Editor's Note: This is from an interview conducted October 8, 2004\nThe Little 500 bike race -- the main attraction of what is known as the "World's Greatest College Weekend" -- is held Friday and Saturday. Hollywood portrayed the bike race 25 years ago in "Breaking Away," and the film remains unofficial required viewing for IU freshmen. Dennis Christopher's role as Dave Stohler, the leading "Cutter," brought the young actor three movie industry awards, including the Golden Globe's New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture. For anyone who hasn't seen the film, Union Board will play the movie at 8 p.m. Friday in Dunn Meadow.
Indiana Daily Student: Heroes in a movie not only win the race but also get the girl. If "Breaking Away" had included a few more scenes, where might it have gone with the French girl?
Dennis Christopher: French kissing, for sure.
IDS: What do you remember most vividly about IU and Bloomington?
DC: Of IU, I'm sad to say (it) is how drunk everyone seemed to be on weekends. Of Bloomington, I thought it would be a beautiful place to go to college.
IDS: You went on to play Olympic gold medalist and world record-holder Charlie Paddock in "Chariots of Fire." What was it like playing such a notable sprinter?\nDC: Great fun. It was really exciting to be part of the re-creation of the Olympics. Since Charlie Paddock was at the time the world's most famous athlete, when I walked into the stadium, the crowd cheered; I must say it went to my head a bit. The late actor Brad Davis (who played my teammate) and I became close friends. It's a time I'll never forget.
IDS: Did you get to keep any of the classy U.S. Olympic team wardrobe?
DC: Yes, I still have the shorts and a few T-shirts. Best of all is a gray sweat suit with the American flag on it. By the way, the wardrobe won the Oscar for best costumes.
IDS: How did you prepare physically for your roles in "Breaking Away" and "Chariots of Fire?"\nDC: Since I've never been an athlete, I approached them both as, what else, an actor. Making the physical look true; if you can re-create the look, breathing and determination of the character, you can make it come to life for the audience.
IDS: Now that you've portrayed a cyclist and runner, would you consider a role as a triathlete?
DC: Bring it on!
IDS: What else have you been doing?
DC: This season I was a reoccurring monster on the last three episodes of the now canceled "Angel," and I just finished guest starring on "NYPD Blue"
