eric:
(Embarrassed) Well thank you Geraldine, that’s a nice thing to say.
Sorry, where are my manners - this is Florence Lidd…Mackenzie.
Flo:
Lovely to meet you.
Geraldine:
And you. I must say I admire you Eric, I really do. That could have been
you making the headlines tomorrow not Abrahams.
Eric:
Unlike you, I’m not particularly interested in headlines, I never have
been. Like I say, Harold deserves the plaudits.
Geraldine:
Oh I won’t argue there. He was like a machine out there, a man possessed I’ve never seen such concentration etched on a man’s face.
Nothing was going to distract him from reaching that tape first. Excuse
me.
(Dufraise has called Geraldine over for more photos. Tom enters in a
tuxedo and a dickie with Fifi. Eric is still thinking about the race)
Eric:
Think start, think finish, think of nothing in between.
Flo:
Sorry?
Eric:
Oh, nothing, it’s just what Tom drills in to me before every sprint. He
always makes me feel like I can take on the world.
Flo:
Must help, to have someone who really believes in you, who really believes you’re going to win every time you leave the start.
Eric:
Yes, yes I suppose it does, never really thought about it too much before.
Flo:
So that’s Harold Abrahams then?
Eric:
Yes it is.
Flo:
I thought he’d be taller. What’s he like?
Eric:
He’s a bit of an enigma actually. I went to see him after the race and
offered him my congratulations. An Olympic record and beating Jackson Scholz is a considerable achievement. And I told him so…
48 Flo:
What did he say?
Eric:
Not a lot. He politely thanked me, and then I left him to his own individual reflections.
(Eugene literally cannot help himself from coming over to Eric)
Eugene:
Hey, Eric, Chuck says he can get 20 to 1 odds on you winning tomorrow - what do you say?
Eric:
I’d say you lost $100 betting on Jackson Sholtz, so maybe cut your
losses on this whole gambling thing.
Eugene:
Gotcha. Hey, can I get you a drink?
Eric:
Yes, I’ll have a large scotch on the rocks
Eugene:
Really?
Eric:
No! But thanks for offering, again.
Eugene:
Hey you’re alright Liddell and you are a lucky lady mam’.
Flo:
Oh I’m not his lady yet…. (Realising brain and mouth have not worked
together, again) I mean I’d like to be….I just….
Eugene:
Well you love birds just let me know when I need to put the champagne
in the ice bucket, alright?
Eric:
We will, thank you.
(Eugene leaves them, Wallace swoops in on him and starts to pump
him for information. Eric and Flo continue their conversation…)
Have you ever played Chinese whispers?
Flo:
Not since I was a kid.
Eric:
Would you like to play?
Flo:
Ok.
Eric:
(Eric moves slowly to her ear and whispers- I love you in Madarin) Wo
ai ni.
(We see Florence react as we Abrahams comes up to Tom)
Abrahams:
Running a little late Tom?
Tom:
Unlike you Mr Abrahams, a fine victory today.
49 Abrahams:
Thank you.
Tom:
It looks like Mr Mussibini’s work on your stride length has finally paid
off.
Abrahams:
And it was worth every penny.
Tom:
And guinea, Mr Abrahams.
Abrahams:
Yes, every guinea too. We can’t all find good mentors who’ll train us for
nothing. What brings you to the party so unpunctually?
Tom:
I just had Eric doing some extra training.
Abrahams:
Indeed, and the reason you’ve got him out on the training ground running late for drinkies with the ambassador is because you believe he
can win a gold medal for King and country in the 400.
Fifi:
What do you think?
Abrahams:
I entirely agree with you.
Tom:
Clearly you haven’t seen his times of late, ‘late’ being very much the
operative word.
Abrahams:
Oh, the training times don’t matter – he’s never really been a technique
sort of runner has he? No, in my opinion this race was made for him.
Tom:
That makes you something of a lone voice in the athletics community
Mr Abrahams.
Abrahams:
Well that was ever my tragedy - genius is rarely recognised in its own
lifetime as I often tell my good lady.
Fifi:
There’s a fine line, isn’t there, between genius and madness?
Abrahams:
Yes, that’s what she says too. (Pause) I remember when I first met him,
and I watched him run. I heard people say “you’ve seeing our Olympic
champion” I wasn’t sure about that, not till I saw him run that race in
Stoke. After that, I could believe that any race he really wanted to win,
he’d go ahead and win it.
Tom:
I’d forgotten you were there that day.
