Documentary chronicles Boston, ‘granddaddy of all marathons’
BOSTON — What’s the planet’s most legendary marathon? Probably that fabled first one Pheidippides ran in 490 B.C., breathlessly proclaiming a great military victory before perishing from his effort.
Next in line? Surely the Boston Marathon, whose colorful 121-year history is captured in a movie premiering Saturday in its host city.
Narrated by Matt Damon, “Boston,” the first feature-length documentary about the race, tells how it grew from 15 runners in 1897 to become the globe’s most venerable footrace.
The world premiere at the Boch Center’s Wang Theatre, where the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will conduct a live performance of Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal’s score, comes two days before Monday’s running of the marathon. The film will be screened at 450 theatres around the U.S. on Wednesday.