Boys in the Boat, The (2023)

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(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)

(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)

COXSWAIN: Press.

Legs through.

Stay together.

(GRUNTING)

As one.

In. Through.

In. Through.

(BOAT ENGINE WHIRRING)

Legs through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

- (MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS)

- (GIRLS IN BOAT WHOOPING)

BOY: Oh, man!

(DUCK QUACKS)

(GRUNTING)

- (GIRLS WHOOPING)

- (MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS)

(GIRL SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)

(LAUGHING AND WHOOPING)

(GRUNTS) What the heck?

(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)

(DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE)

(PEOPLE SHOUTING IN DISTANCE)

WOMAN: I swear that boy's

gonna be the death of me.

Every time I fix it,

he rips it again.

(PEOPLE CHATTERING)

(SOMBER MUSIC PLAYS)

(CAR HORN HONKS)

PROFESSOR: Engineering

design is different

from other areas of creativity

in that, you must be able

to actually build

what you imagine.

And then make sure it works

as you designed.

The design process

is structured to help direct

your creativity.

Now, uh...

(CHALK WRITING ON BOARD)

What kinda engineer

you wanna be?

I'm thinking mechanical for me

'cause I like building things.

- Mm-hmm.

- You wanna partner up on...

Something you two gentlemen

would like to share with us?

Or can I continue?

Sorry.

(STUDENTS LAUGH QUIETLY)

(SNICKERS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

WOMAN: Thank you.

MAN: Awesome. Thank you.

(LAUGHTER)

MAN: Okay,

I just need one more.

Let's see.

Uh, you.

That's all I need today,

fellas. Sorry.

(MEN GRUMBLING)

WOMAN: Morning.

BOY: Morning.

This was in my box this morning.

Okay, it looks like

you still owe a balance

on this semester.

Yeah, well, I paid half already

and they said I could pay

the other half later.

Afraid later has arrived,

Mr. Rantz.

Maybe a part-time job

would help.

(SCOFFS) I've been looking.

Well, there's a board

down the hall.

I can give you two weeks.

After that,

you will need to consider

other educational options.

Thanks.

It's a waste of time.

I called every number up here.

And that nanny job,

all filled before semester

even started.

I check every day to get

a jump on a new one,

but there hadn't been any.

I'm staying with my aunt

till I can afford a place.

I spend half my day pulling

cat hair off of my clothes.

I hate cats.

You like 'em?

Cats, I mean.

I, uh, never thought

much about 'em.

I hate 'em.

GIRL: Thought I saw you

in class.

- You remember me?

- Mm-hmm.

All right.

Then, what's my name?

Uh, Joyce Simdars.

- And you're Joe Rantz.

- Uh-huh.

I remember because you had

a huge crush on me

in the fourth grade.

- No, I didn't.

- Yeah, yeah, you did.

You made me

this pretty little card

with some flowers stuffed in it.

Right before my family

went away to Olympia.

- Uh...

- Are you one of those people

who can't eat

when you're nervous?

- I'm not nervous.

- No?

So, what are you

doing here, Joe?

I'm trying to learn,

uh, engineering.

Hmm.

I'm gonna be a teacher.

Mostly here just to get away

from home, though.

You remember my mother?

Sorta. Always had a Bible

in her hand.

Yeah. (LAUGHS)

Unless she's throwing it at you.

- (CHUCKLES)

- BOY: You like rowboats?

You know, like, paddlin' 'em.

- Who's this?

- I'm Roger.

Hi, Roger. I'm Joyce.

This is Joe, but he's

not real talkative right now

'cause he's

a little bit nervous.

- No, I'm not. No, I'm not.

- He is a little nervous.

JOE: I'm not nervous.

We might be able to make

some money if you can row.

- GIRL: Joyce, you ready?

- Oh. Gotta go, boys.

Nice seeing you again, Joe.

Roger.

By the way,

did you ever get over

that crush?

- (GIRLS LAUGH)

- GIRL: Come on, let's go.

(WHISTLES)

She's a looker, huh?

So, what's that about

making some money?

Yeah, the rowing team.

You're on it,

you get a part-time job

including a cheap place to live.

I could get free of them cats.

All you gotta do

is make the team.

How hard can that be?

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

How many make the team?

Hey, how many, uh...

How many fellas get picked?

Eight, I think.

Eight?

What's he say?

He didn't know.

(DOOR SLIDES OPEN)

All right, listen up.

I'm Coach Ulbrickson.

Well, that's Coach Bolles,

Coach Brown.

Now, you're all here

because we're looking

for the eight most qualified

young men to fill out JV boat.

That means most of you

will not be chosen.

In fact, the majority of you

will most likely

walk away on your own

within the next few weeks,

'cause your bodies will hurt,

minds will tire,

and you'll decide

this dream of yours

to compete against the

greatest crews in the world

is just not worth it.

There's no shame in that.

Eight-man crew

is the most difficult

team sport in the world.

The average human body is just

not meant for such things.

It's just not capable

of such things.

But average is not gonna

get a seat on my boat.

So, good luck.

Okay. Fall into two lines.

Registration on the left.

Uniforms on the right.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

That was a beautiful speech,

Coach.

- Name?

- Uh, Joe Rantz.

Joe, you ever crewed before?

Uh... Um...

Row. You ever rowed before?

No. No. Uh...

How much does the job pay

once you're on the team?

Go pick up your gear over there.

- To your right. Next.

- Name?

Roger Morris.

BOLLES: Roger,

you ever crewed before?

ROGER: No.

BOLLES: All right.

Pick up your gear

across the way.

You'll be divided into groups

and rotate through

training stations.

When you hear your number

called, follow the coach.

One through 16, you're with me,

17 through 32

with Coach Matthews,

33 to 48 with me.

Line up.

(TAPS BANISTER)

You got any idea

what we're in for?

I don't know.

Good. Me either.

(PERCUSSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)

One through 16, come on.

BROWN The average

adult man is capable

of taking in roughly four

liters of oxygen per minute.

An oarsman must be able

to consume as much as eight.

You have to teach your bodies

to do that.

- (STUDENTS GRUNTING)

- We'll do 50 push-ups,

followed by 50 sit-ups

and 50 jacks.

We'll keep doing sets of 50

till it's time

to change stations.

Eight on each side.

Feet in stretchers.

Lace 'em up.

Let's take Old Nero out.

All right, on my count,

straight backs, use your legs.

Twelve! Don't just slap

the water. Roll your wrists.

BROWN: Up, down.

Up, down.

(STUDENTS PANTING)

(DISTANTLY)

Four, five, six, seven,

eight, nine, ten.

Stroke, two, three, four.

Catch, drive, finish, recovery.

Next station. Everybody out.

BROWN: Up, down.

Up, down.

Switch!

All set?

MATHEWS: Up, down.

- Up, down.

- (PANTING)

BOLLES: There's four parts

to a stroke, gentlemen,

not three, okay?

Catch, drive, finish,

and recovery.

You can't skip any of 'em.

And you know why we're not

going in a straight line?

'Cause number 22 here

is the only one

that's listening to me.

Catch, drive,

finish, recovery.

That's better.

All right. Let's pick up

the pace to 18.

Lot of tall timber

in this bunch, Coach.

Few boys there could even

push your varsity crew.

It's hard to judge off one day.

Still, you had to see enough

to make you almost

finally cr*ck a smile?

Yeah, I'll let you know

at the end of the season, huh?

Olympic year, this year,

so ideally, they'll stretch

longer than most.

Olympic year?

I didn't realize.

(CHUCKLES)

MAN: I spoke with

Coach Ebright down in Cali.

He's sure aware of it.

Feels good about

his chances, too.

ULBRICKSON: Oh, yeah?

MAN: Any first impressions

you'd like to see in print?

ULBRICKSON: You know I don't

read the paper, Royal.

JOE: Excuse me, Coach.

If you're looking for tips,

you're gonna have to get 'em in practice

like everybody else.

No, sir. I was just wondering

how much this paid.

Say again?

They said there was a job

included if you make the team?

I just need to know

if it's gonna cover

the rest of my tuition.

Yeah, I'm sure it will.

Hey, you just

concentrate for now

- on making the squad, son.

- Thank you, sir.

Now, there's a question I bet

those Ivy League coaches

never get.

Speakin' of,

I sure hope this year

goes better than the last.

No one's rooting for your boys

more than me.

- Good luck, Coach.

- And you, Royal.

Did you go grab some food?

Ah, I'm not hungry.

I got enough for us both

if you want it.

Not that hungry.

I'll see you later.

MAN: I appreciate it.

(MAN 2 COUGHS)

BOY: There you go.

Here you go, sir. Thank you.

