The 1994 American adventure film "Iron Will" is based on the true story of a 1917 dog-sled race from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Saint Paul, Minnesota, a 522-mile-long stretch and part of the "Red River-St. Paul Sports Carnival Derby." The film was directed by Charles Haid and produced by Patrick Palmer and Robert Schwartz. Its screenplay was written by the team of John Michael Hayes, Djordje Milicevic, and Jeff Arch. Film stars include Mackenzie Astin, Kevin Spacey, David Ogden Stiers, George Gerdes, Brian Cox, John Terry, Penelope Windust, and August Schellenberg.

In the film, a late-teenager is thrust into adulthood when desperate family issues and circumstances compel him to enter a lucrative yet dangerous cross-country dog race. Despite numerous odds against him, including harsh weather, hostile competitors and uncooperative dogs, he strives to continue forward. He gets help from unlikely sources along the way; he is shocked to learn that not only he, but the whole country, is inspired and hopeful to see his "iron will" come to fruition at the finish of the race.

This is a film that never concerns or even mentions competing in any Winter Olympic games. Critics call this movie a dog movie with an identikit plot, put together features out of typical Hollywood pieces.

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