Paper Lion

To echo what another commentator said, this was real football. No cell phone celebrations in the end zone, no agents who held their players out of camp,no players moving to five different teams in five seasons (like Seinfeld says "Your rooting for the laundry"}, only real football by real football players. The big money, free agency and showboating have ruined the sport.These guys played together for 6 or 7 seasons and knew each other well. It shows in every scene. There was real veteran leadership, and real veteran depth on these ball clubs.

The action, on camera anyway, must be the 1967 season, because thats the year Roger Brown was traded to the Rams to complete the final version of the "Fearsome Foursome". This is mentioned in the film. The Lions did not have a good season that year. Their once proud defense, of which Coach Joe Schmitt was a key element at MLB, was unraveling and their offense (especially at QB) was never that efficient to begin with. Another important footnote is that Lem Barney, seen singing his alma mater in the film, was defensive rookie of the year in 1967. Mel Farr, the rookie running back seen in several scenes, was the offensive rookie of the year.That is the only time this has ever happened in NFL history. Despite this infusion of new talent,the Lions only finished third in the Central Division, with a record of 5-7-2. Ironically, it was Vince Lombardi's Packers (Lombardi initially rejects Plimpton's offer to cover the team in the film)who would win the division, their third straight NFL title and the Super Bowl.

Alda is OK as Plimpton, but an approximation of the real George Plimpton would have been much funnier. Plimpton had that upper crust Havard accent, which the players liked to mock. ""Forrrty Fouurrr"!! Somebody talking like that among a bunch of football players would have been a scream. I think the non-professional football actors did a wonderful job in this one.Karras showed real acting ability, and John Gordy and Pat Studstill came off like pros. Even Mike Lucci was very effective as the "villian" of the training camp. Joe Schmitt played himself without the self consciousness of most non professional actors. In all, this movie was not only very amusing, but a real look at the guts of pro football during its golden age.

Enjoyable feel-good film for everybody-- whether you're a quarterback or an armchair quarterback. Based on the true account of George Plimpton at Detroit Lions training camp. Looks at the dream of a weekend athlete and the camaraderie of team sport. The nostalgia of the sixties comes through well. Alan Alda does a fine job as do all the pros, giving the necessary realism. Plimpton does a good job standing in for fans and giving all of us a taste of the big time. At first he tries for a meaningful experience;later he strives to earn respect as he realizes the challenges these men face in professional sports. All backyard athletes dream of the sensation of competing at the highest level. Plimpton and Alda show how it feels behind the scenes in this engaging and entertaining film.

Paper Lion is a really good movie. Alan Alda was perfect for the role of Sports Illustrated reporter George Plimpton, and Lauren Hutton gave a strong debut performance as Plimpton's secretary. This is a classic underdog movie with Plimpton on assignment trying to make the Detroit Lion's football team. You can't help but put yourself in George's shoes. What makes this movie great is that Alda and Hutton are the only real actors, so it's as if you were a fly on the wall watching the team prepare for the season. I don't want to give anything away, so you will have to see it for yourself. But believe me it is well worth your time and will leave you smiling.

I had to watch this film because I am an inveterate fan of the Detroit Lions football team. It is a really charming and funny true story, starring Alan Alda as New York sportswriter George Plimpton, who on a special assignment from his magazine, tries out in an NFL training camp to be a quarterback. He applies at all the major teams, the Bears, the Packers, which includes an appearance by the legendary Vince Lombardi, who rejects George. Finally the Lions invite George to training camp. On his arrival he is greeted by Hall of Fame Lions coach Joe Schmidt, and other great Lions players like Alex Karras, Lem Barney, Roger Brown, Mike Lucci, John Gordy and Pat Studstill. There is a very funny scene where George has to stand up in the canteen and sing his college song, which is Harvard. Also appearing is the delightful Lauren Hutton and Roy Scheider. It is a really enjoyable film, and not just for football fans.

Just watched this movie on TCM. My husband highly recommended that I watch this movie to get a fill for what the players go through for training camp. He thought I'd love the movie since I just adore Alan Alda & he was right! I loved the whole movie & especially how well Alda portrayed George Plimpton. Perfect Casting! Lauren Hutton was also a delight in her movie debut. Highly recommend that women who have husband who are football junkies to watch this movie.

PS: My husband is a big KC Chiefs fan & said that this movie would have been a lot funnier if Plimpton had tried out for the Chiefs, because he says Hank Stram was the funniest coach in football at the time & would have made a great addition to the movie.