Downhill Racer (1969)

Hailing from the humble rural backdrop of Idaho Springs, Colorado, Dave Chappellet is a fiery and determined skier, who seizes an opportunity from a fellow skier's misfortune to claim a spot on the US men's downhill ski team. Joining a team that struggles to find respect amidst the European traditional powerhouses, Dave continually battles external obstacles, fighting for recognition and better race start numbers, while questioning the dedication of his team's head coach, Claire. Despite the challenges, Dave's relentless pursuit of success propels him to the forefront of the sport. Yet, his journey is far from smooth. His aggressive, all-or-nothing approach to skiing yields a mixed bag of victories and disqualifications, mirroring his tumultuous relationship with Claire. Claire recognises Dave's undeniable talent and potential to secure vital funding for the team. However, Dave's self-absorbed and arrogant demeanor creates friction within the team and isolates him from his peers. Dave's complex persona is a by-product of his strained relationship with his farmer father, who fails to understand his sporting ambitions, and his childhood experiences of growing up without the financial comfort of his teammates. This arrogance extends to his personal life, affecting his relationships with Lena, his girlfriend back home, and the glamorous Carole Stahl, a fickle European woman working for ski manufacturer Machet. As Dave navigates his way through two years of intense competition, his ambitions culminate in the pursuit of the ultimate accolade - the gold medal in the men's downhill at the forthcoming Olympics. Amidst the high-speed descents and icy turns, Downhill Racer explores the intricate dynamics of competitive sports, personal ambition, and the fine line separating an athlete as an 'Event' and a 'Personality'. This captivating tale, directed by Michael Richie in his feature film debut, is as much about the man Dave Chappellet as it is about the world of competitive skiing.

Downhill Racer is a drama movie featuring Robert Redford and directed by Michael Ritchie.

Downhill Racer is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Pluto TV and it's also available on Paramount Plus, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel , Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy Downhill Racer on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.