Muhammad Ali, the Greatest
7.5
Universally accepted as a true icon of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali’s phenomenal achievements spanned sport, politics and religion. One man – photographer William Klein had comprehensive access to the events that shaped Ali’s legend. In 1964, the young gregarious Cassius Clay successfully defeated the seemingly invincible Heavyweight Champion of the World Sonny Liston – the manner of Clay’s victory and his amazing persona made him an instant superstar. Through this incredible period, and Clay’s subsequent rematches with Liston, William Klein enjoyed unrivalled access top Clay’s camp – witnessing at first hand Cassius Clay becoming Muhammad Ali and angering the American people with his allegiance to Islam. Forward to Zaire 1974, and the return of Muhammad Ali to the world stage to face another invincible champion George Foreman. As Ali reclaimed the crown for a second time, Klein was ever present, capturing the full story at close quarter.
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Cast
9 people
Muhammad Ali
Self
Also in
The Greatest
Freedom Road
Sonny Liston
Self
Known for
Head
George Foreman
Self
Also in
The Fighter
American Inventor
Malcolm X
Self (archive footage)
Also in
Murderers, Mobsters, & Madmen: Volume 2: Assassination in the 20th Century
The Real Malcolm X
John Lennon
Self
Known for
A Hard Day's Night
Help!
Paul McCartney
Self
Known for
A Hard Day's Night
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
George Harrison
Self
Known for
A Hard Day's Night
Help!
Ringo Starr
Self
Known for
Caveman
A Hard Day's Night
Mobutu Sese Seko
Self
Also in
Mobutu’s Game
Eruption
William Klein Director · Étienne Becker Cinematographer Eva Zora Editor
First release April 9, 1974 · Produced in France · Languages English, French
Production
Films Paris-New York
Production
Delpire Productions
Production
France
Produced in
Languages
Original language
French
Spoken on screen
English · French
Release dates
France · April 9, 1974
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
Argentina
March 30, 2009 · Premiere · Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema
Finland
September 3, 2010 · TV
Germany
July 10, 1988 · TV · West Germany
March 24, 2003 · Physical · DVD
Greece
November 17, 2007 · Premiere · Thessaloniki International Film Festival
March 5, 2023 · Premiere · Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
Romania
December 31, 2025 · TV · TVR Sport
United Kingdom
February 8, 2002 · Theatrical
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Some details come from TheTVDB.