(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)

(CUTLERY CLACKING)

WOMAN: How's your chicken?

ULBRICKSON: Hmm?

Great. Thanks.

Yeah, that's a pork chop

you're eating.

Ah.

Sorry.

So, I saw Royal Brougham today.

And he made sure to tell me

that Ky Ebright's squad

is strong this year.

Cal is always strong.

And you always worry.

(CHUCKLES)

How'd your new boys look?

Well, it's too early to say.

There's definitely a lot of 'em.

That's good. Nice big stable

to choose from.

- If enough of them last.

- The best ones will.

- Just like you did.

- Mm.

(GRUNTS)

(GRUNTS)

(GROANS LOUDLY)

(GRUNTS, SIGHS)

What's wrong with you?

Nothing, just a little stiff.

Yeah, looks it. How come?

Rowed boats

till it almost k*lled us.

What?

PROFESSOR:

Page 43 in your texts.

So, in solving the framework,

what does it mean to reflect?

(STUDENT SNORING)

(GIRL SNICKERS)

(SNORING CONTINUES)

(JOE GASPS)

(SMACKS LIPS)

Excuse me, young man.

Would you like me to speak

quieter so you can rest?

I feel like that's maybe

a trick question.

- (LAUGHTER)

- Quiet!

Pay attention

or go home to sleep.

You can't do both in here.

(WHISPERS)

You're welcome, Joe Rantz.

Thank you.

- (LIVELY JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

BROWN: Three.

Four.

Push, then pull. Push...

Up, down!

BOLLES: 48 and 12 on the bow.

Yeah. I'm thinkin'...

(ALL GRUNTING)

What about Morris in the six

behind Rantz?

- (ALL GRUNTING)

- (WHISTLE BLOWS)

(PANTING)

(RETCHES)

Keep time with me.

Stroke, two, three, four.

Stroke, two...

(PANTING)

(LIVELY JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES)

Come on, boys!

Who wants it more?

Keep driving those legs!

Do not let 22 b*at you!

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

You still remember me?

Mm-hmm.

Wasn't sure.

Haven't seen you much lately.

I just been busy with stuff.

- Rowing stuff?

- Mostly.

JOYCE: Hmm.

I heard Roger say that they're

announcing the team today.

Are you gonna make it?

There's lot of guys tryin'.

You wanna take me

on a boat ride when you do?

Sure.

ULBRICKSON: Gentlemen,

I wanna thank you all

for comin' out

and giving your best effort.

Every single one

of you left standing

has performed admirably.

Unfortunately, only a few of

you can be chosen to continue.

Coach Bolles.

Hume.

Hunt.

McMillin.

Day.

- Morris.

- (GASPS SOFTLY)

White.

Adam.

Rantz.

Coy, you're the reserve.

We thank the rest of you

for your time and your effort.

All right, then.

Go and celebrate.

I will see you on the water

tomorrow.

Well done.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(STUDENTS CHEERING

AND LAUGHING)

That's my favorite part.

Come on, boys.

Let's go.

Now lift 'em up.

DAY: It's all this guy

talks about, his Dodge.

(LAUGHTER)

ADAM: Hey, listen,

I've done so much rowing.

I knew you'd made it.

I'm glad one of us did.

Ah, you were always in the bag.

When Coach called my name,

my knees almost buckled.

I wonder what seats

they'll put us in.

I just want the stroke.

That's Hume's seat.

Guaranteed.

Hey, you're not a mute, are you?

'Cause I've never once

heard you say nothin'.

No.

He doesn't need to talk,

the way he pulls that oar.

Yeah, Chuck, maybe you should

pull more and talk less,

you want that stroke seat.

I don't care where they put me,

as long as

I'm in there somewhere.

We're all in there somewhere.

Yeah.

(SINGING)

Bow down to Washington

(LAUGHTER)

Bow down to Washington

Mighty are the men who wear

the purple and the gold

Joyfully we welcome them

within the victor's fold

We will carve our names

in the Hall of Fame

To preserve the memory

of our devotion

So, heaven help

the foes of Washington

They're trembling at the feet

of mighty Washington

Our boys are there with bells

Their fighting blood excels

It's harder to push them

over the lines than pass...

(SOFT CLACK ON WINDOW)

(SOFT CLACK ON WINDOW)

- JOE: Hey.

- Hi.

You, uh...

You wanna go for a boat ride?

Now?

Yeah.

Yeah, okay.

JOE: Catch, drive,

- finish, recovery.

- (GIGGLES)

You gotta do all four

before you can start again.

That's better.

You gotta feather next.

Feathering? What's feather?

Here, look.

You roll your wrists

to spin the oar.

- You see?

- Mm.

Now, try again.

(WATER SPLASHING)

- You're a natural.

- (CHUCKLES)

I thought you said you were

gonna take me on a boat ride.

All right, scooch over.

All right.

Do you like it? Rowing?

Well,

gettin' a job out of it.

And a room. So, I guess.

Who else made the team?

Roger, Shorty, some others.

You know, they put the races

on the radio.

Everybody listens.

Yeah, they took,

uh, some photos.

- Asked a bunch of questions.

- What kinds of questions?

It's just, you know,

where we're from,

stuff like that.

Did you tell them the truth?

Mm. Mostly.

(CHUCKLES)

You're all gonna be famous.

Then you really

will forget about me.

I don't think I could

if I tried.

(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)

You get to row us back to shore.

We have class in the morning.

- Which bed you want?

- Couldn't care less.

(GRUNTS)

- (EXHALES)

- Oh, nice.

We get to keep these, right?

Long as we stay on the team.

ULBRICKSON: Each seat on

the boat has its own purpose.

Like eight separate parts

of one great racehorse.

Morris in one, Day in two,

and Adam in the three.

Your technique will keep

the boat on its proper course.

And four, five, and six

are like the engine room.

That is the power.

White, McMillin, and Hunt.

Now, Rantz is our seven.

So, you set the pace

with Hume, the stroke.

And every good racehorse

has a jockey.

Glenn Morry...

Come on, Glenn.

Is our coxswain.

Now, he calls the strategy

set up by myself

and Coach Bolles.

He'll give you rein

when he wants you to run,

he'll pull you back

to slow you down.

And when the time is right,

he'll get out his whip.

- Hey, fellas.

- (CREW GREETS)

ULBRICKSON: Okay,

time to get in the water.

(ROUSING MUSIC PLAYING)

(IMPERCEPTIBLE)

(ROUSING MUSIC CONTINUES)

(WHISTLE BLOWS)

Let's go again!

(SHOWER RUNNING)

BOY: Hey, junior boat,

you tired after your first day?

(LAUGHTER)

BOY 2: He'll never make it.

BOY 3: Don't take it so hard.

Hey, where you going?

Come back.

I hate those assholes.

BOY 4: You gotta learn

to pace yourself.

(DOOR OPENS)

- It's Joe, isn't it?

- Mm-hmm.

Most of you boys don't have

an interest in a boat

until you can sit in it.

You like to work with wood?

Yeah, my father did some.

He used to make things.

Nothing like this,

just porches and stuff.

I helped him fix up

an old canoe once.

I'm sure he and your mother

must be very proud of you now.

Making the team.

(CHUCKLES QUIETLY)

This is for you boys.

Your racing shell.

Always welcome

to give me a hand with it.

If you find some free time.

(CHUCKLES)

No, I didn't mean right now.

You should rest up tonight.

I'm okay.

ULBRICKSON: Technique

is more important than power.

You have to be able to pull

a perfect oar,

stroke after stroke.

It's called swing.

When all eight are rowing

in such perfect unison

that no single action

is out of sync

with the rest of the boat.

Then you aren't fighting

each other.

You're moving with less effort.

Each one of your strokes

is worth

one and a half

of the other boat's.

Most crews never find it.

But when they do,

rowing is more poetry

than sport.

White and Day, switch.

Rantz, Adam,

switch back.

Row!

Row!

- Row!

- Come on!

- Row!

- Come on!

MORRY: Row!

BOLLES: Row through the lake!

MORRY: Row! More!

ULBRICKSON: What, did you

forget everything you learned

in the last three years?

Brown, you're still skying.

Billings, are you the stroke?

You're rushing.

You have seven men behind you,

all chasing the boat.

34 strokes.

You're fine at 34 strokes.

Anything higher

and you fall apart.

34 strokes, you don't b*at Cal.

34 strokes,

you don't win at Poughkeepsie.

You certainly

don't get to Germany.

You know who you b*at

with 34 strokes?

The JV boat.

Maybe.

What are you guys waiting for?

Get back in the boat.

You guys, you're gonna

get back out there

and you're gonna do it again

until you get it right!

- (KNOCK AT DOOR)

- Hope I'm not intruding, Al.

