Paper Lion is taken from the actual experiences of journalist George Plimpton. George (Alan Alda) dons helmet and pads to play quarterback against the Detroit Lions. His experience is less-than-successful as he is mercilessly tackled by the Lion's defense, including Alex Karras. Roger Aaron Brown tackles George and carries the ball and the player over the line for a touchdown. Flashbacks include the reporter's three-round bout with "Sugar Ray" Robinson. Football legends Frank Gifford and coach Vince Lombardi also appear. The final scene is the actual pre-season game against the St. Louis Cardinals football team. After his retirement from the Lions, Alex Karras made a successful transition into acting in films and on television, joining Jim Brown who preceded and Bubba Smith and others who followed. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
David F. Doyle - Oscar; Ann Turkel - Susan; Roger Aaron Brown; John Gordy; Mike Lucci; "Sugar Ray" Robinson - Himself; Roy Scheider; Pat Studstill; Joe Schmidt
Credit
Ted Zachary - First Assistant Director, Peter R. Scoppa - First Assistant Director, Alex March - Director, Luis San Andres - Editor, Sidney Katz - Editor, John Carter - Editor, Roger Kellaway - Composer (Music Score), Morris Hartzband - Cinematographer, Joseph Wheeler - Cinematographer, Peter Garbarini - Cinematographer, Steve Sabol - Cinematographer, Fred Hoffman - Cinematographer, Al Taffet - Cinematographer, Jack Schatz - Cinematographer, Eugene Friedman - Cinematographer, David Marx - Cinematographer, Richard Pollister - Cinematographer, Fred Porrett - Cinematographer, Morris Kellman - Cinematographer, Stuart Millar - Producer, Hank Aldrich - Set Designer, Dan Sable - Sound Editor, Lawrence Roman - Screenwriter, George Plimpton - Book Author