Hollywood has turned the stories of two real-life people into fiction films, “Race” and “The Lady in the Van.” Both play this weekend at Vineyard theaters. “Race” tells the story of African-American Olympic hero Jesse Owens, and “The Lady in the Van” follows the life of a homeless woman in London. Both provide solid entertainment.

Track and field athlete Jesse Owens, played in “Race” by Stephan James, won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi-era Berlin. The film narrates three years in Owens’ life, beginning with his youth as an impoverished Cleveland high school student. It goes on to demonstrate Owens’ growing potential at Ohio State University, and his legendary success at the Berlin Olympics. “Race” is especially welcome after the controversy at the 2016 Academy Awards ceremony, where not a single actor of color was nominated for nor won an Oscar.

Directed by Stephen Hopkins (“Lost in Space”), “Race” doesn’t venture far beyond conventional biopic territory, and the outcome of Owens’ incredible, Nazi-denying performance is a foregone conclusion. It does delve into interesting aspects of what is involved in achieving Olympic greatness, and the competition sequences in particular offer the viewer plenty of excitement. First and foremost, “Race” illustrates the bigotry that followed the young athlete from his Ohio upbringing through his university training and accomplishments in Berlin. James, who played John Lewis in “Selma,” demonstrates the impact of discrimination on Owens, as well as the strength of character that led to his landmark accomplishments at age 22.

The director weaves in Owens’ romance with high school sweetheart Ruth Solomon (Sharice Banton), whom he eventually marries after they had a child. A key component of the story involves his relationship with his coach, Larry Snyder (an especially strong Jason Sudeikis), who recognizes Owens’ talent and guides his athletic career. Another important element concerns the politics of the Berlin Olympics. Demonstrators are shown lobbying for a U.S. boycott because of Hitler’s campaign against Jews. William Hurt plays Amateur Athletic Union president Jeremiah Mahoney, who argues against participation, and Jeremy Irons performs as U.S. Olympic Committee president Avery Brundage, who pushes for attendance despite the Jew-baiting and worse he observes on a pre-Olympic visit. Also playing a role is filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (Carice van Houten), whose record of the event in “Olympia” left the world with one of its most famous propaganda films. “Race” celebrates a groundbreaking hero who ironically was never invited by F.D.R. to the White House.

‘The Lady in the Van’

Based on the memoir of British playwright Alan Bennett, “The Lady in the Van” joins a series of films about social outcasts that ranges from “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” to the more recent “Shelter.” Downton Abbey’s dame Maggie Smith plays Mary Shepherd, a scruffy derelict who has taken to parking her dilapidated van in front of homes in London’s tony Camden Town. Cranky, imperious, and foul-smelling, Mary spends 15 years in the driveway of the celebrated playwright, played by Alex Jennings.

In a number of ways, the director keeps “The Lady in the Van” from deteriorating into a saccharine, sentimental diversion. First and foremost is the celebrated Smith, who has won two Oscars and countless other accolades. She brings a tart scrappiness to the role, and at 81 years, she’s not afraid to let the ravages of age show. Most Hollywood films about the homeless rely on actors whose appealing appearances mitigate the more unpleasant elements of their characters. Wearing Dumpster clothes and leaving piles of feces on Bennett’s driveway, Dame Smith keeps Mary’s unsavory aspects front and center.

The movie’s prissy Bennett appears as both himself and his doppelganger, with the two discussing why the playwright has taken on this harridan. This Bennett makes visits to his mother, and his relationship with her echoes the one with Mary. Jim Broadbent plays a mysterious nighttime visitor seeming to blackmail Mary, and one by one, the elements of her past life and the cause of her present state emerge. A number of other prominent British actors, including Frances de la Tour playing composer Vaughan Williams’ widow, make cameo appearances. Despite a premise that may seem to lack appeal, director Bennett and Smith turn “The Lady in the Van” into an enjoyable experience.

For screening times and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com, entertainmentcinemas.com/locations/Edgartown, or go to MV Times event listings.