The Terry Fox Story

The Terry Fox Story is a 1983 biographical film directed by Ralph L. Thomas, featuring Eric Fryer, Robert Duvall, and Chris Makepeace. This poignant and inspiring movie tells the unforgettable story of a Canadian national hero, Terry Fox.

Eric Fryer gives a powerful performance in the title role of Terry Fox, a young man whose determination, spirit, and courage to overcome adversity left a lasting impact on Canada and the world. The movie takes the audience through Terry’s life, highlighting his experiences and the motivation that led to his iconic Marathon of Hope.

Prior to his fame, Terry Fox was an active teenager with a passion for sports, particularly basketball. However, his world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and forced to have his right leg amputated six inches above the knee. Rather than fall into despair, Fox took this adversity as a challenge and turned it into inspiration.

Post his recovery, Terry Fox started his training with an artificial leg, gradually progressing from walking to running. His determination was such that despite numerous falls and discouragements, he wasn't dissuaded from his goal. Terry's courageous spirit permeates every frame of the film, making for incredibly moving viewing.

The Terry Fox Story follows this inspirational journey as Fox embarks on the Marathon of Hope, a cross-Canada run, to raise money and awareness for cancer research. The film shows how Fox ran the equivalent of a full marathon every day, an extraordinary feat for perfectly fit individuals, let alone one-leg amputees. Eric Fryer’s portrayal of Fox gives audiences a deeper insight into this remarkable journey, highlighting the physical and emotional struggles Fox faced as he conquered mile after grueling mile.

The rest of the cast offers equally compelling performances. Robert Duvall brilliantly plays Bill Vigars, Fox’s public relations assistant. Duvall's character serves as a crucial support system to Terry during his marathon. His faith, encouragement, and commitment to Terry's cause help audiences understand the critical role he played throughout the Marathon of Hope.

Chris Makepeace plays Terry's loyal and supportive best friend, Doug Alward, who accompanies Terry across Canada. Makepeace's performance makes Alward's unwavering friendship and assistance to Terry one of the movie's emotional cores.

Interestingly, the movie doesn’t just focus on Terry’s fight against physical challenges, but also sheds light on his struggle against societal skepticism and indifference. Many individuals initially don't understand the epic nature of Fox's endeavor. Distrust from corporate sponsors, daily fundraising challenges, and lack of public attention initially hampers his goal, only fueling his determination to succeed. This crucial aspect of the story adds depth, making the tale a stirring testament to human strength, perseverance, and resilience.

Throughout the course of the film, the filmmakers leverage the expansive, beautiful landscape of Canada to echo the size and magnitude of Terry’s journey. The cinematography is beautiful, visually communicating not just the physical landscape, but the mental terrain that Terry had to cover through the often lonely and difficult months on the road. The film successfully builds and maintains an atmosphere of uncertainty, struggle, and triumph throughout his journey. Despite its emotional seriousness, there are brief moments of levity that work well to lighten the mood, making it a compelling, well-rounded film.

The Terry Fox Story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, a tale of ambition, and a fight not just against physical limitations, but social and personal challenges as well. It’s a journey through pain, despair, hope, and resilience, capturing the true essence of Fox's motto, "Anything is possible if you try."

While the film concludes in an intense and heartrending manner, it is never morose. It leaves audiences with a profound sense of respect and admiration for the young man who became a beacon of hope, not just for cancer sufferers but for every individual facing adversity. Filled with moments of fear, hope, despair, and joy, The Terry Fox Story is genuinely inspiring, pulsating with raw energy as it chronicles one man's heroic battle against the odds in the name of making a difference.