Heidi it is (was).

Too bad the question’s sort-of meaningless.

For those who weren’t around at the time (or, like me, really weren’t football fans–I picked it up in the newspaper next day), the story’s told at the IMDB entry for Heidi. The 1968 TV-movie, that is.

As for The New Adventures of Heidi…the first 25 minutes are pretty saccharine (and I’m one of those who loves romantic comedies and the like). I’m hoping it will improve, but not counting on it.

So, at a brief moment of downtime (well, actually a brief moment while only firefox worked) I decided to use your clue of 1968, remembered by football fans, and 1978 as a sequel to tell you what the movie could be.

Heidi.

As bizarre as it sounds.

Right?

Not that Brian\’s Song wouldn\’t make an excellent addition–but I wouldn\’t be surprised if the makers of the 2001 version have made sure that the 1971 version isn\’t available for cheap licensing.

In any case, I should clarify the question: The film doesn\’t actually have anything to do with football, but there\’s a distinct association.

Oops: This is what happens when you post something after the trick-or-treaters have finished their rounds (I cheated on the time; the post was actually finished at 9:45 last night). As noted in the post, not only is it a trick question, the 1978 TV movie I\’m actually watching-while-walking is not the 1968 TV movie that isn\’t about football but will always be associated with football. Never mind.