Abrahams:
I was supposed to race him in the 100, but I had to pull out because of
a throat infection.
Tom:
Eric ran 10.4. He’d have got gold with that time today.
Abrahams:
Yes, but it was the 400 that got him the headlines.
50 Fifi:
What happened?
Tom
It was a competition between England, Scotland and Wales in Stoke on
Trent. Eric had won the one and two hundred easily –
Abrahams:
Thanks in part to my non-participation.
(Eric comes over)
Eric:
I was grateful then Harold and I still am.
Tom:
So, it came to the last race of the day – the four hundred. Eric, did his
usual ritual prior to the race, walking round to the other competitors
shaking them by the hand and wishing them well.
Abrahams:
He was merely saying goodbye to them, because after the gun that’s
the last they’d see of him.
Eric:
Thank you Harold. Tom:
But Eric had barely taken three strides in the race when an English
runner whose name I forget…
Abrahams:
James Gillis
Tom:
Yes, Gillis, accidently knocked Eric off the cinders and onto the infield.
Thinking himself disqualified he just stood still for a moment until I
shouted at the top of my voice “Keep going Eric!”.
Eric:
I set off a good twenty yards behind the pack.
Abrahams:
Yes, and then we watched in disbelief as your spikes shredded the rain
soaked track. His legs pumped furiously and he began cutting the gap
between himself the leaders.
Tom:
Now, I’ve trained hundreds of athletes to go deep and summon all that
they had, but I’d seen anything like it. I threw my cigar`` on the ground
and joined the cheers from the stands. Around the final turn and you
were running fourth, now only ten yards behind Gillis. He strained past
another runner, then the head went back and he ran with wild abandon.
The crowd was in frenzy by the time Eric broke the tape first, two yards
ahead of Gillis.
Abrahams:
He collapsed into the hands of his teammates. We carried you gasping
and heaving to the pavilion. We offered him a brandy, but he refused
and went for…
Eric:
…A strong cup of tea instead. I lay on a make shift table for over an
hour as Tom massaged the life back into my muscles.
51 Tom:
You’d turned 51.2 and Scotland had won by half a point. No other
runner could have made up the distance, only Eric, I can never recollect
that day without finding myself shaking my head in wonder, I close my
eyes and picture it still, and I hope it will forever be the case.
Scene 6
(Back in the hotel room, Eric is pacing while Tom quietly sits in his chair.)
Eric:
Tom, I know you’ve been talking tactics.
Tom:
That’s right, fast off the gun -
Eric:
What if I just ran it?
(Pause)
Tom:
What do you mean?
(Pause as Eric considers how to put this)
Eric:
You’ve been training me for a long time now.
Tom:
I have.
Eric:
What’s my greatest strength?
Tom:
What do you -?
Eric:
As a runner, what’s my greatest strength?
Tom:
I don’t know, you have lots of strengths, you’re fast, you work hard,
you’ve got a killer instinct.
Eric:
But if I had one, one single attribute? What would you say?
(Pause)
Tom:
Heart. If I had to choose I’d say it was heart, you never know when
you’re beaten.
Eric:
Right. You see I feel as though I’m second guessing myself out there.
I’m trying to remember instructions and tactics, it’s not me. What if it
was just a sprint?
Tom:
What do you mean?
Eric:
I mean, I’m a sprinter. What if I didn’t know anything about the four
hundred? What if I just thought it was a longer sprint. I’m not a technical
runner am I? My head’s wrong, my arms are wrong –
Tom:
We’ve worked on that –
52 Eric:
Aye, we’ve worked on it and you’ve helped me but the fact remains I
run on heart and speed. I’m not technical and I’m not tactical. I’m
following your advice Tom –
Tom:
Oh this is my fault?
Eric:
Listen to me. What I mean is, I’m trying to see it, like you said – well,
here’s how I see it – the gun goes and I’m away - one hundred, two
hundred metres flat out like you said...
Tom:
That’s right, the first two hundred you kill them with pace and
acceleration then you gather yourself –
Eric:
No, no, here’s what I see: I get to two hundred my blood’s pounding in
my ears there’s tears in my eyes, I feel like I’m breathing acid and then
when I feel I can go no faster - I put my head back and I run – I run as
fast as God let’s me.
Tom:
We’ve been through this; you have to save something –
Eric:
What if I don’t? What if I save nothing, I give everything - what if I keep
sprinting?
Tom:
Then they catch you, Eric. They catch you.
