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On the Line: The Richard Williams Story

Play trailer 1:18 Poster for On the Line: The Richard Williams Story 2022 1h 33m Documentary Biography Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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Told in his own words using interviews spanning from the 1980s through now, father and tennis coach Richard Williams retraces his family's journey from the courts in Compton to the grass at Wimbledon, defying every custom of the lily-white tennis establishment and fighting back against a system of oppression to raise two of the greatest champions in history -- Venus and Serena Williams.

Critics Reviews

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Lisa Kennedy Variety In this thoughtful documentary, Richard Williams shares his journey from Shreveport, La., to becoming the most famous sports parent. Jul 19, 2022 Full Review Amber Wilkinson Eye for Film Something is gained from the presence of Richard himself, who has a vulnerability about him that you might not expect from a man who refused to be cowed by a largely middle-class, white establishment that stood in the way of his girls’ rise to fame. Rated: 4/5 Jun 30, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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jedrulez2k The film captures the complexity of Richard William by highlighting his hopeful, inspiring, and (at times) troubling relentlessness. Truly a unique and heartwarming view into Richard and the amazing story of the Williams family. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/24/23 Full Review Rhys R A profound and enlightening biography of an unsung legend. This film deftly explores race, class, and family through one man's journey to prove his impossible dream. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/23 Full Review Larry V This is a stunning movie that grabs your attention and holds it. For the curious, it explains. For the nosy, it reveals. For BLM, it exposes the racial prejudice covered up in Indian Wells. It is a fair and unbiased look inside Richard Williams' head. This is well-crafted and well done. Excellent and worthy movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/25/23 Full Review Kawika 'Ryan' C Absolutely loved the storytelling in this film. Well done! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/22/23 Full Review Hans B A gorgeously portrayed story of obsession and drive Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/22/23 Full Review Kate M King Richard had nothing on "On the Line". one the Line tells a bracing story about a father's quest to develop the greatest female tennis players of all time and against all odds. It's a must watch if you want to hear the real backstory of the Williams sisters road to stardom and the man who made it happen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/21/23 Full Review Read all reviews
On the Line: The Richard Williams Story

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis Told in his own words using interviews spanning from the 1980s through now, father and tennis coach Richard Williams retraces his family's journey from the courts in Compton to the grass at Wimbledon, defying every custom of the lily-white tennis establishment and fighting back against a system of oppression to raise two of the greatest champions in history -- Venus and Serena Williams.
Director
Stuart McClave
Producer
Chavoita LeSane, Stuart McClave, Duncan Montgomery, Gary Ousdahl, Jack Selby
Screenwriter
Stuart McClave
Production Co
Foundation, Bright West Entertainment, Fremantle, High Frequency Entertainment, McClave Lumber Company, ChaVam Entertainment
Genre
Documentary, Biography, Sports
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 33m