Patty Duke: Billie
At the height of her television fame (as the titular star of her own sitcom), Patty Duke took a break to film this movie that features her as a natural athlete. But in the days before there was a WNBA to root for, she faces tremendous stumbling blocks from boyfriends and outraged parents -- all because she can beat the pants off the boys at their own game. You go, girlfriend!
Member Reviews
Disappointingly Unrevolutionary - FilmJunkie
This flick is almost a pre-second wave take on equality in sports. Almost. Instead it quickly becomes a semi-musical about love, small town politics and girls who are best just being girls.
Patty Duke stars as the speedy title character who excels in track because of the musical beat in her head. Duke seems to have retained none of the talent she so clearly had in 'The Miracle Worker' in her over-eager, peppy and annoying performance. She is a sub-par singer forced to sing, a sub-par dancer forced to dance and the scenes of her running track are ridiculously unbelievable.
I really wanted this movie to not second guess its themes in the end, but like most ground-breaking 60's cinema, it quickly backpedals and leaves the audience feeling like nothing has really changed since the 50's.
A frustrating film.
Member Reviews
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Disappointingly Unrevolutionary - FilmJunkie
This flick is almost a pre-second wave take on equality in sports. Almost. Instead it quickly becomes a semi-musical about love, small town politics and girls who are best just being girls.
Patty Duke stars as the speedy title character who excels ...