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.

Director:

Buzz Kulik

Writers:

William Blinn, Gale Sayers (book)

Stars:

James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 11 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Caan	...	Brian Piccolo
Billy Dee Williams	...	Gale Sayers
Jack Warden	...	Coach 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	...	The Chicago Bear Players
The Chicago Bears Coaches	...	The Chicago Bear Coaches
The Chicago Bears Staff	...	The Chicago Bear Staff
Harold 'Happy' Hairston	...	Veteran Player #1 (as Happy Hairston)
Ron Feinberg	...	Veteran Player #2

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:

remade | male objectification | male friendship | weigh in | wrapped in a towel | 

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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:

Brian's Song

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

Gale Sayers wanted to play himself, but Bears training camp conflicted with shooting.

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Goofs

After Gale Sayers makes the announcement in the locker room about Brian Piccolo's illness, and the team visits him in the hospital room, which is supposed to be in Chicago, the exterior hospital establishing shot clearly shows the name of the hospital, the "New North Hospital of Los Angeles." Further, while Brian Piccolo did return to Chicago for the diagnoses, he ultimately transferred to a hospital in New York City, which is where he died.

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Quotes

Brian Piccolo: It's all so pointless, Gayle. I mean, I know perfectly well what's wrong with me. Gayle, I uh... I think I'm pregnant.

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Connections

Spoofed in Pinky and the Brain: Brain's Song (1996)

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Soundtracks

Brian's Song
Written and Performed by Michel Legrand Et Son Orchestre
[Theme]

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.