Documentary Chronicles Jockey Chris Antley and Charismatic’s Rise and FallIn the Spring of 1999, a horse just out of a claiming race and a jockey just out of rehab followed up a surprising win at the Kentucky Derby with another unexpected win at the Preakness. Chris Antley and Charismatic quickly found themselves vying for the elite Triple Crown and thrust into the media spotlight when Antley’s struggle with addiction intervened.
In ESPN Films’ new documentary Charismatic, premiering on Tuesday, October 18, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPNHD, director Steve Michaels tells the story of a duo who quickly won the hearts of horseracing fans across the country before tragedy struck. Through interviews with the late Antley’s family and friends, Charismatic chronicles how close he and Charismatic were to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 21 years, and how damaging his addiction truly was.
ESPN Films, creators of the Emmy-nominated and Peabody award-winning 30 for 30 film series, is airing a new film each Tuesday night through November 8. The remaining films of the series will air as follows:
- Tuesday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m. – Charismatic (Steve Michaels/Jonathan Koch)
- Tuesday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. – The Real Rocky (Jeff Feuerzeig/Mike Tollin)
- Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m. – Unguarded (Jonathan Hock/Philip Aromando)
- Tuesday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m. – Roll Tide/War Eagle (Martin Khodabakhshian/Joe Tessitore)
**Screeners available upon request**
ESPN Films’ new slate of documentaries will be available on iTunes and Amazon.com the day after each film’s broadcast premiere and will be available on DVD shortly thereafter at major retailers. A compilation of films from the series will be available in a collectible DVD Gift Set this holiday season.
About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing compelling sports stories. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy-nominated 30 for 30 film series. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. Additional projects from ESPN Films include, among others, the critically acclaimed and Television Academy Honor-winning 16th Man, Cannes Film Festival official selection The Two Escobars, and the Peabody Award-winning Black Magic. Catching Hell, from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, and Renée, from filmmaker Eric Drath, are featured in the latest ESPN Films series airing this fall. Press Kit
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