King of the World (film)

King of the World
Also known as Muhammad Ali: King of the World
Written by David Remnick (book)
John Sacret Young (teleplay)
Directed by John Sacret Young
Starring Terrence Howard
Steve Harris
Chi McBride
Gary Dourdan
John Ventimiglia
Jamie "Showtime" Stafford
Country of origin United States United States
Original language(s) English
Production
Producer(s) Stephanie Germain
Tom Patricia
George W. Perkins
John Sacret Young
Running time 120 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel ABC
Original airing January 10, 2000

King of the World is an American television movie which aired on January 10, 2000 on ABC. It chronicles the early stages of the career of heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay), who is portrayed by Terrence Howard. It is based upon a biography of the same name by David Remnick.[1]

Cast and crew

Plot summary

Having won the gold medal for boxing in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Kentucky native Cassius Clay (Terrence Howard) challenges professional heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston (Steve Harris) for the title. The media is both intrigued and repulsed by his brash manner and what appears to be self-worship. Despite being a heavy underdog, the 22 year-old Clay shocks the sports world by defeating Liston by technical knockout in their February 1964 bout, becoming heavyweight champion and (metaphorically) "king of the world".

DVD

Although it is an American film, King of the World was released on DVD in Region 2 format, which is used predominately in Europe. It has yet to be released in Region 1 format, which is compatible with DVD players used in the United States and Canada.

References

  1. ↑ Hal Erickson. "Muhammad Ali: King of the World (2000)". NYTimes.com.
  2. ↑ The events of this film occur before the boxer assumed the name Muhammad Ali. Thus, he is only referred to by his birth name, Cassius Clay.

External links