Not at all, Ben.

Come on in. Take a seat.

Great timing.

Just going through

the equipment budget

to send over to your committee.

Nothing unreasonable.

Some pieces for the gymnasium.

And the five-year-old uniforms

are startin'

to look a little ragged.

Ah, we'll see what we can do.

Committee's meeting next week.

More wins usually means

more money from the alumni.

- (CHUCKLES)

- Sure.

So, how are our boys doing,

Coach?

Early to say, but solid.

Oh, they've been workin' hard.

My boy, Bo, had 'em training

- all off season.

- Hmm.

- Think they're gonna make

a real run at Cal this year.

- I hope we can.

We got a good junior boat to

push 'em, too. You should...

It'd be nice to finally hang

a banner up at our place

instead of letting

Cal have 'em all.

We'll do our best, sir.

And an Olympic medal

to go with it.

Bo says his boat's got a sh*t.

If we work hard.

And catch some breaks.

Winners make our own

breaks in life, Coach.

And we need this.

It's now or never.

Hmm.

MCMILLIN:

"If we shadows have offended

"Think but this,

and all is mended.

"That you have but

slumbered here...

"While these visions

did appear."

- Thank you.

- (MAN 2 COUGHS)

It's some fella called

Shakespeare, right?

You know, music people

should have to take care

of their own trash.

MCMILLIN: Better than

the cafeteria last night.

I mean, God,

I almost couldn't eat today.

You see that old food,

all mushed around like that?

Eugh!

You ever notice

how under the girls' tables,

it's always the worst?

When you look close,

girls are nasty.

You don't realize it

'cause of their nice dresses

and their hair's all fixed up.

But I'll clean under 10 boys'

tables before I do one...

(PLAYING GENTLE MUSIC)

Oh, Don, there anything

you can't do?

Keep goin'.

(RESUMES PLAYING GENTLE MUSIC)

(SINGING) Ain't we got fun?

The rent's unpaid, dear

BOYS: We haven't a car

In any way, dear

We'll stay as we are

- (BOYS SCATTING)

- Even if we owe the grocer

Ain't we got fun?

What about Morris

in the six behind Rantz

and Hunt in the one?

We tried that last week.

(SIGHS) I don't know.

On paper, this should work.

BOLLES: Better than just work.

You put them in singles

against 100 other kids,

I'd bet on that being the top

eight finishers out there.

ULBRICKSON:

That's the problem.

They have a hard time

remembering

they aren't in sculls,

especially Rantz.

They're a strong a group

as I've ever seen

come through here

and they might also be

the worst crew I've ever seen.

It's a bad mix.

It's my fault.

Well, maybe those names

aren't the problem.

Sometimes young horses

need a louder jockey.

- (KNOCKING)

- You wanted to see me, Coach?

ULBRICKSON: Close the door.

Sit down, Bobby.

You know why I called you here?

My guess is you need someone

to help you b*at Cal.

(SIGHS) Let me explain

something to you.

I'm giving you a second chance.

You're gonna drive the JV boat.

- JV?

- Yeah, that's right.

Now, listen to me.

You're gonna do what

I tell you, when I tell you.

And if I see you goin' off

on your own, then you're out.

For good this time.

You understand?

- Yeah, I do.

- All right.

Get out.

(ROUSING MUSIC PLAYING)

Come on!

- (ROWING)

- Your hands are too high!

Fix the catch.

One catch, let's go.

Look like a team, fellas.

Legs through, eyes up.

Legs through.

You guys are out of sync.

Find Hume.

Take it off Hume.

Watch those blade heights.

Hey, Rantz, you with us?

Get with Hume.

Legs through.

Legs through. Come on!

Day, you're catching too high.

Lower.

Morris, you're late.

Enough! Way-nuff! Way-nuff!

(CREW GASPING IN EXHAUSTION)

(COUGHING)

(EXHALES)

Yeah, good ride.

And my favorite part

is how my nuts vibrated

when you guys were all hitting

the water at different times.

We were moving slow as sh*t,

but the sensation was nice.

Screw you, Moch.

BOBBY: No, dandy,

you're the one screwed.

Coach told me if you guys

don't get yourselves

figured out,

you're not only missing

the regatta,

you're not racing at all

this year.

That's a whole hell

of a lot of work

to just do nothing with.

So, feel like trying it again?

I'm ready.

(CREW PANTING)

That's good.

Always with the grain.

How's the crew coming along?

Lot harder than I expected.

Well, that's what

practice is for.

Coaches will have you ready

for the regatta.

Your folks gonna make it?

My mother, she passed

when I was young.

And my pop, he had to move off

several years ago to find work.

Kinda lost touch.

Who brought you up?

Pop figured

I was okay on my own.

Hmm.

How old were you?

Almost 14.

Him and my stepmom,

they had two young boys

to care for.

There was no work around Sequim.

Worked out best for everybody.

BOBBY: Legs through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

Soften the shoulders.

Eyes up.

Stay loose.

Shoulders down, Joe.

Stay low.

Stay loose.

Eyes up.

BOLLES: Better?

(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)

BOBBY: As one.

As one.

As one.

Put the pressure

in the footplate.

Drive!

Drive!

Here she is, boys.

Maybe the finest

George has ever made.

Now, this is your new home.

Treat her that way.

- Care for her. Protect her.

- (WHISTLES)

Most of all,

you better respect her.

All right, suit up

and get out there.

You race against Cal in a week.

Won't let you down, Coach.

(STIRRING MUSIC PLAYING)

Welcome to a beautiful day

at Lake Washington

for the annual showdown

between the Washington Huskies

and the Cal Bears of Berkeley

in the Pacific Coast Regatta.

And just as it has been

for the past 30 years,

the two-mile race will extend

from Sand Point

up to Sheridan Beach.

We have 100,000

race fans gathered here

for what is sure to be

another maritime battle

the likes of which we haven't

seen since New Orleans.

And in the purple and gold,

Washington Huskies coach,

Al Ulbrickson, is bringing

back a strong senior team

and an inexperienced

junior boat,

in hopes of reversing a

devastating season last year.

Without a doubt,

he's facing stiff competition.

Legendary Coach Ky Ebright

has once again

brought two strong boats.

He's called his junior crew

possibly the best

young oarsmen he has ever had.

(WHOOPING)

(EXCITED CHATTER)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

MAN: Let's go, Washington!

(GIRLS SQUEAL)

GIRL: Hi, Roger.

Don't try and do too much.

Listen to Moch.

Stay close, and we'll hope

Cal makes a mistake.

BOBBY: Stay calm

with the body.

Hold your hands up...

- Inspiring.

- Hmm?

Uh, you missed the part

where I told 'em

just to try not to tip over.

ANNOUNCER:

Ladies and gentlemen,

please take your seats.

Five minutes till the start.

(CROWD CHATTERING

AND CHEERING)

Hey, uh, my boys are feeling

a little under the weather, Al.

I hope you take it easy on us.

Not even if I believed you, Ky.

ANNOUNCER:

Both teams are in position.

(ALL CHEERING)

Winds are out of the north

at five miles an hour.

The temperature

is a mild 71 degrees.

(CHEERING)

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(EXHALES SHARPLY)

BOBBY: All right, boys.

You heard Ulbrickson.

Stick close and hope

they make a mistake.

That's his way of saying

don't embarrass him

'cause that's what he thinks

you're gonna do.

I say the hell with all that.

All these people didn't just

come to see you stick close.

(BREATHES DEEPLY)

Let's show Ulbrickson

what's in this boat.

Ready?

- (ALL ROWING IN UNISON)

- (WATER SPLASHING)

ANNOUNCER:

The oarsmen are at the ready.

- Row!

- BOBBY: Row!

ANNOUNCER: And they're off!

(WATCH TIMER TICKING)

ROYAL: Washington

is slow off the block.

(CHEERING)

Step on 'em early!

38!

Let's go! Good.

Yeah, we got 'em.

All right.

Give me a nice, easy 28.

In and through.

And pull!

ROYAL: Washington's JV boat

is racing for the first time

in competition.

ANNOUNCER: Cal breaks early.

COXSWAIN: Easy work.

ANNOUNCER: Cal has

half a boat on Washington.

Easy, boys. Nice and easy.

ROYAL: Cal jumps out

to an early lead.

Washington is struggling

to keep pace.

That's right.

Just keep them in sight.

BOBBY: Don't sky the blade,

McMillin!

In, through.

In, through.

Shoulders loose.

In the legs!

ANNOUNCER: Cal opening up

a full boat on Washington.

And at the quarter mark,

it's Cal up a full boat.

Come on!

Come on, Washington!

COXSWAIN: We got this, boys!

Come on.

BOBBY: Through.

