One of the great adventurers of the 20th Century, George Plimpton embarked on a lifelong journey akin to fictional characters such as Forrest Gump and Indiana Jones.  He hung out with U.S. Presidents, played quarterback for the Detroit Lions, forced Willie Mays to pop out in Yankee Stadium, photographed Playboy models, was named the “Most Eligible Bachelor in Manhattan” by Esquire Magazine, played goalie for the Boston Bruins, struck the triangle for the New York Philharmonic and acted alongside John Wayne, Warren Beatty and Matt Damon. Some of these things he did well. Some he didn’t.  But they were always amusing and inspiring.

Witty, sophisticated, urbane and yet a man of the people, he embodied the American optimism of 1960s and ‘70s.  He co-founded and edited one of the most influential literary magazines in history, The Paris Review for 50 years, and in the process, he innovated a writing technique called participatory journalism. This gave Plimpton a unique perspective on the activities he wrote about, perhaps most famously with Paper Lion, a bestseller, which has never left the conversation of the greatest sports books of all-time.

Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself is a new documentary that tells the story of writer, editor, amateur sportsman and friend to many — George Plimpton.  Using Plimpton’s own voice narration, viewers will experience the mischievous boy, the Harvard grad, the editor, the Manhattan socialite, the writer and the courageous adventurer.  Directors Tom Bean and Luke Poling spent four years conducting interviews and delving into a wealth of archival materials, including personal audio and videotapes, to craft the narrative.  The theatrical release is timed to help celebrate the 60th Anniversary of The Paris Review.

Plimpton! Starring George Plimpton as Himself is a film that joyfully celebrates a life lived fully, richly and strangely. In fact, for many, it’s difficult to imagine this life was lived by just one man.

“A skilled portrait of a literary light.” —Andy Webster, New York Times

“Four stars! A layered look at a man who was a jack of all trades, but a master of one: being George.” —David Fear, Time Out New York

“Crammed with lit-world walk-ons and delicious anecdotes.” – Alan Scherstuhl, Village Voice

“A brilliant example of creative biographical filmmaking.” —Basil Tsiokos, Indiewire

“An archival feast for fans of Manhattan’s literary heyday.” – Steve Dollar, Wall Street Journal