Running Brave is a 1983 Canadian biographical sports drama film released in 1983 based on the story of Billy Mills, a member or the Oglala Sioux tribe located in South Dakota. Mills was born on the reservation, and later attended the University of Kansas where he was recruited by the Olympic running team and won the gold medal in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics for the 10,000 meter race. In one of the great upsets in sports history, Mills sprinted from third place for the win. Mills is still the only American in history to win the Olympic 10,000 meter run. Robby Benson portrays Mills. Pat Hingle and a young Graham Greene also star.
Plot
The story of Billy Mills, the American Indian who came from obscurity to win the 10,000-meter long-distance foot-race in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.
Cast
Per Turner Classic Movies.
Robby Benson as Billy Mills
Pat Hingle as Coach Bill Easton
Claudia Cron as Pat
Graham Greene as Eddie
Wendell Smith as Chris Mitchell
Production
The film was directed by Donald Shebib, ultimately crediting himself with "D.S. Everett" due to an editing dispute. Billy Mills was actively involved in the making of this film.
Reception
The film is renowned for its accurate and sensitive depiction of Native culture.
