Wausau’s own, Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch had gone on to be a Superbowl winning footballer and future inductee to the NFL Hall of Fame. While still at the height of his career as a player, Hirsch embarked on a career as an actor—starting with “Crazylegs.” The film was based on Hirsch’s own career, from his start playing under the great Win Brockmeyer at Wausau High through his time in the military, to his professional career.

The film had it’s world premier at the Wausau Theater on Thursday, November 13, 1953, to general excitement and enthusiasm from the locals. Some 300 people greeted Hirsch and his family on the cold morning they arrived at the airport. After a brief rest at the Hirsch home, they were the honored guest of an impromptu parade that brought them to the Wausau Theater for the first screening. But regrettably “Crazylegs” couldn’t stay long and soon flew back to Los Angeles to join the Rams for their game against the Cardinals that Sunday.