Second Serve_
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.
Starring
Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Balsam, William Russ
Updated Feb 16, 2026
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Year context
Second Serve was released 40 years ago in 1986.
Overview
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 19...
Second Serve is a Drama, TV Movie film with a runtime of 2h 0m.
CAST (20)
Vanessa Redgrave
Renee Richards
Martin Balsam
Dr. Beck
William Russ
Josh
Alice Krige
Gwen
Louise Fletcher
Dr. Sadie M. Bishop
Kerrie Keane
Meriam
Richard Venture
Dr. David Bradley
Reni Santoni
Dr. Roberto Granato
Jeff Corey
Dr. Harry Benjamin
Alan Feinstein
Bill
Nina van Pallandt
Danielle
Michael Cavanaugh
Gene Scott
Kenneth Tigar
Ross
Alison La Placa
Nightclub Singer
RG
Ray Girardin
Grigsby
JV
James Victor
Spaniard
GG
Gerry Gibson
Dr. Tirico
MH
Michael Harrington
Lowell
Mews Small
Navy Wife
Whit Hertford
Renee
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Second Serve 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.
How long is Second Serve?
Second Serve has a runtime of 120 minutes (2h 0m).
Who stars in Second Serve?
The cast of Second Serve includes Vanessa Redgrave, Martin Balsam, William Russ, Alice Krige, Louise Fletcher.
What is the rating of Second Serve?
Second Serve has a rating of 4.7 out of 10 based on 6 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Drama
TV Movie