Eric:
Let them. Let them catch me if they can, but I’ll run it as myself. I’ll run
the kind of race that I run. Maybe I hear them behind me and I find the
strength, to pull away. It’s all about heart and faith. You said to see it
and that’s the only way I see it that feels right. I’m not going to run to
come third Tom; I’m not going to come fourth. I’m going to win it, I’m
going to run and I’m going to win it! And if I lose then I’ll lose as myself
running as fast as I can and there’ll be no shame in that. (Pause) What
do you think?
Tom:
(Whistles) I think...I think I need a re-fill.
(He tops up his wine glass)
Just so I’m absolutely clear - your plan is to run the first 200 metres as
fast as you can.
Eric:
Yes.
Tom:
And then –
Eric:
God willing...
Tom:
God willing – to run the second two hundred even faster.
Eric:
Yes.
53 Tom:
And that’s what we’re calling a plan now is it?
Eric:
I’m not sure I’d call it a plan, but it’s what I want to do.
Tom:
I suppose you know that goes against everything we know about
running that distance?
Eric:
Aye, yes I realise that.
Tom:
And if it goes wrong everyone will think I told you to do it and I’ll look a
total fool.
Eric:
That is... a possibility yes. I just think this plays to my strengths - it
needs heart and faith and no-one will see it coming.
Tom:
And it needs speed, don’t forget speed.
Eric:
Oh I wasn’t forgetting that, I never forget that.
(Tom takes a sip of his wine and pauses)
Tom:
I’m going to miss this wine. I’m not going to miss this room... but one
way or another I think I’m going to remember tonight, this will be one of
those nights I remember for the rest of my life.
Eric:
I know you’ve put a lot into this. I don’t take that for granted. What do
you think?
Tom:
What do I think? I think...I think: (quoting) If you can keep your head
when all about you. Are losing theirs and blaming it on you...
Eric:
Tom –
Tom:
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you/But make allowance
for their doubting too...
Eric:
Tom?
Tom:
Just a minute, I used to know all of this - no, you’ve distracted me, now,
that was going to be good too. Anyway it ends like this: If you can fill
the unforgiving minute/With sixty seconds worth of distance run/Yours
is the Earth and everything that’s in it/ and which is more –
Both:
You’ll be a Man, my son.
(They laugh together)
Eric:
Does that mean you approve?
Tom:
Let’s not go that far. I think you’re two steps away from certifiable.
Eric:
One step, surely.
54 Tom:
Probably, yes.
Eric:
So tell me then, what do you mean?
Tom:
I mean - your country sent you here to win a race. Your faith stopped
you from running the race everyone thought you could win. But you tell
me, and Lord knows I’ve seen it for myself, that God made you fast so
I’m saying: be what God made you to be: be fast and God bless you.
(Tom makes the sign of the cross over Eric in benediction. Eric laughs)
Eric:
Thank you Tom. I feel good about this. I think I’ll sleep tonight.
Tom:
I hope so. I’ll see you in the morning.
(There is a knock at the door)
Tom:
I’ve a got a shiny new penny that’s Fifi wanting a nightcap.
(Tom goes for it and returns)
Tom:
I owe you a penny. It was Jackson Sholtz/one of the coaching team. It
was a note for you.
Eric:
What does it say?
Tom:
I’ll leave it for tonight. Anyway, at least someone’s supporting you.
Eric:
Oh I’ve always known that. (He offers his hand to Tom) Until tomorrow?
Tom:
Until tomorrow. (They shake hands)
(Lights down)
Scene 6
(We hear the crowd building in anticipation in the stadium. The lights come up as on
the cast on stage. Fifi is singing the French national anthem. Eric and Tom then
enter)
Eric:
That’s a blow I’m drawn on the outside lane.
Tom:
Indeed it is, well Eric, you know what this means don’t you?
Eric:
What’s that?
Tom:
You’re going to have to run quicker than everyone else son.
Remember, think start, think finish, think nothing in between. And here,
you might as well have this now.
(Eric is preparing himself centre stage looking out to the audience. The
cast are spread around and behind him - each person says their line
55 and is overlapped – once they reach the dialogue in italics. Once any
person has finished their lines they keep repeating it quietly underneath
everyone else)
Wallace:
Hold the back page – no wait hold the front page – Eric Liddell refuses
to run for his King and his country, what has derailed the Flying
Scotsman? He has put his private principles ahead of your patriotic
duty. This exclusive is brought to you by Wallace Longfellow of The
Times…
Geraldine:
Eric, I’ve convinced my editor to leave a space for previewing you
finally running in the 400 metres. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I assure you. And I just want to say that I admire you, I really do. That
could have been you making those headlines not Abrahams.
