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IMDbPro

Brian's Song

  • TV Movie
  • 1971
  • G
  • 1h 13m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
8.3K
YOUR RATING
James Caan, Shelley Fabares, and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (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.
Play trailer2:38
1 Video
18 Photos
BiographyDramaSport

Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.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
    • William Blinn
    • Gale Sayers
    • Al Silverman
  • Stars
    • James Caan
    • Billy Dee Williams
    • Jack Warden
  • See production, box office & company info
    • IMDb RATING
    7.5/10
    8.3K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Buzz Kulik
    • Writers
      • William Blinn
      • Gale Sayers
      • Al Silverman
    • Stars
      • James Caan
      • Billy Dee Williams
      • Jack Warden
    • 68User reviews
    • 22Critic reviews
    • 62Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 5 Primetime Emmys
      • 11 wins & 8 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:38
    Watch Official Trailer

    Photos18

    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan in Brian's Song (1971)
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)

    Top cast

    Edit
    James Caan
    James Caan
    • Brian Piccolo
    Billy Dee Williams
    Billy Dee Williams
    • Gale Sayers
    Jack Warden
    Jack Warden
    • Coach Halas
    Bernie Casey
    Bernie Casey
    • J.C. Caroline
    Shelley Fabares
    Shelley Fabares
    • Joy Piccolo
    David Huddleston
    David Huddleston
    • Ed McCaskey
    Judy Pace
    Judy Pace
    • Linda Sayers
    Abe Gibron
    • Abe Gibron
    Jack Concannon
    • Jack Concannon
    Ed O'Bradovich
    • Ed O'Bradovich
    The Chicago Bears Players
    The Chicago Bears Players
    • The Chicago Bear Players
    The Chicago Bears Coaches
    • The Chicago Bear Coaches
    The Chicago Bears Staff
    • The Chicago Bear Staff
    Harold 'Happy' Hairston
    Harold 'Happy' Hairston
    • Veteran Player #1
    • (as Happy Hairston)
    Ron Feinberg
    Ron Feinberg
    • Veteran Player #2
    Ji-Tu Cumbuka
    Ji-Tu Cumbuka
    • Roommate
    Jim Boeke
    • Veteran Player #3
    Larry Delaney
    • Dr. Fox
    • Director
      • Buzz Kulik
    • Writers
      • William Blinn
      • Gale Sayers
      • Al Silverman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The interior of Gale Sayers' house was the interior set of Darrin and Samantha's house from Bewitched (1964). This film aired during that show's eighth and final season (one day before the episode The Warlock in the Gray Flannel Suit).
    • Goofs
      When the coaches ask Sayers to room with Piccolo in 1965, they warn that people in cities like Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston and Miami won't take well to integrated roommates. Atlanta didn't join the NFL until 1966, New Orleans 1967, and Houston and Miami until the AFL/NFL merger in 1970. Miami wasn't even in the AFL until 1966.
    • Quotes

      Gale Sayers: [accepting the George S. Halas award] I'd like to say a few words about a guy I know, a friend of mine. His name is Brian Piccolo. And he has the heart of a giant, and that rare form of courage which allows him to kid himself and his opponent: cancer. He has a mental attitude which makes me proud to have a friend who spells out 'courage' - 24 hours a day, every day of his life. Now, you flatter me - by giving me this award. But I say to you here now - Brian Piccolo is the man of courage who should receive the George S. Halas award. It is mine tonight - and Brian Piccolo's tomorrow.

      [Theme "Brian's Song" begins to play]

      Gale Sayers: I love Brian Piccolo. And I'd like all of you to love him too. And tonight, hit your knees, please ask God to love him.

    • Connections
      Featured in The 24th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1972)
    • Soundtracks
      Brian's Song
      Written and Performed by Michel Legrand Et Son Orchestre
      [Theme]

    User reviews68

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    The Most Gut-Wrenching......
    ......emotional and tear-jerking movie ever made! Brian's Song will have you weeping and an emotional wreck regardless of how many times you see it! Simply put, the greatest TV movie ever made and some of the finest performances ever put on film. "Nuff said!
    helpful•9
    2
    • terrorfan
    • May 4, 2001

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 30, 1971 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Freunde bis in den Tod
    • Filming locations
      • St. Joseph's College - U.S. Highway 231, Rensselaer, Wheatfield, Indiana, USA(training camp scenes)
    • Production company
      • Screen Gems Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 13 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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    James Caan, Shelley Fabares, and Billy Dee Williams in Brian's Song (1971)
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