On September 20, 1973, the game of tennis would change forever. What began as a publicity stunt became an instant media circus and national event when Bobby Riggs (Ron Silver), an aging tennis pro and self-proclaimed chauvinist pig, challenged women's tennis champion Billie Jean King to a match--the ultimate Battle of the Sexes. Holly Hunter stars in this ABC original presentation as King, the spunky feminist who defied the traditional roles of men and women in sporting events and fought diligently for equal pay and respect. Riggs, a 55-year-old former Wimbledon champion, had hustled his way back into the sporting limelight by challenging numerous women's tennis champions as they rose to fame. After Riggs battled and beat Margaret Court (Jacqueline McKenzie), King decided to fight back, challenging him to a duel and refusing to back down despite constant verbal sparring and media sensationalism. This nostalgic look at the early 1970s, when feminism was still considered a dirty word, is drenched in the leisure-suit Day-Glo pizzazz of the period. Hunter delivers a spunky, no-nonsense performance as the tennis superstar who rose to greatness despite the chauvinism and disrespect she faced during her uphill battle. King's outspoken professionalism and clever tenacity inspired a nation of women as they battled for their rights. Silver is splendid as the slickly hyped, wily Riggs, full of fast-talking shtick as he shamelessly promotes himself to anyone who will listen.

release year: 2001

star(s): Trevor Goddard