In, through.

Don't panic, Bobby.

BOBBY: Don't rush.

ROYAL: Cal still showing

no signs of slowing down.

Washington is getting its

first taste of competition.

Something Coach Ulbrickson

can hope to build on.

(CROWD SHOUTING ENCOURAGEMENT)

Through! In, and through!

Push! Push!

All right, here we go, boys.

Give me 35.

Let's show 'em what we got.

Build! Build it!

What are they doing? I said

let Cal come back to them.

ANNOUNCER:

Now at the halfway mark.

The Huskies with a burst.

Just passing the halfway point

and Washington is surging.

Oh, you better be right, Moch.

In, through!

- In, through!

- ROYAL: Here they come.

Here comes Washington.

Eyes up.

- Eyes up!

- Push!

ANNOUNCER: They're past

the three-quarter mark.

Cal and Washington

are neck and neck!

- Go!

- BOBBY: Row!

Stay loose!

Push! Push!

ROYAL: Cal is falling back.

BOBBY: Let's go!

ROYAL: Washington

is picking up the pace!

ANNOUNCER:

Washington's passing Cal!

ROYAL: And look at this.

The Washington boat

has taken the lead!

(EXCITED CHEERING)

Washington by half a boat!

- Row! Let's go!

- Come on!

ROYAL:

Two hundred meters to go!

- Washington is pulling ahead!

- Twenty more strokes!

Come on, come on.

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

Come on! Go!

ROYAL: Washington

by a full boat!

BOBBY: In and through!

ANNOUNCER: One hundred meters!

- Fifteen more!

- (CHEERING)

Come on! Come on!

Through! Ten more!

ANNOUNCER: Fifty meters!

- (ALL GRUNTING HEAVILY)

- ROYAL: Fifty meters!

Washington is going to do it!

BOBBY: You got this!

In and through!

Push!

ANNOUNCER: Twenty-five meters!

(WATCH TIMER TICKING)

ROYAL: And there's the flag!

Washington has done it!

Washington's junior boat has

won their first competition!

Yeah!

ROYAL: What a promising start

for these young men!

Jesus!

I got nine seconds

under the course record.

Same.

And the final third

is faster than the first.

Where the hell

did that come from?

(CHUCKLES)

I guess that little runt

knew what he was doin'.

- Yeah!

- Yeah!

It's all you, boys!

All you!

- Yeah!

- (WHOOPING)

(LAUGHING)

(ALL CHEERING)

(WHOOPING)

One!

Two!

Three!

(LAUGHING AND CHEERING)

I like your hat.

Thank you. Thank you.

MAN: Come on!

Washington!

Come on!

HUNT: Oh, my God.

Hi.

I could get used to this.

How did your first win feel?

Great.

Next one's gonna be even faster.

(LAUGHING)

(BIG BAND MUSIC PLAYING)

GIRL: How did you go so fast?

HUNT: Oh, we just rowed

as quick as we could.

It must have been hard,

even though you're strong.

You get tired?

Yeah, yeah, it was pretty rough.

Too tired to go someplace quiet

and show me how you did it?

Oh, hell no.

You know,

this might make all the times

Morris puked on my back

worth it.

I got this today.

Some fellow in a suit

just gave it to me.

- Said us winning made him so

happy, he wanted me to have...

- sh**t, we all made him happy,

Gordo.

Kid in my algebra class

offered to do

my homework for me.

- I let the sap do it.

- You should.

We keep on winnin',

we're gonna have it made

in this place.

- You did so good today.

- Huh?

I said you did so...

I said you did so good today.

Thank you.

It was... It was fun.

What?

(BIG BAND MUSIC CONTINUES)

Come here.

I said it was fun.

Do you wanna go someplace quiet?

(SIGHS)

(BIG BAND MUSIC CONTINUES)

Watcha doin'?

I'm watching.

Why aren't you talking

to anybody?

I'm not much of a talker.

Ah.

Hey, look over there.

You see that beanpole

in the glasses?

Yeah.

He's studying Latin.

- Oh.

- Latin.

You don't have to say much.

Listen, Hume.

Tonight, not tomorrow night,

or next week.

Tonight is your best sh*t.

You go on. I think I'm okay.

(GROANS) Christ sake.

(BIG BAND MUSIC CONTINUES)

- (MUSIC STOPS)

- Hey, listen up!

We got a musician in our midst.

With a little encouragement,

we might just get him

to give us some live music.

Don Hume!

Get up here. Get up here.

- ADAM: Come on, Don!

- (CROWD APPLAUDING)

No. No.

- Hey, watch out.

- No, no, no, no, no.

Bobby, get the stool.

The piano man.

John, John, John, John,

John, John, John, John.

- No, no, no, no, no.

- There we go.

All ready for you there,

maestro.

- Let's hear it for Don!

- (CROWD CHEERING)

Don Hume.

GIRL: Come on, Don!

GIRL 2: We know you can do it.

(CHEERING SUBSIDES)

- Come on, Don.

- Come on, Donnie.

(BREATHES DEEPLY)

(PLAYING UPBEAT MELODY)

(JOYCE GIGGLES)

I don't think that

I should be here.

He can't be in here.

Oh, shut up, Carolyn.

I saw you smoking

at your window last week.

(JOYCE GIGGLES)

- It was too loud in there.

- JOE: Yeah. (CHUCKLES)

People are happy.

They're having fun.

Yeah, because of you.

Okay, I'm changing.

Eyes on the wall.

Right.

Did you know you were gonna win?

JOE: No. My arms,

they were shaking.

I was so nervous.

JOYCE: We were all

screaming so loud.

The radio said it was

the fastest ever.

Yeah, that's what Coach told us.

(SWITCH CLICKS)

I bet you win every race.

Just don't get all stuck-up

and everything.

(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)

I just kept that in case

I ever ran into you again.

And had to, um...

prove that you had

that crush on me, like I said.

(SOFT MUSIC CONTINUES)

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

WOMAN: Miss Simdars,

open this door.

You... You should go.

You should go. You need to go.

You need to go.

Miss Simdars, open this door

right now, young lady.

If you have a male visitor

in there,

well, you know the consequences.

One minute!

(SQUEALS SOFTLY)

- JOE: What?

- Is that too far?

- No.

- You're fine.

Miss Simdars!

STUDENTS: (SINGING)

Ain't we got fun?

Tax collector's getting closer

Still, we got fun

There's nothing surer

The rich get rich

and the poor get poorer

In the meantime, in between time

Ain't we got fun?

(ALL CHEERING)

Well done!

Okay! Yeah!

BOBBY: Don Hume,

ladies and gentlemen.

(CHEERING CONTINUES)

(PROJECTOR WHIRRING)

- Harvard, Yale?

- Mm-hmm.

Both have put up times

we haven't gotten close to.

That's how it usually goes.

Kids back East are in boats

before they're in shoes.

Schools just have more talent

to choose from.

That's what money buys you.

(SMACKS LIPS)

We need an edge, Tom.

(WISTFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(RIVETING MUSIC PLAYING)

BOBBY: Through.

In and through.

In and through.

And through!

Eyes up!

In and through!

- Stand tall.

- (WATCH CLICKS)

Legs through.

In and through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

In, through.

In, through.

In, through.

In, through.

In, through.

In, through.

In and through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

Way-nuff!

Everybody else tires

and they just get stronger.

(WHOOPING)

That's the third time

they b*at the varsity squad.

ROGER: Maybe next time.

BOLLES: I just think

it's too big of a risk.

Poughkeepsie is more than just

the championship this year.

It's for the Olympics.

I know what the race means, Tom.

Experience counts

for something in big races.

Half those guys on varsity

competed at Poughkeepsie

last year.

- And they lost.

- They're better this year.

If you didn't know their ages,

you didn't know how long

they've been rowing,

you're looking at both boats

for the first time...

A time trial in the backyard

does not count.

That is not the same thing

as a race.

Look at the competition times.

It's not that easy.

Come on, you know that.

Yes. Yes.

Yes, I know.

You're acting like

the varsity boat is scrappin'.

You know that boat

hasn't lost a race either.

And it wasn't that long ago

you were just hopin' the JV boat

was gonna make it to the

finish line without sinking.

Now, Al,

now you're talkin' about

putting all our chips on 'em.

Do you think varsity

could medal in Berlin?

We're not talkin' about a medal.

We're talkin' about a sh*t

at gettin' there.

If they got there?

I don't know.

We need a win this year, Al.

The people who pay us,

they need a win.

You send a boat full of kids

down there

and they trip up,

you're sticking your neck

way out there.

Makes it a real easy target.

And mine, too.

I need this job.

What do you think, George?

Hmm.

