IMDb RATING
6.2/10
1.2K
YOUR RATING
Sportswriter George Plimpton poses as a rookie quarterback for the Detroit Lions for a "Sports Illustrated" article.Sportswriter George Plimpton poses as a rookie quarterback for the Detroit Lions for a "Sports Illustrated" article.Sportswriter George Plimpton poses as a rookie quarterback for the Detroit Lions for a "Sports Illustrated" article.
- Awards
- 1 nomination
Chuck Knox
- Charles Knox
- (as Charles Knox)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAt the initial team meeting where Head Coach Joe Schmidt is going over the team rules and fines, the camera shows quarterback Karl Sweetan when it's mentioned that the fine for losing a playbook is $500. Sweetan and his cousin would be arrested in 1972 in a FBI sting operation when they allegedly attempted to sell a Los Angeles Rams playbook for $2500; the charge was not proven.
- GoofsAfter George enters the game and the team is penalized for Delay of Game, the referee is shown winding the clock. The clock is not started after a Delay penalty.
- Quotes
Vincent Lombardi: Well, I will say it's an interesting idea. A real interesting idea. But, you know, George, we carry four quarterbacks now. And to ask us to carry five, I think that would be a real headache. I just don't think it will work.
[Shows George the door]
Vincent Lombardi: Have you tried the AFL?
- Crazy creditsDisclaimer from the opening credits: "This film is an amiable fiction based on the book 'Paper Lion' by George Plimpton and is not intended to be a literal depiction of its author."
- ConnectionsFeatured in 75 Seasons: The Story of the NFL (1994)
Featured review
A wonderfully charming & funny account of a layman's will to succeed
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.
helpful•141
- Afracious
- Mar 11, 2000
- How long is Paper Lion?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Паперовий лев
- Filming locations
- Saint Andrew's School - 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton, Florida, USA(training camp sequences)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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