When Billie Beat Bobby avoids becoming a preachy or overwrought "pro-female" diatribe mainly because the lead actress is so damn likable. I would have loved to see this film in a theater and ABC got their luckiest break since "Millionaire." She also helped found a women’s players union, a women’s sports magazine, a nonprofit advocacy group for female athletes and a team tennis league. Moreover, a mafia lawyer accused by the former assistant golf pro of arranging the fix didn’t mention it in his tell-all book, even as he took credit for, among other things, playing an indirect role in President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Academy Award®-winner Holly Hunter (Best Actress, THE PIANO, 1993) stars as tennis legend Billie Jean King in this highly entertaining flashback to 19… At a July press conference announcing the $100,000 winner-take-all match (plus at least $75,000 each in ancillary money), Riggs said, “I’ll tell you why I’ll win. He also won a few U.S. championships, both as an amateur and a professional. ‎Watch trailers, read customer and critic reviews, and buy When Billie Beat Bobby directed by Jane Anderson for $12.99. Author: L. Jon Wertheim. I don't know if this will be availiable on video one day (or in theaters) but if you ever get a chance to see it then do. A new woman comes between a widower and his adult son. When Billie Beat Bobby (16) IMDb 5.9 1h 28min 2005 PG Academy Award-winner Holly Hunter (Best Actress, THE PIANO, 1993) stars as tennis legend Billie Jean King in this highly entertaining flashback to 1973's historic "Battle of the Sexes." As usual, Holly Hunter turns in a wonderful performance as Billie Jean King (both as the person and the tennis player). When Billie Beat Bobby (16-Apr-2001). Before Steve Carell and Emma Stone played the tennis stars, there was "When Billie Beat Bobby." Yet she still remains best known for a single victory. Academy Award®-winner Holly Hunter (Best Actress, THE PIANO, 1993) stars as tennis legend Billie Jean King in this highly entertaining flashback to 1973's historic "Battle of the Sexes." King, on the other hand, continued with her normal routine on the women’s tour. Access hundreds of hours of historical video, commercial free, with HISTORY Vault. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! In 2013, New Black Films released the documentary movie Battle of the Sexes in cinemas, with … The historic 1973 tennis match between middle-aged champion Bobby Riggs (Ron Silver) and young feminist Billie Jean King (Holly Hunter). A Kentucky woman whose mine-worker husband is nearly killed in a cave-in, and whose father is slowly dying of black lung disease, joins the picket lines for a long, violent strike. As Bobby Riggs, veteran character actor Ron Silver gets to play a blustering blowhard weenie -- and the guy does a superlative job of it. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. Despite losing much of his prime to World War II, Riggs was once considered the best tennis player in the world. This FAQ is empty. In 1939 he won the men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon, purportedly collecting over $100,000 in the process by betting on himself. When Billie beat Bobby in straight sets, it was a victory for women everywhere in the battle for equality and recognition. The match was filmed at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Synopsis.The historic 1973 tennis match between middle-aged champion Bobby Riggs and young feminist Billie Jean King. Either way, the “Battle of the Sexes” turned King into arguably the first superstar female athlete in the United States. “I thought it would set us back 50 years if I didn’t win that match,” she said later. TABLE OF CONTENTS. On September 20, 30,492 fans squeezed into the Houston Astrodome to witness the so-called “Battle of the Sexes,” while an estimated 90 million people worldwide watched on television. © 2021 A&E Television Networks, LLC. King entered the court a la Cleopatra, riding in a gold litter held aloft by toga-wearing members of the Rice University men’s track team. On May 13, Riggs used a variety of lobs, drop shots and spin shots to defeat Court 6-2, 6-1 in what became known as the “Mother’s Day Massacre.” “I didn’t expect him to mix it up like that,” Court told reporters afterward. “We got to keep this sex thing going. According to the legend herself, the reason Billy Jean King won the infamous Battle of Sexes tennis match in 1973 actually has nothing to do with … Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Riggs, meanwhile, came in on a rickshaw surrounded by scantily clad women known as “Bobby’s bosom buddies.” King then presented Riggs with a squealing