When you were in a boat,

you rowed like no one else

that's ever come through here.

I remember watching you,

wondering how fast

one of my shells could go

if there were eight

just like you in it.

That bunch of kids

might be as close to that

as I'll ever get.

And if I send them out there

and they aren't ready?

Then it's like Tom said.

The axe will likely fall,

and fall hard.

Now you're starting

to sound like my wife.

Well, Hazel's a smart woman.

I'll take that as a compliment.

(CHEERING)

Good morning, everybody.

Thank you.

Now, as we all know,

uh, the Poughkeepsie Regatta

is always the most important

race of the season.

- (SHOUTS OF ASSENT)

- (CHEERING)

This year, there's even more

riding on it,

because the winner will

qualify for an Olympic spot.

- (WILD CHEERING)

- Yes!

It's also a race that

the University of Washington

has not won

in almost two decades,

- but... but...

- (CROWD MURMURS)

we have a boat this year

that I believe

could change all that.

(CHEERING)

A boat that could not only win

at Poughkeepsie,

but

is strong enough

to have a real sh*t in Berlin.

(WILD CHEERING)

And, uh...

that boat is our junior boat.

- (SCATTERED APPLAUSE)

- (GASPS OF AMAZEMENT)

Yeah, you heard me.

- (LAUGHS)

- (JOYCE WHOOPS)

Listen, I understand

that that's unorthodox.

- Unorthodox? It's insane.

- I'm doing everything I can...

You can't do that.

In the best interests

of our team

and the University

of Washington.

- Thank you.

- (MURMURS OF ASTONISHMENT)

BO BILLINGS: This is bullshit!

- (CLAMORING)

- (CHEERING)

Have you lost your mind?

What about those boys who spent

the last four years

working for this?

- My job is to put the best boat

in the water, Ben.

- Your job? I pay for your job.

Without the boosters,

where do you think

the money for your boats

comes from, huh?

For your g*dd*mn salary?

How about you let me do my job?

JAY: Let's just settle down

and talk about this calmly.

Come on.

There's nothin'

to talk about, Jay.

My team, my decision.

Then it's not your team anymore.

I'll make sure your ass is fired

before the train leaves

for Poughkeepsie.

- Ben, we're not gonna get...

- All right.

Bolles is just as capable

as you.

Better even.

I'd do the same as Al.

I hope you know

what you're doing.

Ben!

ULBRICKSON: Do I?

BOLLES: Sure you do.

I can't believe

you're going to the Olympics.

We gotta b*at

those other schools first,

but Coach says we have

as good a sh*t as anybody.

(LAUGHS)

You can't flirt with any

of those New York girls.

(JOYCE GIGGLES)

What's wrong?

Be back in a second.

Joe?

(GRUNTS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)

Saw your picture in the paper.

Harry Junior clipped it out.

When did you get back

from California?

Couple of years.

You know, things weren't

much better down there.

So, you've been here

all that time?

Down the road a bit.

Were you ever gonna tell me?

You're doin' all right.

I was 14 when you left.

I went to w*r

when I was that age.

So, what do you wanna do, Joe?

Huh?

Move home?

I mean, I could use the help.

Tell you what,

I'll pay you a dollar a day

if you still remember

how to cut a tree.

Or maybe you'd rather

just keep rowing your boat.

You don't owe me a thing, Joe.

I don't owe you.

You're doing just fine.

I'll pass on regards.

(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(TRUCK DOOR SHUTS,

ENGINE STARTS)

(PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES)

I'm sorry.

Works out for the best.

Yeah, but that doesn't

make it okay.

Maybe.

I gotta go.

You should come get some sleep

before the sun rises over that.

I'll be in there soon.

I sure love that view.

I know.

I just wish I could enjoy it

the way I used to.

Why don't you

come see if there's

another view you can enjoy?

Okay.

(WISTFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(PLAYING CHEERFUL MUSIC)

(CHEERING AND CLAMORING)

Thank you.

We're gonna be the fastest

crew the world has ever seen.

Bring home the championship, Al!

- And a gold medal!

- We'll try.

Oh, boy.

We might wanna try

and win this thing, huh?

No pressure.

- GIRL: Good luck!

- Bring it home, boys!

I'll be listening on the radio.

Say hello if they interview you.

This might be a good time

to tell you

that I'm in love with you, Joe.

- ANNOUNCER: All aboard!

- All right. I gotta go.

ROGER: Hey! Hey!

HUNT: Yeah, she looked at me.

(CHEERING CONTINUES)

(SENTIMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)

(TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS)

Rantz!

(TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

DAY: I'm busted.

Someone give me a penny.

Lucky, I'll let you watch.

Hey, Joe, give me your jacket.

That'll get me halfway to ante.

Joe, stick around.

DAY: Hey, don't run away,

Hobo Joe.

(CLAMORING)

ROGER: He's playin'.

He's playin'. He's playin'.

He's playin'.

- Jesus, Chuck.

- Was just jokin'.

Yeah, well,

your jokes are lousy.

(SIGHS)

(WISTFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

I didn't mean anything by it.

Truth is, my old man

went bust years ago, so...

Any new clothes I wear,

I swipe from Woolworth's.

Doesn't matter.

Just sayin' we're not different.

You and me.

Except you're not a thief.

(ROUSING MUSIC PLAYING)

One! Way-nuff!

Drop it.

Again! Need to get sharper.

Come on.

You guys are out of sync.

Find Hume.

Take it off Hume.

Look like a team, fellas.

As one.

You're out of sync.

Okay, no, no. Way-nuff.

- Where are we off?

- BOBBY: Hey, Joe, you with us?

- Me?

- Yeah, lock in on Don.

What are you talkin' about?

I'm not the problem.

(HUNT GRUNTS)

ULBRICKSON: Go again.

Come on.

BOBBY: In and through.

In and through.

All right, give me three more.

Three,

two,

one. Way-nuff!

That'd get us a solid sixth.

It's new water, they're still

getting comfortable.

First times were faster.

They're getting

less comfortable.

What is the matter?

Not in tune yet.

I'll get 'em there, Coach.

Let's do it before the race,

Bobby.

Go again.

BOBBY: All right, fellas.

Port side, back it down.

Starboard, tap on. Ready?

HAZEL: Probably nervous.

They're just kids, Al.

ULBRICKSON: That's why

everybody told me

I was wrong for bringin' them.

I just can't afford for them

to be kids.

Not anymore.

(ROUSING MUSIC RESUMES)

(IMPERCEPTIBLE)

(IMPERCEPTIBLE)

(WATCHES CLICK)

- It looks like they...

- I know what's wrong.

Bring it in.

You have 500 perfect meters.

And then another five,

where it looks like

you're rowing

eight different boats.

BOBBY: The timing's

just a little off.

Joe, where is your head at, son?

- It's in the boat.

- No, it's not.

You're setting your own pace.

Your catch is higher

than the rest.

- I'm trying to...

- Don't interrupt me.

You're rowing like

you're in a single.

We've been doing this

too g*dd*mn long to forget

you're in an eight-man shell.

Now, do you wanna be in the boat

or am I'm gonna put

someone else in your seat?

I don't care.

Coy!

You're in Rantz's seat.

Get out.

You don't care? Get out.

Coy, come on, let's go.

Looks like

you're racin' tomorrow.

(OAR RATTLES)

Now, maybe we can row as a team.

And just go talk to Coach,

tell him you want back in.

I'm not beggin' him

to give my place back.

- I'm done with that.

- Where you gonna go?

Ain't like you got money

enough for a train ticket.

I'll figure somethin' out.

I always have.

Are you gonna live in a car

in Poughkeepsie?

(KNOCKS SOFTLY)

Hello, Roger. Hello, Joe.

I need to put another coat

on the Husky Clipper.

I could use a hand.

My grandfather would let me

help oil the shells he built.

Most hate it

because of the smell.

I catch the scent of whale oil

and immediately hear his voice

telling me to,

"Keep putting it on

"until you can see your

freckles in the reflection."

That's how I'd know

it was good and slick.

So it would cut through

the water like a Kn*fe blade.

How it didn't matter

how fast someone rowed

if the water didn't flow

across the hull

in the exact right way.

If the weight

wasn't balanced just right.

Every piece working

with the other.

It's the same with the crew.

So much that there's really

no difference between the two.

They're connected by

all the hours spent together.

Sweat and pain

bleeds into the grain as they

become one magical thing

that moves across the water

like it was born

to be nowhere else.

I've built a lot of

good boats, but the best ones,

the boats where

every part fits

exactly as it should,

where every man

trusts the one behind him,

they are the boats

people remember forever.

That's what this boat could be.

Be a shame for anyone to miss

seeing how fast it could go

with all the right pieces.

