'Marvin Hamlisch: The Way He Was' Set for PBS's AMERICAN MASTERS

Three new American Masters documentaries will be premiering this fall on PBS: Billie Jean King, Hendrix & Marvin Hamlisch.'

"American Masters Billie Jean King" (w.t.)
Premieres nationally Tuesday, September 10 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings)
For the first time, "American Masters" profiles a sports figure: a deliberate woman who has been a major force in changing, and democratizing, the cultural landscape. To commemorate the 40th anniversaries of both the famous Billie Jean King/Bobby Riggs match - the Battle of the Sexes - and the launch of the Women's Tennis Association, the documentary looks back to the 12-year-old southern California girl who played tennis on public courts, observed disparity and unfairness and, as she soared athletically, never stopped trying to remedy both. Her competitiveness on the circuit was matched by her efforts on behalf of women and her commitment to prove there's strength in diversity. King presents her own story, with perspective from Rosie Casals, Chris Evert, Venus Williams, Gloria Steinem, Sir Elton John, Bobby Riggs' son Larry, and others. 90 minutes.

"American Masters Jimi Hendrix" (w.t.)
Premieres nationally Tuesday, November 5 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings)
The Hendrix estate has cooperated fully with this film, releasing performance footage of Jimi Hendrix that has never been seen before, as well as an extensive archive of photographs, drawings and family letters. A pioneering electric guitarist, Hendrix had only four years of mainstream exposure and recognition, but his influential music and riveting stage presence left an enduring legacy. Presented as part of a year-long celebration concluding what would have been his 70th year (11/27/1942), this is his definitive story, illustrated by interviews with Hendrix and illuminated with commentary by Paul McCartney, Noel Redding, Billy Cox, Eddie Kramer, and others. Poignant, protected footage from his final performance in Germany in September 1970, just 12 days before his drug-related death at age 27, concludes the film. 90 minutes.

"American Masters Marvin Hamlisch: The Way He Was" (w.t.)
**Season 27 finale**
Premieres nationally Friday, December 27 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings)
With a rich archival legacy, A-list collaborators from Liza Minnelli to Steven Soderbergh, and complete cooperation from his family, this documentary features a wealth of material to tell Hamlisch's life story. A child prodigy accepted at Juilliard at age six, Marvin Hamlisch had won four Grammys, an Emmy, three Oscars and a Tony by age 31. Hit after hit -"The Way We Were," "Nobody Does It Better," "Break It to Me Gently" - and scores for "The Sting," "A Chorus Line," and "Sophie's Choice" made him the go-to composer for film and Broadway producers and the go-to performer for every president since Reagan. He died in August 2012. 90 minutes.

Official American Masters websites:

pbs.org/americanmasters
facebook.com/americanmasters
@PBSAmerMasters

pbsamericanmasters.tumblr.com

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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