Patty Duke: Billie is a musical film that follows the story of a tomboyish girl named Billie (Patty Duke). Because of her short haircut and interest in running, Billie does not have have many female friends. When new student Mike Benson (Warren Berlinger) joins the athletic team, Billie gives him tips on how to run faster. At first, Mike refuses to take advice from a girl, but when he realizes how skilled she is, he agrees to listen to what she has to say. The two even become close, developing feelings for one another. Her skills catch the attention of Coach Jones (Charles Lane), who allows Billie to join the track team, though the people in town make fun of her for being on the team. Meanwhile, Billie's father Howard (Jim Backus) is running for mayor. When Howard realizes he could lose the race because of the way the town feels about Billie being on the team, he asks her to quit. Billie must decide if she should continue doing what she loves or quit to help her father's chance of becoming mayor.moreless
