Based on George Plimpton’s book, Paper Lion stars Alan Alda as the famous reporter who gamely put himself in unimaginable circumstances in order to offer first-hand experiences in his Sports Illustrated columns. Having already pitched in an all-star baseball game and fought a few rounds with Sugar Ray Robinson in the ring, Plimpton sets his sights on the NFL’s 1963 season. He joins the Detroit Lions—after signing an injury waiver—as a third-string quarterback for their pre-season program, his real identity known only to the coaches. He not only trains with the team but also moves into their quarters. The colorful cast of characters is mostly comprised of actual Detroit Lions, among them Alex Karras, Joe Schmidt, and Dick “Night Train” Lane.  From hijinks in the barracks to disasters on the field, Plimpton tries his damnedest to conceal his true motive—as well as prolong the inevitable display of his ineptitude. TM