Bob Beattie Ski Foundation and Wheeler Opera House present Paul Ryan's classic race films: Ski Racer, Karli and One for the Money
Ski Racer, a film chronicling the World Cup’s second season of 1968/’69, One for the Money, a heralded short made during World Pro Skiing’s heydey, and select clips from Karli, a documentary featuring Austria’s 4-time Hannenkahm winner, World Champion and Olympic medalist, Karl Shranz. are all rarely-seen gems directed by renowned cinematographer Paul Ryan, a member of the American Society of Cinematographers. The onetime Aspen resident’s credits would eventually include Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven,” and Robert Redford’s “A River Runs Through It,” both Oscar winners for Best Cinematography.
Ryan will introduce his films, made in collaboration with his friends, then-Aspenites and acclaimed cameramen Don McKinnon and Norm Clasen, who are also scheduled to attend. A discussion and Q & A will feature the filmmakers, and a number of the films’ racing subjects, in town for the World Cup Finals.
The films are presented in honor of the World Cup’s 50th birthday by the Bob Beattie Ski Foundation, which will throw a “50 Years of Ski Racing” Party as well, at the historic Hotel Jerome, Wednesday, March 15th. Tickets for that event are SOLD OUT.
Aspen ski racing icon Bob Beattie, one of three visionary co-founders of the World Cup in 1966, and that group’s last living member, would make a classic Beattie pivot from World Cup to something new, founding World Pro Skiing (the subject of One For the Money) in 1970. Beattie will also attend.
BBSF encourages all filmgoers to enjoy World Cup Finals festivities, pre-and post- screening, in Wagner Park, where sponsor booths, concerts, and activities are ongoing from 4 – 9 pm.
THE FILMS
Ski Racer, a Summit Films Production: a documentary featurette on the World Cup’s 1968/’69 season which explores the vibrant ski and racing culture across the European Alps and American West, with compelling visuals of the thrills, spills, energy and innocence of amateur racing at the highest level in an iconic era. Paired with a brilliant 1960’s rock soundtrack, the film is a dreamy, impressionistic, evocative chronicle of the World Cup’s early days, offering insight into the hopes and motivations of the young, talented racers. Not unlike Bob Dylan’s Basement Tapes, the film has earned cult status over the past half century, earning a place in the canon of all-time great ski racing films. Run time: 21 minutes
Karli, a Summit Films Production: select footage from Ryan’s insightful documentary on one of Austria’s all-time greats, Karl Shranz. Despite enormous public acclaim, Shranz was an aloof character much of the time. The film gets beneath his steely presence and awesome talent, so intimidating to his peers, to uncover his motivations, commitment and great sense of humor.”
Run time: 32 minutes
One for the Money, a Fat City Films production: A compelling anthology of interviews and dynamic racing footage featuring former US Ski Team and World Cup stars battling each other for cash at the finish line in Pro racing’s 1970’s heyday. A promotional film commissioned by Pro Tour sponsor Demetre, but never widely distributed, this collaboration with Aspenites Norm Clasen and Don McKinnon, captures the essence, honesty and risk-taking mindset of racers who tackled the dual format when TV coverage, and spectator interest was at its height. It opens with a young and vital Spider Sabich assessing his personal challenges over stunning footage of off-season training in the mountains around his hometown of Aspen. Run time: 12 minutes
