I just got done watching the DVD of the 1984 NBC Mini Series, The First Olympics and I want to say that I thought it was very thoroughly researched. The details concerning the life of Spiridon Louis may or may not have been true. That's because the details in his life have never been made quite clear. Edwin Flack had, in fact, already finished college by the Games the had commenced and was employed by the accounting form of Price, Waterhouse, and Company. The facts surrounding Robert Garret's participation in the Discus Throw were also 100% accurate, though I don't ever remember reading about a similar incident involving the Shot Put ever having taken place. I supposed some amount of "Literary License" had to be granted in making this fine and historically accurate (for the most part) film.

I just wanted to point out a few things about the mini-series. It does indeed focus on the American team, but it represents the other countries rather well. It gives an especially good appearance to the Greeks, who are shown as being loyal, caring, and respectful people. Ironically, I think that this mini-series actually cast the worst light on America, who is shown as not even being willing to back up their team (the president at the time, and the ivy-league schools refuse to even back up the American Olympic Team), and at the same time, the Americans are shown with many of their own problems; they can't even manage to get along with each other through most of the mini-series.On a completely different note, for those who are looking for it, the series was just released a few days ago in DVD format.

This is one of my favorite sports films.It has lots of historically accurate information much like a documentary but is presented in an entertaining narrative format with good story and plot.Purists may be annoyed that the casting of the actors doesn't always respect the look of typical athletes in each discipline but it's otherwise pretty realistic.The anecdotes around the discus event are hilarious and unforgettable.Now if it could only come out on DVD I would buy it instantly.-Ben

I was only 12 the first time I saw this mini-series/movie but luckily my parents got it on tape and I watched it over and over until I killed the tape. I was absolutely in love with David Carouso. It is because of this mini-series that am so in love with history and with the olympics that come every few years. It was well written and the cast was incredible. It was wonderful to see the traditions and all the various athletes from various countries and what they had to go through to get to the olympics. It makes me think about how far we have come and what our athletes go through now versus what they went through then. It will be interesting to see what Athens looks like this summer when we all conviene for the new season of Olympics. Should be interesting!!