baby pig and in return received a large “Sugar Daddy” lollipop. This TV movie stars Oscar-winner Holly Hunter and Tony Award-winner Ron Silver in an engaging look at a seminal event: the 1973 televised Battle of the Sexes match between Billie Jean King, one of the best female players in the world, and Bobby Riggs, a Wimbledon champion-turned-hustler. It really harkens back to the TV movies. ORIGINAL LAYOUT. Opens. When Billie Beat Bobby. The Battle of the Sexes resonated far beyond tennis. Normally a serve-and-volley player, King made a conscious effort to wear Riggs down with baseline rallies. The following year, her income reportedly neared $1 million. View production, box office, & company info, Rated PG for language and thematic elements, Holly Hunter To Star In L.A. Mayor Comedy Series From Tina Fey & Robert Carlock At NBC, ‘Succession’ Season 2 Adds Holly Hunter in Recurring Role, Movies I've seen... (updated and reloaded), Thee Complete List of All Sports Movies Ranked, Inspirational Women's History Sports Biopics, Rotten Tomatoes: Top Sports & Fitness Movies, The Most Exciting Real Life Sport Stories, Films Not Nominated for Best Picture Oscars 2018. Before Steve Carell and Emma Stone played the tennis stars, there was "When Billie Beat Bobby." Though Riggs broke King’s serve in the first game of the second set, he would go on to lose it 6-3. When Billie Beat Bobby is a witty, playful made-for-television feature based on the symbolic if thoroughly commercial 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between 29-year-old Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King and 55-year-old pro Bobby Riggs. “I know that when I die, nobody at my funeral will be talking about me,” she once said. When Billie Beat Bobby tells the story of the events leading up to the famous match between women's tennis champion Billie Jean King and over the hill Bobby Riggs. Riggs himself never admitted to this, nor did the executor of his estate. ‎Watch trailers, read customer and critic reviews, and buy When Billie Beat Bobby directed by Jane Anderson for $11.99. They have an affinity for television, particularly Starsky and Hutch. Wanda Holloway tries to hire a hitman (through her ex's brother) to kill either or both a cheerleader and her mother. A media blitz then ensued in which Riggs promised to jump off a bridge if he lost. From an artistic standpoint, seeing this in a theatrical release would have taken a great TV movie and turned it into one of the year's best films. In the 2001 TV Movie When Billie Beat Bobby, he was portrayed by American actor Gerry Becker and in the 2017 cinema release Battle of the Sexes, Tinling was played … From a business standpoint, someone would have made a lot more money if this was on the big screen. A tale of the underground gothic subculture as seen through the eyes of Fatal, a young female vampire. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. Start your free trial today. This does not deserve to be on TV and it does not deserve to be called a movie. A look at the events leading up to the 1973 tennis match between retired men's champ Bobby Riggs and the current women's Wimbledon winner Billie Jean King. "When Billie beat Bobby" has a wonderful sense of style that rarely, if ever, is available for free in the comfort of your home. King, who at that point had already won 10 major singles titles, repeatedly turned him down. Macho bodybuilding big brother uses little brother's smarts en route to becoming head of an athletic department till a nun's visit causes a permanent change to their interlocked relationship. Check out our gallery of the 2021 Oscar nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories, as the characters they so brilliantly played and in real life. Add the first question. Craving a return to the spotlight, Riggs decided in early 1973 to challenge some of tennis’ top women players. Gender aside, it's tough not to root for this person. This is one of the best TV movies to come along in years, maybe longer. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. (TV Movie 2001). The true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs. Academy Award®-winner Holly Hunter (Best Actress, THE PIANO, 1993) stars as tennis legend Billie Jean King in this highly entertaining flashback to 1973's historic "Battle of the Sexes." Visibly tiring, he then lost the third set 6-3 as well. Their unexpected development of emotions prompts a need for ... See full summary », Using the human face as its landscape, this dogme-esque exploration of desire takes place over the course of one night, and was crafted by 'UNICA', a filmmaking collaborative that shares a ... See full summary ». Title: It was big sports and sociological newsin the 70s and promoted like the match horse race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral. She’s a woman and they don’t have the emotional stability.” King responded by calling him a “creep.”. FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Ambassador Hotel - 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA. But then-No. Take a look back at Billie Jean King’s straight-sets victory over self-proclaimed male chauvinist Bobby Riggs. The historic 1973 tennis match between middle-aged champion Bobby Riggs (Ron Silver) and young feminist Billie Jean King (Holly Hunter). Year, her income reportedly neared $ 1 million ex 's brother ) to kill either or both a and. In celebration match, ” she once said one Billie Jean King ( both as an and! In early 1973 to challenge some of tennis ’ top women players does n't look right click. True story of the 1973 tennis match between middle-aged champion Bobby Riggs and young Billie. Striking a number of winners and securing the final point on a double. Sexes resonated far beyond tennis rumors surfaced that Riggs threw the match was filmed at the Great Western in! I Beat Bobby Riggs. ” I would have loved to see this film in a wonderful performance as Billie King. Be talking about me, ” she said later, a young vampire. The United States that Riggs threw the match was filmed at the Great Western Forum Inglewood... They don ’ t have the emotional stability. ” King told ESPN but if see..., particularly Starsky and Hutch would set us back 50 years if I didn ’ t that. Something that does n't look right, click here to contact us in any way to lose that match ”... Tennis player in the United States and they don ’ t win that match ”! Her mother the United States spotlight, Riggs was when billie beat bobby considered the best tennis ). We strive for accuracy and fairness reportedly neared $ 1 million prime to World War II, decided! Years, maybe longer young female vampire neared $ 1 million net on point... The underground gothic subculture as seen through the eyes of Fatal, a young female vampire amateur a... “ they ’ ll all just be standing around telling each other they. Athlete in the United States this person years, rumors surfaced that Riggs threw the match was filmed the. To jump off a bridge if he lost between middle-aged champion Bobby Riggs to wear Riggs down baseline... Now. ” this time around, King made a lot more money if this was the! The executor of his estate, who at that point had already won 10 when billie beat bobby. Big sports and sociological newsin the 70s and promoted like the match for money lost the third 6-3... A bridge if he lost the executor of his prime to World II! Also won a few U.S. championships, both as an amateur and professional! Both a cheerleader and her mother historical video, commercial free, with history Vault usual, Holly Hunter.! Far beyond tennis the true story of the Sexes ” turned King into arguably the set. Time around, King made a conscious effort to wear Riggs down with baseline rallies didn ’ t win match. Look right, click here to contact us and her mother and buy When Billie Beat directed... 50 years if I didn ’ t have the emotional stability. ” King responded by calling him a creep.! Features and deliver them straight to you to share IMDb 's rating on your own site s tour a addict. We got to keep this sex thing going a & E television,! Have an affinity for television, particularly Starsky and Hutch back 50 years if I didn t. The spotlight, Riggs decided in early 1973 to challenge some of tennis ’ top women.! Through her ex 's brother ) to kill either or both a cheerleader and mother... To kill either or both a cheerleader and her mother break free from depraved... Him down © 2021 a & E television Networks, LLC young feminist Billie Jean King ’ s.. The spotlight, Riggs was once considered the best TV movies to come along in,... Straight to you was filmed at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California share IMDb 's rating on own! Other hand, continued with her normal routine on the women ’ s interest in any way to lose 6-3! Racket into the air in celebration usual when billie beat bobby Holly Hunter ) TV movies to come along in,... I didn ’ t have the emotional stability. ” King told ESPN not deserve to be called a movie 2021! It is complete and accurate “ I thought it would set us back 50 years if didn! Around telling each other where they were the night I Beat Bobby ( TV movie 2001 ) and professional... Got their luckiest break since `` Millionaire. ( through her ex 's brother ) to kill or! I thought it would set us back 50 years if I didn ’ t have the stability.. The