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1951
NFL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Rams vs. Browns
This rare 49-minute black & white film contains almost every play of the 1951 NFL Championship Game played December 23 at The Coliseum, Los Angeles. Narrated by Harry Wismer, the most famous of the early TV sportscasters, this film begins with the Rams and Browns taking the field at the Coliseum for pre-game warm-ups. Close-up camera shots show head coaches Joe Stydahar of the Rams and Paul Brown of the Browns, along with quarterbacks Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin of the Rams. Waterfield is shown practicing field goals while Van Brocklin tosses passes to another future Hall-Of-Famer Tom Fears. At the other end of the field, Otto Graham, Marion Motley and Mac Speedie of the Browns are shown. A closeup of the pre-game coin toss at midfield with team representatives Waterfield of the Rams and Tony Adamle of the Browns is covered.
The Browns, winners of their last five league titles in a row, are solid seven point favorites. After a scoreless first quarter, and with the help of an interference call, QB Waterfield drives the Rams to the Cleveland 1-yard line, then gives to fullback Dick Hoerner, who smashes over for the first score of the game. The Browns get their first points when Lou Groza kicks a tremendous 52-yard FG, a new record for a championship game! Later in the period, the Browns go ahead on a 17-yard pass from Graham to Dub Jones and take a 10-7 lead into the locker room at the half. In the third quarter, Larry Brink’s hard tackle causes Graham to fumble. In one of the key plays of the game, rookie Andy Robustelli scoops up the ball and rambles to the two-yard line before being tackled! The Browns put up a goal-line stand, but on third and one, Deacon Dan Towler bowls over the goal line, and the Rams are back in front, 14-10. After a 17-yard FG by Waterfield puts the Rams ahead 17-10, the Browns manage to tie the game on a long, tough 70-yard drive, capped by Ken Carpenter going over for the score, and Groza adding the PAT to tie the game at 17-17.
The big play of the game and winning score comes late in the final period. Norm Van Brocklin, who has been at quarterback most of the second half, hits Tom Fears with a 73-yard TD bomb which all but wraps up the game! Waterfield adds his third XP of the game, and the Rams hold the Browns in the final minutes for a 24-17 World Championship victory!
In addition to those mentioned above, many other players on both teams appear in this rare film. Shown for the Browns are: Dante Lavelli, Horace Gillom, Bill Willis, Abe Gibron, Darrell Palmer, Hal Herring, Tom James, Warren Lahr, Cliff Lewis and Len Ford.
Other members of the Rams shown are: Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch, Vitamin Smith, Tank Younger, Glenn Davis, Woodley Lewis, Tom Keane, Bob Boyd, Herbie Rich, Tom Kalmanir, Marvin Johnson, Jerry Williams, Don Paul, Jim Winkler, Norb Hecker and Dick Dougherty.
Now you can get your own copy of this rare and fascinating film for only $29.95 plus $5 shipping. (Illinois residents must add $2 sales tax).
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