Joe, your dad gave up on you.

He quit on you.

All you know is quitting.

But it seems to me

you're not him.

Or are you?

(LIVELY JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

(LAUGHTER AND CHATTER)

- Yes.

- Yes, it's very nice.

If I can get you two

to just stand together.

Just for one. And perfect.

I'll, uh, see you over there.

What can I do for you, Joe?

I want my seat back.

Why?

All that time I spent in it,

the work we all did together...

(EXHALES) That boat...

it's all I got.

The boys and...

(EXHALES SHARPLY)

It's all I got.

I can't lose that.

You know, one of the first

things I said to you boys was

there's no shame if your body

can't hold up to this.

The same goes for the mind.

Listen, I know it isn't easy

to trust every other person

on that boat

as much as you trust yourself.

But it's not about you.

As good as you are,

it's not about you, Joe,

or me, or anybody else.

It's about the boat.

Yes, sir.

It's where I wanna be.

Okay.

Well, you better get dressed.

Thank you.

Really, thank you.

ROYAL: Today's regatta

is as much a social experiment

as it is a race.

A clash of character.

Of old money versus

no money at all.

Six boats of want-to's against

one filled with have-to's.

These nine working-class boys

arrived from the American West

on the shoulders of a country

that sees itself

in their determined young faces.

Sees their struggles,

their grit, their spirit.

And they've claimed the

Husky Clipper as their own.

Because it's a boat

full of underdogs

representing an underdog nation.

A nation of people

who have been beaten down

but refuse to go away.

Refuse to stop working hard,

'cause that's all they know.

All they have ever done.

So, find your place,

by the river or the radio.

And cheer for guts

and heart and brawn

to b*at privilege and prestige

to the finish line today.

Cheer for the boys

from Washington.

(ROUSING MUSIC PLAYING)

Listen up.

We're in lane seven.

Navy and Cal are gonna

wanna jump to a lead.

We just let 'em.

This is it, boys.

Nice, strong start.

We're gonna keep a 42 count

coming out, right?

California's gonna

go out hard, okay?

You gotta stick with them.

As long as you're within

two lengths,

- stay under a 30 stroke.

- How's your shoulder?

- Are you okay?

- I'm good.

I wanna see you push yourself

through that pain.

Then go to a 35

at the halfway mark.

You're gonna slow down and

ease into a nice, steady 34.

Keep going, keep pushing.

Keep pushing

all the way through.

All the boats out in front will start to

tire and you'll just be getting started.

You know the plan.

We'll save something

for the end.

Four miles in a boat

should be nothing to you.

This is your race, all right?

This is our time.

We know what we're doin'.

We've been here before, boys.

Now better get out there and

show 'em what I already know.

(ROUSING MUSIC CONTINUES)

(BOAT WHISTLE BLOWS)

ROYAL:

The Poughkeepsie Regatta.

Today's regatta is the greatest

one-day rowing event in America.

- Watch your step.

- Coaches like Ky Ebright,

Rusty Callow and Al Ulbrickson

are not only hoping for a win,

but a chance

to compete in Berlin.

As rowing fans

board observation cars

and crowd the shores

of the Hudson River,

seven shells take their places

at the starting line.

- (CROWD CHEERING)

- Syracuse, Navy,

Cornell, and Columbia,

Penn, Cal, and Washington

ready themselves

for what could be

the most important race

of their young lives.

A chance to compete

in the Olympics.

(ROUSING MUSIC CONTINUES)

Let's go.

- Good luck, Jack.

- You, too.

(EXHALES)

ROYAL: The starting g*n is up.

- Oars to frontstops.

- (ROUSING MUSIC FADES)

Nearly 100,000 spectators hold

their breath in anticipation.

A hush falling over Crum Elbow.

(g*n FIRES)

- Row!

- ROYAL: And here we go.

Washington Huskies

are now rowing

against the seniors of Cal.

Huskies are the only junior

boat in the competition.

Give me a nice, easy 28.

Fall in with Don.

In and through.

ROYAL: These seven

finely trained crews

are churning the waters

of the Upper Hudson

in a supreme rowing test

of power, speed

and coordination.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Hold that pace, Bobby.

And at the quarter mark,

we have California, Penn

and Navy out in front

with a half-boat lead

on the rest of the field.

BOBBY: All right,

your stroke rate is perfect.

Save your power.

Let 'em get tired.

Wear 'em down.

ROYAL: Washington is falling

back to last place.

Four lengths behind the leaders.

Now, Bobby.

Save!

Save power.

Wear 'em down.

- What's he doing?

- It has to be now.

Come on, boys.

BOBBY: Wait for it.

Wait for it.

All right, Don, give me 36.

Go!

Legs through.

Legs through.

Legs through.

ROYAL: And here they come.

Looking for freshwater,

Bobby Moch is steering

right into Syracuse's lane.

- In and through.

- SYRACUSE COXSWAIN: Let's go.

Legs up.

Jab! Jab!

Get off us!

Hey, go to hell, Syracuse!

SYRACUSE COXSWAIN:

What the hell is that?

ROYAL: Washington

is passing Syracuse.

And with a mile and a half

behind them,

teams are falling away

but no one is gaining

on California and Navy.

Attaboy.

Row! Row!

ROYAL:

Holding a four-length lead,

Cal and Navy

are in a two-boat race.

All right, give me 10 big ones

for Ulbrickson. Go!

ROYAL: Washington

has picked up the pace.

Bobby Moch finally getting

his crew in this race.

The Huskies sweeping by Cornell.

Headed for Penn and Columbia.

Navy and Cal still ahead

by four lengths.

BOBBY: All right! Give me 40!

Let's go!

In, through!

ROYAL: Washington is quickly

gaining on Columbia's Lions.

Better not be too late.

ROYAL: The Husky Clipper

bustles by Columbia...

- Come on!

- And into third place!

Come on!

Push! Extend!

Now, give me 10 more

for Pocock!

ROYAL: With 400 meters to go,

here comes Washington!

In and through!

In, through!

- Through!

- Twenty more strokes!

Nineteen!

(ALL GRUNTING)

ROYAL: Washington

has taken second place!

Do they have enough left

to catch Cal?

Legs through!

- GEORGE: Come on, boys.

- Come on.

You got this, boys.

Look at Washington!

I don't believe what I'm seeing.

Can the Huskies do it?

Can they do it?

Give me 10 big ones

for all the people

who didn't believe in you!

Go!

Give me Cal!

I want Cal!

Yeah, we're workin'! Whoo!

MAN: They're making

their move!

MAN 2: Boys, come on.

BOBBY: Legs through!

(SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT)

ROYAL: With 200 meters left,

Washington is passing Cal!

In, through!

Eyes up!

With 100 meters to go,

Washington is going to do it!

Washington is going to do it!

BOBBY: Through!

In and through!

- Eyes up! In!

- Come on.

(WILD CHEERING)

(YELLING)

ROYAL: Washington has won

the race, folks!

Washington has won the race!

(LAUGHS)

- Washington has won!

- (ALL SQUEALING)

What a race!

Coach Ulbrickson's big gamble

has paid off,

ladies and gentlemen.

The Washington Huskies

are going to Berlin

to compete for gold.

- What a race indeed!

- Yes!

Oh...

I do love your smile.

You should do it more often.

(CREW CHEERING)

We did it, boys!

I think that you were trying

to give us all a heart att*ck.

I just didn't want to break

their rhythm till I had to.

I honest to God didn't know

there were this many shrimp

in the entire world.

Do you mind sharing

with our listeners,

what was the feeling in the boat

when you were four lengths back?

Was there any panic?

Uh, there was no panic.

All of us,

we knew we could make up

the ground when we needed to.

And, if I could,

could I say hello

to my girl Joyce back home?

I'll let you wear the gold

medal when I get back.

ROYAL: That's right, folks.

They'll be bringing

the gold medal home

for all of us

back in Washington.

JOYCE: Oh.

- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

- ULBRICKSON: This is great.

So, you guys

all knew about it when?

And I'm hearing

about it tonight?

You know what

this sounds like to me?

It sounds like you guys

are changing the rules

because you're trying

to steal this from us.

No one is trying to steal

anything, Coach Ulbrickson.

I'm just speaking to you

as the U.S. Rowing

Olympic Chairman

and telling you the facts.

U.S. Rowing

does not have the money

to fund your trip to Berlin.

And how is that even possible?

It's not just rowing.

Swimming, fencing.

There are many other sports

that are dealing with...

Exactly how much are we

supposed to come up with?

(SIGHS)

- $5,000.

- Five?

- In a week?

- In a week.

And what if we can't

come up with it?

Well, the committee

would have to find

a suitable replacement

to compete in Berlin.

