Sort of a biopic cum documentary. Plimpton was a writer who spent a training camp with the Detroit Lions.
I'm surprised that so many reviewers don't know that this film is "an amiable fiction". Alex Karras sat out Plimpton's season suspended for gambling violations. George Parker was the Lions coach. And more.
Plimpton appeared in an intrasquad game and was announced to the crowd. He did take an ignominious fall after a snap.
Scenes like the rookie hazing and the growling wakeups are authentic. I'm told that there is a marked similarity with the practices of college fraternities.
All that said, the film is a fine comedy wonderfully made.
I'm surprised that so many reviewers don't know that this film is "an amiable fiction". Alex Karras sat out Plimpton's season suspended for gambling violations. George Parker was the Lions coach. And more.
Plimpton appeared in an intrasquad game and was announced to the crowd. He did take an ignominious fall after a snap.
Scenes like the rookie hazing and the growling wakeups are authentic. I'm told that there is a marked similarity with the practices of college fraternities.
All that said, the film is a fine comedy wonderfully made.