Eugene:
Hey – you’re Eric Liddell. Thank you so much for taking Sunday off –
did you know I got 100 bucks on Jackson Sholtz to win the 100? Looks
like it’s going to happen thanks to you. Here, let me sign this for you the way you’re going you’ll be forgotten in a week my friend!
Abrahams:
Oh, the training times don’t matter – you’ve never really been a
technique sort of runner have you? No, in my opinion this race was
made for you. I heard people say “you’ve seeing our Olympic
champion” I wasn’t sure about that, not till I saw you run that race in
Stoke. After that, I could believe that any race you really wanted to win,
you’d go ahead and win it.
Dufraise:
(In French) You cannot expect us to consider that an appropriate
reason? I am a Christian. This is a Catholic country. Our history, our
ancestry, our culture is rooted in the Bible and the teachings of Christ.
What possible reason can ‘being a Christian’ make to an athlete’s
participation?
Fifi:
Come on, do not be too hard on him – he runs so much. The poor thing
needs to rest…He needs a night off. Maybe he can bring a lady too?
Translator:
Where is the love for your country? Should that be enough for you to
run? The heats are in the afternoon by which time the Sabbath will
have finished. In France, the Sabbath is just the morning. What
possible reason can ‘being a Christian’ make to an athlete’s
participation?
Flo:
Must help, to have someone who really believes in you, who really believes you’re going to win every time you leave the start.
Tom:
I don’t want you to imagine this Eric, I want you to believe it. There’s a
word for believing in things you can’t necessarily see. I daresay if you
put your mind to it, a preacher like you, it might just come to you. So
56 think start. Think finish. Think nothing in between. Think start. Think
finish. Think nothing in between.
(The noise builds to a crescendo and then immediately falls silent as
we hear Eric say)
In the old book it says: He who honours me I will honour.
(BANG! Fade to Blackout – during which the cast form around him and
lift him as the lights come up and everyone goes wild for him winning!
Once lowered Eric and Tom have a hug before their respective ladies
then embrace them. Dufraise presents a vase to Eric, and then gives
Tom a traditional French greeting in spite of Tom expecting a
handshake!
‘God Save the King’ plays followed by Jerusalem play out during which
the lights fade. The cast form a tableau as Tom returns to the place
where he started the show)
Scene Seven
Tom
Eric got his gold medal and his world record and I got carried around
the streets of Paris all night. It was quite an evening.
After that I saw him less and less. As he had promised he soon
followed his family and his calling and became a missionary in China.
He still got involved in sports activities out there. But with the outbreak
of war China became a very dangerous place. He’d married Florence
by then and they had a couple of children so she took them to Canada
for safety, but Eric remained helping the poorest people in rural
missions.
Eventually the invading Japanese took the mission, and Eric was
imprisoned and kept under severe conditions. He busied himself,
looking after the elderly and the youth. Rumour has it he even refereed
a hockey match…on a Sunday to keep the peace between
argumentative groups of young people. I would have loved to have
quizzed him on that one. Working on a Sunday Eric?
Sadly I never got the chance, he never returned. He died in the camp
on the 21st of February 1945 five months prior to its liberation. A fellow
prisoner remarked “It is rare indeed that a person has the good fortune
to meet a saint, but Eric came as close to it as anyone I have known.
I can’t argue with that, nor would I want to. We honour him today with
this portrait; the greater honour for our younger aspiring athletes
57 gathered here today would be to remember not only how he ran, but
why he ran.
After the 24 games some journalist from a much less salubrious
newspaper than Mr Longfellow, asked us were we found those extra
yards from to win the 400. I tried to be clever and said I found them on
the training ground. Eric paused for a moment and said, “Where does
the power come to see the race through to the end…as in all things the
power comes from within” You see Eric always sought something more
permanent than the feeling of breaking that tape first.
But he did it, he did it. He went to Paris and came back with a gold and
a world record in the 400. I came back the proudest man on earth, and
with a crate of delightful burgundy that kept me going for months.
And when I close my eyes I still see him, coming round that final bend,
arms flailing, head back and wings on his heels. He gave me this little
bible before he left for China. I keep it with me always, the inscription
reads, To Tom, my friend and mentor, I was never in safer hands. In
the old book it says, “They shall run and not be weary. They shall
mount up with wings like eagles”.
(Lights fade to blackout)
58