Suitable like who, Henry?

Like your Penn squad?

If necessary, yes.

We'd of course give California

the first opportunity.

Either team is a better option

than not sending a team at all.

This is bullshit, Henry.

It's bullshit.

You didn't expect us to win,

and we won.

Yeah, you couldn't win

on the water. None of you.

I don't like this situation.

Now, you're makin' up

the rules. Bullshit.

HENRY: I don't like

the situation

- any more than you do.

- Yeah, sure you don't.

- Bullshit.

- We'll figure this out.

How are we supposed to come up

with $5,000?

Our university will reach out

to alumni and boosters.

See if they can

scrape anything up.

And if they can't find enough?

Then it'd be Cal

or Penn.

ROGER: We b*at those guys.

ULBRICKSON: I know.

BOBBY: No way we let those

rich pricks go instead of us.

Then we better find some money.

(SIGHS) Yeah.

Al, where you goin'?

(LIVELY JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

BOBBY: Help us get to Berlin.

HUNT: Help send

the Huskies to Berlin.

Thank you.

You have a nice day.

- Thank you, sir.

- Sure.

Hey, guys.

The Olympic rowing team needs

your help to get to Berlin. We only got

a couple days left.

Fellas, I got a dollar.

Spare a couple dollars.

Help us b*at the Germans.

All right.

Thanks. My name's Roger.

Hey, I'm Chuck.

WOMAN: Oh, please.

RADIO ANNOUNCER: Well, you're

running out of days, Coach.

- You have what, four left?

- Three.

And we've only gotten halfway

to what the Olympic Committee

says we need.

RADIO ANNOUNCER: So,

if you don't raise the money,

you go back to Seattle

while some other team

goes to Berlin?

ULBRICKSON: Correct.

And that goes against

everything sports should be about.

Athletes should be rewarded

for performance.

No politics,

no adjusted scoring or selection

based on wealth and standing.

May the best man win.

That's what they say.

That's what it should be.

These boys, Washington's boys,

this country's boys,

my boys,

they have proven themselves

to be the best.

WOMAN: Help us send

the Huskies to Berlin.

A reminder, folks,

every little bit helps.

Thank you so much.

WOMAN 2: Come on,

support our boys.

All right. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

(INDISTINCT)

Thank you so much. Thank you.

(LIVELY JAZZ MUSIC CONTINUES)

We got $92 from Tacoma

in honor of Roger Morris.

$75 more from Sequim

for Joe Rantz.

$90 from Olympia for Don Hume.

Every hometown of these boys

has given somethin'.

Pacific Telegraph

just sent $250 this evening.

BOLLES: Where does that put us

with everything else we've got?

- JAY: Eh, close.

- But?

Well, close is just close, Al.

And we're out of time.

- (EXHALES)

- BOLLES: (SOFTLY) Come on.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Mrs. Ulbrickson,

I'm looking for your husband.

We still got four hours, Ky.

(CHUCKLES)

Racing the clock as usual.

I can't lie to you, Al.

My boys would love

to go to Berlin.

How short are you?

JAY: $300.

Give or take.

EBRIGHT: Hmm.

May I?

(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)

This is from the Cal Bears.

An IOU for $300.

Give or take.

(EXHALES)

ULBRICKSON: Ky.

(ULBRICKSON EXHALES)

No one deserves to go

but your boys.

Gentlemen.

Mrs. Ulbrickson.

And if there's any extra, you

can bring me back a souvenir.

(LIGHT LAUGHTER)

(MUSIC RISING)

(LAUGHTER)

NEWS ANNOUNCER:

Aboard the SS Manhattan,

a shipload of American

athletes sails for Hamburg.

The Olympic Games, their goal.

Here is Jesse Owens,

the one-man track team

from the University of Ohio.

Some say, "The greatest ever."

More than 300 athletes

will march ashore

on German soil,

ready to fight for gold.

Among the participants are

the University of Washington's

junior varsity

eight-man rowing crew.

The boat is ready to do battle

with the likes of Italy,

Great Britain

and Germany,

all favorites in this

most grueling of events.

In Berlin, the preparations

for the Games are complete,

and the German people

are ready to welcome

athletes from 52 countries.

German Chancellor Adolf h*tler

has promised a spectacle

like no other,

and plans to attend

a variety of events.

In Hamburg, thousands

of cheering Germans

welcome the Americans

as they ready to disembark.

These amateur athletes

have sacrificed so much

to represent their country,

and as the opening of

the Games is just days away,

Americans at home and abroad

look forward to rooting

for these dedicated athletes.

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

(CROWD WHOOPING)

(MAN GREETS IN GERMAN)

- (GREETING IN GERMAN)

- Hi.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

HUNT: All right.

Get changed,

we'll go look over the course.

This is great.

Not bad.

- This'll do.

- It's better than back home.

GERMAN CREW: Heil h*tler.

Remember the Alamo.

Joe, opening ceremony.

Come on, you're gonna be late.

I think I gotta skip.

I'm just too tired.

Why, what's the problem, Don?

Don doesn't feel so great.

Go join the rest.

I'll, uh... I'll stay.

I'll hang back. You need

to walk with your team.

Thanks, George.

All right, get some rest.

Try and eat somethin'.

(CROWD CHEERING)

(FANFARE PLAYING)

ANNOUNCER: Ungarn.

You're Jesse, right?

Jesse Owens?

I am.

You really the fastest man

in the world?

- I don't know.

- Folks around here say

you're gonna win

every race you're in.

Well, I hope so. (CHUCKLES)

Show those Germans what for,

all right?

- JESSE: No.

- No?

Not the Germans.

The folks back home.

ANNOUNCER:

United States of America.

(CROWD CHEERING)

RADIO ANNOUNCER:

The Hungarian team

offering their respect

to the German leader.

- And here come the Americans.

- (CROWD CHEERING)

With no salute

from the United States.

Sounds like the boys

are making friends.

(ROUSING MUSIC PLAYING)

ULBRICKSON: All right,

the winds are up.

That's good for us.

You're protected in lane two.

Let all the other boats

farther out

deal with the gusts.

Bobby, the tighter

you hold the line,

the smoother the ride.

Now, three prelims.

The winner of each gets an

a*t*matic berth in the finals.

That is what you want.

You want a day off

and let the other teams

wear themselves out

with an extra race.

So, do not hold back.

Great Britain's the team

to watch in our heat.

Bobby, not another Poughkeepsie.

They won't fade like Cal,

so never let them get

more than two lengths up.

ULBRICKSON:

Fellas, you've earned this.

They don't give

gold medals for style.

All that matters is how fast

you are on the water.

And nobody here is faster.

(STARTER SHOUTS IN FRENCH)

(COXSWAIN SPEAKING

INDISTINCTLY)

BOBBY: Legs through!

RADIO ANNOUNCER 1: And the

Americans are already leading

by half a boat

over Great Britain

and looking for more.

Followed by France

and Czechoslovakia.

(RADIO ANNOUNCER 2

SPEAKING FRENCH)

BOBBY: In, through!

In, through!

RADIO ANNOUNCER 3:

Stroke Ran Laurie

is digging furiously

for the British boat.

But the Americans

are pouring it on now,

extending their lead.

BOBBY: Eyes up. In, through!

And through!

RADIO ANNOUNCER 1: And with

only 100 meters to go,

the Americans could be closing

in on an Olympic record.

Eyes up!

RADIO ANNOUNCER 1: Six minutes

point eight seconds.

A new Olympic record!

The United States has won!

(CHEERING)

You all right?

Hey, you know we won?

- BOBBY: Don, are you okay?

- You know we won, right? Huh?

- BOBBY: Hey.

- Come on. Come on.

ULBRICKSON: Good race.

Olympic record's a nice start.

But all that does is get us

into the race that matters.

Nobody is gonna remember you

set a record at a preliminary.

Now...

let's go see

what we're up against.

Good job.

BOLLES: Way to go. Way to go.

ULBRICKSON: Good work, boys.

(COXSWAIN DIRECTING IN GERMAN)

(COXSWAIN DIRECTING IN GERMAN)

Singles, doubles,

fours, they haven't lost

a race yet.

(COXSWAIN DIRECTING IN GERMAN)

(CROWD CHEERING)

Fast.

Don, come on.

Hey, come on.

You all right?

Coach! Coach!

- You okay?

- Mm-hmm. I'm just worn out.

Thank you, Doctor.

Thanks for your help.

What's the word?

Some kind of bug.

They're not sure what.

Right now, he's very dehydrated.

He needs rest.

And y'all stay away from him

for the next 24 hours.

We can't afford

losing anybody else.

What do you mean, "losing"?

If he's still like this

in two days, he's not racing.

Lane assignments for the finals.

