Muhammad Ali The Greatest, Captured by TV

Incomparable athlete and engaging activist, Muhammad Ali lived his triumphant life on television. With a savvy understanding about the impact of media, Ali thrilled audiences with his unparalleled boxing skills, while challenging them on such pressing issues as race and war. We have curated two packages from the Paley Archive that exemplify Ali’s wide-ranging contribution to sports and culture. You will experience the impact that Ali generated as the world’s ambassador of peace during his moving fiftieth birthday celebration where diverse celebrities such as Whitney Houston, Billy Crystal, Howard Cosell, Wilma Rudolph, and Nelson Mandela pay tribute to the man who transformed lives and ideas.
 
We have also edited Ali’s three epic battles with Joe Frazier into a totality of glorious and ferocious boxing. You will be able to understand why these fights have been labeled as “The Fight of the Century,” “Super Fight II,” and “The Thrilla in Manila.” Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier were indeed one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.

TICKET INFO
Screenings are FREE and open to the public. 
(Visit Los Angeles)
No advance ticketing; tickets available at the door.

Become a Member! Join us online or contact Membership at 310.786.1066.

Thursday, June 16 to Sunday, June 19 

12:05 pm: MUHAMMAD ALI: 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Muhammad Ali’s fiftieth birthday was a time of joyous celebration as celebrities gather to salute The Greatest. Among the copious highlights are Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Greatest Love of All”; Billy Crystal’s routine about Ali and sportscaster Howard Cosell; gold medalist Wilma Rudolph talking about the 1960 Olympics; and Ella Fitzgerald escorted to stage by boxers Ken Norton and Joe Frazier. Also featured are the Four Tops, Dustin Hoffman, Hammer, Blair Underwood, and the Pointer Sisters. Ali’s reaction shots during the proceedings are priceless. (115 minutes; 1992)

2:00 pm: ALI’S THREE EPIC BATTLES WITH JOE FRAZIER: “THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY: (1971): “SUPER FIGHT II” (1974); and “THE THRILLA IN MANILA” (1975)

The pinnacle of Muhammad Ali’s boxing career were his three heroic fights with antagonist Joe Frazier. Each fight was a tremendous test of will, stamina, and perseverance for both contestants. The three bouts were originally presented on national television by ABC’s Wide World of Sports after having been seen live in closed-circuit theaters. The Paley Center has edited these televised matches together, eliminating commercials and other extraneous items. You will hear the inimitable voice of Howard Cosell calling the fights, which defined each boxer’s legacy. An added bonus to the broadcast of the first fight was the heated commentary of the participants, with Ali and Frazier sharing their insights. Nothing is more thrilling for a boxing fan than watching these bouts with other exuberant fans.

Package running time is 3 hours, 10 minutes

The Fight of the Century starts 2:00 pm

Super Fight ll starts approx. 3:10 pm

The Thrilla in Manila starts approx. 4:00 pm