The Shelf · Movies
Paper Lion follows writer George Plimpton as he joins the Detroit Lions' training camp posing as a rookie quarterback, so he can write about professional football from the inside. Based on Plimpton's 1966 book, already on the Shelf, the film offers a playful look at the gap between fans' imagination and players' reality.
The Gist
Released in 1968 and directed by Alex March, the film stars Alan Alda as Plimpton. Several real Lions players and coaches appear, including Alex Karras and coach Joe Schmidt.
Plimpton's approach, participatory journalism, made him famous for trying his hand at professional sports and writing about the experience.
The Details
At A Glance
Paper Lion follows writer George Plimpton as he joins the Detroit Lions' training camp posing as a rookie quarterback, so he can write about professional football from the inside. Based on Plimpton's 1966 book, already on the Shelf, the film offers a playful look at the gap between fans' imagination and players' reality.
About This Shelf Item
Plimpton persuades the Lions to let him train with the team. At first, the players are suspicious of a magazine writer in their midst.
He endures drills, hazing and the physical demands of training camp, slowly earning the players' respect.
The story builds to an exhibition game in which Plimpton takes the field as quarterback, with comic results.
The film captures the culture of an NFL team in the 1960s, when the league was growing in popularity.
Why It Belongs
For sport media professionals, Paper Lion is an early example of immersive sports journalism, a forerunner of today's behind-the-scenes documentaries.
It shows how access arrangements between teams and media can create compelling content and build public interest.
Communications staff can see how a team's willingness to open its doors can humanise players for fans.
Our Recommendation
Watch Paper Lion if you work in sport media or communications, or enjoy football history with humour.
This Shelf feature reflects the film's story and themes; it is not a scene-by-scene review.
Final Thoughts
Paper Lion shows the value of letting outsiders see inside a team. Access, handled well, can deepen fans' understanding and affection for the people who play.
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