Paper Lion
Paper Lion

Movie spotlight

Paper Lion

1968
Movie
107 min
English

Sportswriter George Plimpton poses as a rookie quarterback for the Detroit Lions for a "Sports Illustrated" article.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Google Users75%
Director: Alex SegalGenres: Comedy, Sport

Plot Summary

In this comedic sports documentary, actor George Plimpton, known for his literary endeavors, decides to write an article for Sports Illustrated about the upcoming NFL season. To gain firsthand experience, he undertakes the seemingly impossible task of training with the Detroit Lions as their "backup" quarterback. Plimpton navigates the pressures and realities of professional football, facing off against seasoned athletes and enduring the grueling training regimen. His unique perspective offers a humorous and insightful look into the world of professional sports.

Critical Reception

Paper Lion was generally well-received by critics, who praised its unique premise and George Plimpton's earnest, often humorous, performance. The film is often cited as a pioneering example of participatory journalism in a sports context. Audiences also found enjoyment in the blend of sports action and Plimpton's fish-out-of-water experiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its novel concept and George Plimpton's engaging participation.

  • A humorous and often insightful look into the professional athlete's life.

  • Appreciated for its unique blend of sports and literary exploration.

Google audience: Google users generally enjoyed "Paper Lion" for its lighthearted take on professional football and George Plimpton's dedicated effort to experience it firsthand. Many viewers found it amusing to watch an outsider attempt to keep up with NFL players, appreciating the film's good-natured humor.

Fun Fact

George Plimpton, who was a well-known participatory journalist, actually threw passes and took snaps during actual Detroit Lions practices and even appeared in one exhibition game, though he never officially entered another game.

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