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HBO Sports' summer documentary festival starts July 1

By April MacIntyre May 22, 2010, 6:16 GMT

Denis Leary (L) and wife Ann Leary - Fame

HBO Sports' summer documentary festival starts July 1, 2010. The network will air six of its pioneering documentary films Thursday evenings on HBO this summer. 

The collection of acclaimed documentaries, which feature HBO Sports’ trademark blend of archival footage, home movies, revealing interviews and unique storytelling, launches July 1 with Joe Louis:  America's Hero…Betrayed and concludes Aug. 5 with Rebels With A Cause:  THE Story Of The American Football League.

JOE LOUIS:  AMERICA’S HERO…BETRAYED (July 1, 6:30 p.m. ET/PT)

This film examines the life of the boxing legend, showing how the grandson of slaves became one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, served as an iconic figure in World War II and carried himself with dignity and class through numerous setbacks.

DARE TO DREAM:  THE STORY OF THE U.S. WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM (July 8, 6:30 p.m.)

This film tells the inspiring story of a group of young women who not only excelled on the soccer field, but achieved landmark status on the American sports landscape by empowering millions of young girls to dream and achieve their goals.  Featuring Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy.

REVERSE OF THE CURSE OF THE BAMBINO (July 15, 6:30 p.m.)

Narrated by Denis Leary, this film chronicles the Boston Red Sox’ historic 2004 comeback victory over the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series and their sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, capturing the delirious celebrations of Sox faithful after the 86-year-old “Curse of the Bambino” was finally broken.

THE UCLA DYNASTY (July 22, 7:30 p.m.)

This film traces the incredible success of the UCLA men’s basketball program, led by coach John Wooden, which captured an astounding ten national titles during a 12-year run.  The film examines the evolution of this landmark sports institution as it set standards excellence and consistency during a time of tremendous social and political change in the United States.

TED WILLIAMS (July 29, 6:30 p.m.)

This film explores the life of the legendary Boston Red Sox slugger.  A larger-than-life baseball icon and war hero, Williams’ playing career, complex personal saga and relationship with the city of Boston make a fascinating story of courage, triumph and redemption.

REBELS WITH A CAUSE:  THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE (Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m.)

This film follows the colorful history of the AFL from its genesis in 1959, when Lamar Hunt announced his intention to form a competitor to the established National Football League, through its ten-year rivalry with the NFL.

Following its Thursday night presentation on HBO, each documentary will also be seen the following Wednesday on HBO2.  The films will also be available on HBO On Demand®  during the festival’s run.