Brian's Song (TV 1971)

Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.

Director:

Buzz Kulik

Writers:

Gale Sayers (book), Al Silverman (book),

Stars:

James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 9 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Caan	...	Brian Piccolo
Billy Dee Williams	...	Gale Sayers
Jack Warden	...	Coach George Halas
Bernie Casey	...	J.C. Caroline
Shelley Fabares	...	Joy Piccolo
David Huddleston	...	Ed McCaskey
Judy Pace	...	Linda Sayers
Abe Gibron	...	Abe Gibron
Jack Concannon	...	Jack Concannon
Ed O'Bradovich	...	Ed O'Bradovich
The Chicago Bears Players	...	Themselves
The Chicago Bears Coaches	...	Themselves
The Chicago Bears Staff	...	Themselves
Harold 'Happy' Hairston	...	Veteran Player #1 (as Happy Hairston)
Ron Feinberg	...	Veteran Player #2 (Doug Atkins)

Storyline

Gale Sayers joins the Chicago Bears and is befriended by Brian Piccolo, an over-achieving running back. Although they compete for the same spot on the team, and despite the fact that Sayers is black and Piccolo white, they become roommates on the road and very close friends, especially when Sayers is injured and Piccolo helps his recovery. Later, they and their wives must both deal with the harsh reality of Piccolo's cancer.

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Plot Keywords:

cancer | chicago bears | roommate | famous score | banquet | 

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Taglines:

An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 November 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Freunde bis in den Tod

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Screen Gems Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Louis Gossett Jr. was originally cast as Gale Sayers. Just days before shooting began, Gossett tore his Achilles' tendon while working out for the film. The studio execs scrambled, and quickly hired Billy Dee Williams as a replacement. Gossett, depressed over missing his "shot," was promised by producer David L. Wolper the first great role that came along. About six years later, Wolper called Gossett to play "Fiddler" in Roots, the Emmy-winning role that made him a star.

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Goofs

When Sayers gets out of the cab, he picks up the ball. His position relative to the fence post changes. Also, the tail of his coat is flipped up.

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Quotes

Assistant coach: Piccolo, you bone-headed spaghetti eater, that was Fake Draw Screen Right. What the hell do you do on Fake Draw Screen Right?

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Connections

Referenced in Desperate Housewives: Smiles of a Summer Night (2007)

User Reviews

An inspiring story of friendship and love...

I just love this movie! It is a story of 2 men--Gale and Brian...2 unlikely people to become the best of friends...The actors were well cast--James Caan and Billy Dee Sayers fit their roles to a tee. It is a film not only of friendship but also of love...a film of triumph of the human spirit. It is a story that transcends time and overcomes barriers to relationships, whatever they might be--racial, religious, or political. It challenges the viewer to assess his/her own prejudices and why it must be overcome. It is as timely as it was when it was first shown. A real winner but be prepared with a box of Kleenex when watching this very touching film. I saw a remake of this film quite recently but I think the original movie was much better than the remake.