Rare Sports Films

1953
WORLD CHAMPION
DETROIT LIONS

     Even though the Lions were the NFL Champions in 1952, several talented rookies stepped right in and made valuable contributions to the '53 team: offensive linemen Charlie Ane, Harley Sewell and Ollie Spencer, halfback Gene Gedman and a tough linebacker whose name would become synonymous with Detroit football for years to come, Joe Schmidt. All the key veterans from the '52 Championship club were back ready to defend their title. Star quarterback Bobby Layne guided the offense and inspired his teammates with his gutsy calls and infectious enthusiasm. Bob "Hunchy" Hoernschemeyer and the "indomitable Doaker" Doak Walker were the two star halfbacks and vets Lou Creekmur and Dick Stanfel kept up their good work on the offensive line. Several players played both ways, and a couple of defensive men worth special mention were huge lineman Les Bingaman and interception specialist DB Jack Christiansen.

     This rare film (it's the only copy known to exist) covers the highlights of the 1953 championship season (the Saturday night Colt game is not shown), and includes 5½ minutes of the NFL Championship Game vs the Browns. This 56-minute B & W film has been restored to like new condition and brings back nostalgic memories of the great Lion teams of the early 1950's at Briggs Stadium in Detroit! Great shots throughout the film also show action from road games at other ballparks that were the homes for several NFL teams during those years: Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Wrigley Field, Chicago, the Polo Grounds in New York and old Kezar Stadium, San Francisco.

     In addition to the players mentioned above, other Lions of the memorable 1953 season are shown in action, such as rookie Lew Carpenter, Ollie Cline, Jug Girard and Bob Smith. You'll see Layne and backup QB Tommy Dublinski throwing to ends Cloyce Box, Dorne Dibble and big Leon Hart. On defense Jim Martin, Jimmy Cain, Lavern Torgeson, Sonny Gandee, Jim Doran, Vince Banonis, Jim David and of course, rookie Joe Schmidt are all shown in action throughout.

     Great players on other clubs shown battling the Lions in games both at home and on the road include Don Shula of the Colts, Jim Finks of the Steelers, Y. A. Tittle and Joe Perry of the 49'ers, Norm Van Brocklin and Crazy Legs Hirsch of the Rams, Babe Parilli, and Tobin Rote of the Packers, George Blanda and Jim Dooley of the Bears, Charley Conerly and Frank Gifford of the Giants, and Otto Graham of the Browns in the NFL Championship Game.

     Presented by Goebel Beer and introduced by Van Patrick, the old voice of the Lions, the film action is narrated by Jim Leaming. The original, corny Goebel Beer commercials are included along with Van Patrick's plugs for Goebel Beer: "Remember, if it's Goebel, it's good!" Remember Brewster, the Goebel Rooster?

1953 DETROIT LIONS SCHEDULE
Won 10, Lost 2

    Sept 27 - Lions 38, Steelers 21 at Briggs Stadium, Detroit
    Oct. 3 - Lions 27, Colts 17 at Memorial Stadium (Saturday night game)
    Oct. 11 - Lions 24, 49'ers 21 at Briggs Stadium, Detroit
    Oct. 18 - Rams 31, Lions 19 at Briggs Stadium, Detroit
    Oct. 25 - Lions 14, 49'ers 10 at Kezar Stadium, San Francisco
    Nov. 1 - Rams 37, Lions 24 at The Coliseum, Los Angeles
*    Nov. 7 - Lions 17, Colts 7 at Briggs Stadium (Saturday night game)
    Nov. 15 - Lions 14, Packers 7 at City Stadium, Green Bay
    Nov. 22 - Lions 20, Bears 16 at Wrigley Field, Chicago
    Nov. 26 - Lions 34, Packers 15 at Briggs Stadium (Thanksgiving Day)
    Dec. 6 - Lions 13, Bears 7 at Briggs Stadium, Detroit
    Dec. 13 - Lions 27, Giants 16 at The Polo Grounds, New York
    
    Dec. 27 - Lions 17, Browns 16 at Briggs Stadium
     (NFL Championship Game)
    
*    This is the only game of the season not shown.

     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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Naperville IL 60540
630-527-8890
 


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