Second Serve (1986): cast, story & where to watch
1986 · Film · ★ 6.5
Released in 1986, Second Serve is a drama and tv movie film directed by Anthony Page, running about 120 minutes.
What it’s about. Fact-based story about tennis pro Renee Richards, whose player status was challenged in 1976 when it was revealed that she was a trans woman. Flashback to 1964 before she was out as trans, a successful New York doctor with a great lifestyle, a flashy girl friend, and a secret life. Her psychiatrist mother refuses to deal with her and sends her to a colleague who diagnoses with a psychotic gender confusion, which he says can be unlearned. After a failed marriage and parenthood, she comes out as trans, with a new life in California.
Who’s in it. Second Serve stars Vanessa Redgrave as Renee Richards, Martin Balsam as Dr. Beck, William Russ as Josh and Alice Krige as Gwen, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Second Serve has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Second Serve page.
If you liked it. Fans of Second Serve tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Second Serve (1986)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Second Serve change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Second Serve worth watching?
- Second Serve holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Second Serve?
- Second Serve stars Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Balsam, William Russ, Alice Krige and Louise Fletcher.
- When was Second Serve released?
- Second Serve was released in 1986, with a runtime of about 120 minutes.