When Billie Beat Bobby (2001) (TV)

User Rating:

6.0/10   

Director:

Jane Anderson

Writer (WGA):

Jane Anderson (written by)

Release Date:

16 April 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Sport

Tagline:

It's not just the size of your racquet. It's The Way You Swing it.

Plot:

The historic 1973 tennis match between middle-aged champion Bobby Riggs and young feminist Billie Jean King. |

Plot Keywords:

Feminist | Tennis | Slapstick | Battle Of The Sexes | Homosexuality

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 4 nominations

Cast

Holly Hunter	...	Billie Jean King
Ron Silver	...	Bobby Riggs
Matt Letscher	...	Larry King
Bob Gunton	...	Jerry Perenchio
Jacqueline McKenzie	...	Margaret Court
Elizabeth Berridge	...	Rosie Casals
Vincent Van Patten	...	Lornie Kuhle
Caitlin Martin	...	Chris Evert
Gerry Becker	...	Ted Tinling
Kathleen Gati	...	Debbie the hairdresser
Michael Mantell	...	Sidney Schlenker
Kali Rocha	...	Connie
Maureen Mueller	...	Judith
Patrick Kerr	...	Rheo
Caroline Aaron

Also Known As:

Battle of the Sexes (USA) (working title)
Billie contre Bobby: La bataille des sexes (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated PG for language and thematic elements.

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Alliance Atlantis Communications

Goofs:

Anachronisms: 1980s and 1990s Houston Astros division Pennant flags are seen hanging in Astrodome.

Quotes:

Bobby Riggs: I'm like a tiger gettin' ready to spring!

Fun, Lighthearded and Inspiring

I was blithely unaware of the existence of the Battle of the Sexes until happening upon this film one evening on my way to bed.

I ended up staying awake for the whole film simply because its manner of taking classic caricatures of personality extremes and making them not only something to laugh at, but human and warm and intelligent.

I am NOT a tele movie type of gal, but this one took a hold somehow and just went from strength to strength. I will be looking for it to add to my DVD collection.

I know the whole women's lib thing was a significant event to which I should be eternally grateful etc etc, and that theme was well developed of course, but what this film really showed me is that in any situation where people are oppressed and undervalued there can be a positive, friendly and adamant attitude that can bring about real and genuine change - not just in the rules but in the attitudes of the masses, the place REAL changes occur.

I'll be looking for this film to add to my DVD collection and I'll be making sure I show my children when they are older to inspire them and prove that we are able to stand up for what we believe in without putting others down.

Two enthusiastic thumbs up!!