Screening of "Plimpton!"
On April 9, 2015, St. Bernard’s held a screening of Plimpton!, a documentary on George Plimpton, who was a writer, editor, amateur sportsman, and a friend to many as well as a St. Bernard’s Old Boy from the class of 1940. Over 100 attended, including George’s son Taylor Plimpton ’90. The audience was honored to have Luke Poling, one of the film’s writers and directors, introduce the film and answer questions afterwards. Mr. Poling later said that the St. Bernard’s audience was his best yet—the viewers’ reactions were strong and spot on, including “laughing at all the right spots.”
Before the film began Mr. Johnson read an endearing letter that a sixth grader wrote to the head of the Middle School about his wonderful discovery of George Plimpton. Luke Poling commented the student’s description of George Plimpton was better than any introduction that he could have given. The student’s letter is provided below.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Dear Mr. Demeny,
Dear Mr. Demeny,
I am writing you not for academic purpose but because I believe I have a story that will fascinate you. An Old Boy, who I have seen a long documentary about, seems to have an amazing life. His name is George Plimpton, born on March 18, 1927, died on September 25, 2003. I highly you suggest you read his book as I have or watch the documentary.
George Plimpton was a pioneer of Sports Illustrated because of his incredible ideas towards journalism and the way he wrote and conducted his research. His new idea was that instead of just observing sports, politics, and such, he puts himself literally right in the middle of it. For instance he wrote about a famous football team [the Detroit Lions], but instead of just watching he asked the team for permission to actually play quarterback in one of their REAL games. He did this for almost every sport he wrote about. He wrote about things from boxing to ice hockey. A funny story about one of his documentaries is that he did an article about boxing, and seeing from his style of writing, he actually put himself right in the middle of the ring with the champion of the light-weight boxing--and trust me, the champion did try.
I actually did a lot of research on this man and respect his way of life, which was "Life is like a river, you must catch the tide before it goes away or else you can never get it again." He caught the tide perfectly and really was a "Renaissance Man." He was even part of John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign and was on the plane with him when J.F.K. said that he had to run for president, and Plimpton was right in the middle of it. Because he already had not done enough he became a trapeze leader and failed, but still tried harder.
I will not take up any more of your time, but if you wish to, please look up the man, and I really think you will enjoy it thoroughly.
Thank you,
A.K.
A.K.
