Althea
9/4/2015 | 1h 23m 21sVideo has Audio Description, Closed Captions
The story of Althea Gibson, queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s.
This is the story of Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. She was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Interviewees include Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt and Billie Jean King.
See all videos with Audio DescriptionADProblems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Funding for American Masters is provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, The Blanche & Irving Laurie...
Althea
9/4/2015 | 1h 23m 21sVideo has Audio Description, Closed Captions
This is the story of Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. She was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Interviewees include Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt and Billie Jean King.
See all videos with Audio DescriptionADProblems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch American Masters
American Masters is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
A front row seat to the creative process
How do today’s masters create their art? Each episode an artist reveals how they brought their creative work to life. Hear from artists across disciplines, like actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, singer-songwriter Jewel, author Min Jin Lee, and more on our podcast "American Masters: Creative Spark."Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Althea Gibson at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills
Video has Closed Captions
Home movies of Althea Gibson practicing at the esteemed club in New York City. (1m 49s)
Video has Closed Captions
The story of Althea Gibson, queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. (2m 24s)
Althea: Race in the Sport of Tennis
Video has Closed Captions
Althea Gibson wasn't concerned with representing her race, she just wanted to play. (1m 21s)
Filmmaker Interview with Rex Miller: Making "Althea"
Video has Closed Captions
A photo Althea Gibson with his mother was the film director's original inspiration. (2m 45s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Funding for American Masters is provided by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Rosalind P. Walter, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, The Blanche & Irving Laurie...