The Winners (1972)

[Trevor]

I am so glad this classic South African film is finally on Youtube. One of my all-time faves and it uses a slightly well-known Frank Sinatra song as its title theme.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB2lcg6Vdt4&t=6012s

Allegedly autobiographical in tone – specifically concerning the driven life and career of director Emil Nofal - this production is the intense, draining and powerful story of Will Maddox who is a winner at everything and in everything. His almost insane desire to win at all costs eventually causes him to lose everything, including his family who are driven away by his crazed desire of success and all it brings. His one son dies in a construction accident, his daughter loses in a swimming event and his other son almost dies in a horrific accident at Johannesburg's Kyalami race track. He then signs up for a road race, knowing that he has absolutely no chance of winning it and that for him to participate in it is suicidal to put it mildly. He competes against his marathon runner son who has left the family, loses, comes in last and is cheered on across the finish line by the crowd, embraced by his family including his champion runner son thus becoming both a loser and a winner simultaneously.
Also known internationally as My Way (the Frank Sinatra theme song is used throughout the film) and very weirdly as Super Jocks in the United States, this is truly one of the all-time classic South African productions, with excellent photography, music, editing and superb acting. With Joe Stewardson, Marie du Toit, Richard Loring, Tony Jay, John Higgins, Ken Leach, Madeline Usher and Jenny Mayer. Followed five years later by a lesser sequel The Winners 2 (a.k.a Again My Way) directed by Jans Rautenbach.