ULBRICKSON:

You can't change the rules

in the middle of a competition!

The fastest qualifiers

earn the favored lanes.

That is the way

it's always been.

And we posted the best time,

and you've gone

and stuck us on the outside.

This was the lane formula

the committee decided on.

When? Right after your squad

posted the slowest

qualifying time?

Be careful of your

accusations, Coach Ulbrickson.

You've seen the winds

on that course and you know

there's a two-length

disadvantage when it blows.

I'm sure your crew will manage.

The forecasters

expect a calm day.

Well...

We'll protest this.

Noted. And good luck.

(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYING)

(IMPERCEPTIBLE)

(SOLEMN MUSIC CONTINUES)

(CROWD CHEERING)

(ANNOUNCER SPEAKING GERMAN)

ULBRICKSON: All right.

Listen up, boys.

It's a tough lane,

so you gotta start quick.

You gotta keep them in sight.

That wind will be blocked

for the last 500 meters.

And that's your sh*t.

That's where

you're gonna take 'em,

but only if you keep 'em

in sight.

Listen, every one of those teams

have trained their whole lives

for this moment.

They're all legacies.

We're not.

Row for your country.

Row for each other.

Row for that one moment

when everything

that's stacked against you

can take a back seat.

(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)

For what it's worth,

I'm proud of you boys.

All right, push off.

What?

Nothin'.

- (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

- (ANNOUNCER SPEAKING GERMAN)

(ANNOUNCER SPEAKING ITALIAN)

ROGER: They might

as well have stuck us

out on the North Atlantic.

ANNOUNCER 2: Thousands of

people are taking their seats,

gathered for

the Men's Eights finals.

The world's

six best rowing teams

in one last race for the gold.

Germany, Italy, Hungary.

Germany has taken gold in

singles, doubles, and fours,

and they're looking for a sweep.

Switzerland, Great Britain,

and the United States

round out the six.

The boys from Washington

so close

to bringing an Olympic title

back to Seattle.

CROWD: (CHANTING)

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES)

(EXHALES HEAVILY)

Don, you okay?

- (BREATH SHUDDERS)

- You got this, Don, all right?

(STARTER SPEAKING

INDISTINCTLY)

Hey, what'd he say?

All right.

Come on, let's win this.

Oars ready.

(COXSWAIN SPEAKS ITALIAN)

Come on.

All right,

we got two lengths of wind

to make up on this bunch.

- (STARTER SHOUTS IN FRENCH)

- So, we start at 38.

Bobby! Bobby!

sh*t! Row! Row!

(ANNOUNCER SPEAKING GERMAN)

Come on.

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

Oh, God! He couldn't hear him.

ANNOUNCER 2: The Americans

have stumbled out of the gate,

already a full boat behind.

(COXSWAIN DIRECTING

IN HUNGARIAN)

Legs through.

All right, now move to 30.

Go! In, through.

Legs through!

In, through! In!

(COXSWAIN SHOUTS IN HUNGARIAN)

(COXSWAIN SHOUTS IN ITALIAN)

BOBBY: All right. We got 38!

Give me 40!

In, through!

In, through!

In, through! Go!

Come on, Don, pick it up.

In the legs! In, through!

In, through!

- In, through!

- It's time to move!

Come on, Don.

Go, Don!

Come on, boys.

(SPEAKS GERMAN)

(COXSWAIN DIRECTING IN GERMAN)

(DIRECTING IN ITALIAN)

(SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT)

ANNOUNCER 2:

Germany is just behind Italy,

followed by Great Britain.

The U.S. still in last,

well behind Hungary.

Give me more!

Gotta have more!

(VOICE CRACKING)

Come on, Don. Give me 40.

In the legs.

- Push it, Don.

- BOBBY: Come on, Don!

Now would be a good time, Hume!

Come on, Don! Pick it up!

Don, come on.

Come on, Don.

Come on, Don.

Gotta give me 40. You have it.

Give it to me.

Come on, give me 40.

Come on, Don.

Come on!

Don!

Don! Come on!

(SINGING)

Every morning, every evening

Ain't we got fun?

Not much money, oh, but honey

Ain't we got...

That's right, Don! Give me 40!

Go! Through!

- Legs through!

- (HUME BREATHING HEAVILY)

Eyes up!

Stay low!

- Stay loose!

- ANNOUNCER 2: And here comes

the United States with a burst.

BOBBY: Row!

As one!

(COXSWAIN SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)

ANNOUNCER 2:

Nearing the 500-meter mark,

the Americans have caught up

to the Hungarian

and Swiss teams.

Stay!

(COXSWAIN SHOUTING

IN HUNGARIAN)

And through! In, through!

ANNOUNCER 2:

The Americans have overtaken

the Swiss

and the Hungarian boats.

Germany and Italy

share the lead,

with Great Britain trailing.

BOBBY: Legs loose!

In, through!

In and through!

COXSWAIN: Four! Five!

BOBBY: In, through!

Give me 42!

Now!

In, through!

Breathe!

- Legs through!

- BOBBY: In, through!

Fifteen more! In!

- Come on.

- BOBBY: Through!

Ten more!

Shoulders down and loose.

Stand tall!

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

In, through!

ANNOUNCER 2: And the Americans

continue strong,

moving past Great Britain

and headed for third.

The U.S. is moving

into medal position.

Through! Eyes up!

(DIRECTING IN GERMAN)

In, through!

(DIRECTING IN GERMAN)

(COXSWAIN SHOUTING IN ITALIAN)

(SHOUTS IN GERMAN)

(SHOUTING LOUDER)

(GRUNTING HEAVILY)

Give me 46!

Go!

ANNOUNCER 2: 300 meters,

and the Americans

have pulled even!

The boats are

three across now.

250 meters to go.

- (MOUTHING) Come on,

come on, come on.

- Legs through!

ANNOUNCER 2:

It's a three-boat race.

Who's going to break?

(SHOUTS IN GERMAN)

It's Germany, Italy.

Italy, Germany.

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

The U.S. and Italy.

It's just too close.

BOBBY: Stay low!

ANNOUNCER 2: 100 meters to go.

It's neck and neck.

(EXCITED CHEERING)

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

Come on.

CROWD: (CHANTING)

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

Deutschland! Deutschland!

In, through!

In, through!

(CREW GRUNTING HEAVILY)

In, through!

Give it everything! Go!

(SHOUTS IN GERMAN)

BOBBY: Stay central!

Eyes up!

(SHOUTING IN ITALIAN)

BOBBY: As one!

As one!

Off the man in front of you!

In, through!

Go! In, through!

Eyes up!

In the legs!

CROWD: (CHANTING)

Deutschland! Deutschland!

ANNOUNCER 2:

Germany, Italy, America.

CROWD: Deutschland!

Deutschland!

- (CROWD CHEERING)

- ANNOUNCER 2: And that's it!

That's it!

The results are just too close

for this reporter to tell.

(UNSETTLING MUSIC PLAYING)

Come on.

(ALL PANTING EXHAUSTEDLY)

Who won?

ANNOUNCER 2:

The German fans believe

they've got their sixth win

of these 1936 Olympics.

We can only sit and wait

for the results.

Did you see?

(UNSETTLING MUSIC CONTINUES)

- America.

- (CROWD CHEERING)

ANNOUNCER 2: The United States

has won the gold!

(WILD CHEERING)

(SLOW TRIUMPHANT MUSIC

PLAYING)

(LAUGHTER)

JOE: Good job, Johnny.

ROGER: We did it, boys!

MCMILLIN: Come on!

- JOE: One hell of a stroke.

- (LAUGHTER)

(SNIFFLES)

(EXHALES)

(CHUCKLING)

(ALL CHEERING)

ANNOUNCER 2:

America has done it!

- They've won the gold!

- (LAUGHING)

- (LAUGHTER)

- Hell of a race.

- You did it, Al. You did it.

- I'm proud of you.

We did it.

(CROWD CHEERING)

ROYAL: How about this, huh?

ULBRICKSON: Mm-hmm.

How about this?

Anything you'd like to say

about those boys, Al?

They are the finest

I ever saw seated in a shell.

(SLOW TRIUMPHANT MUSIC

CONTINUES)

Not bad, huh, fellas?

(LAUGHTER)

(LAUGHS)

(SIGHS IN RELIEF)

(BOY GRUNTING)

Did you see that?

Boat pushed me

right into the bank.

- Look at this.

- Don't worry, we'll fix it.

(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)

Hey, Grandpa?

You think someday

I can row crew?

Well, you gotta keep at it.

Did you like rowing

eight-man crew?

- Eight?

- Yeah.

We were never eight.

We were one.

(CHUCKLES QUIETLY)

(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)