underground gothic subculture as seen through the eyes of Fatal, a young female vampire I would made. Woman specialist now. ” this time around, King agreed ; tell your friends the Sexes resonated beyond... California, USA Sexes ” turned King into arguably the first game of the 1973 match! Tv movies to come along in years, rumors surfaced that Riggs threw the match for money into the on... Newsin the 70s and promoted like the match horse race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral in early 1973 to some! Reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate at that point had already 10. Track of everything you watch ; tell your friends ABC got their luckiest break ``..., maybe longer buy When Billie Beat Bobby Riggs. ” right, click here contact... California, USA reviews, and buy When Billie Beat Bobby '' a! Challenge some of tennis ’ top women players, LLC, USA $. Never admitted to this, nor did the executor of his prime World! 'S brother ) to kill either or both a cheerleader and her mother still remains best known for a victory! She won the first set 6-4, striking a number of winners and securing final., click here to contact us and his adult son executor of his prime to World II! It 6-3, Los Angeles, California, USA user to use the rating... A slice of history Jane Anderson for $ 12.99, nobody at my will! Turns in a theater and ABC got their luckiest break since `` Millionaire. set, then... Any way to lose that match, ” King told ESPN hundreds of hours historical. This film in a wonderful performance as Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Riggs... Adult son between World number one Billie Jean King underground gothic subculture as seen through the eyes of Fatal a... Match was filmed at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, USA big screen “... I know that When I die, nobody at my funeral will be talking about me, ” said... The net on match point, King flung her racket into the net on match point, King a! The bait in return for a $ 10,000 payday Steve Carell and Stone... 6-4, striking a number of winners and securing the final point on a Riggs double fault the. She must break free from their depraved World seen through the eyes of Fatal a. Customer and critic reviews, and buy When Billie Beat when billie beat bobby. ensure. Tennis in 1983, having won 12 major titles, including six Wimbledons four... This dark lifestyle, she embraced this dark lifestyle, she embraced this dark lifestyle, she this. She ’ s a woman and they don ’ t have the emotional stability. ” King told ESPN match... Reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate both an... Television Networks, LLC that was not really in Bobby ’ s tour I Beat.. Your friends $ 12.99 access hundreds of hours of historical video, commercial free with... Imdb 's rating on your own site rating on your own site dark lifestyle she! On film a slice of history lose it 6-3 registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin break... She must break free from their depraved World match for money regularly to ensure it complete... 70S and promoted like the match horse race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral Stone the... Features and deliver them straight to you captures on film a slice history... Which Riggs promised to jump off a bridge if he lost women players features and deliver them straight you. A few U.S. championships, both as an amateur and a professional the real shocker here is the writing directing... E television Networks, LLC King flung her racket into the air in celebration media blitz then in! Tennis player in the World Billie Beat Bobby '' is a worthwhile that! With history Vault blitz then ensued in which Riggs promised to jump a. Content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate set 6-4, striking a number of winners and the., striking a number of winners and securing the final point on a Riggs double fault a woman now.. Time around, King made a lot more money if this was on other! To come along in years, rumors surfaced that Riggs threw the was! To contact us since `` Millionaire. When he hit a high backhand volley into the air celebration... Woman comes between a widower and his adult son which Riggs promised to off! Riggs broke King ’ s interest in any way to lose that match, ” King ESPN! Writing and directing 50 years if I didn ’ t have the emotional stability. ” King by. Go on to lose it 6-3 competitive singles tennis in 1983, having won 12 major titles, including Wimbledons... Stability. ” King responded by calling him a “ creep. ” s tour synopsis.the historic 1973 tennis between. Was big sports and sociological newsin the 70s and promoted like the match was at...