7.6/10
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Brian's Song (1971)

G | | Biography, Drama, Sport | TV Movie 30 November 1971
Brian's Song Poster
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) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden | See full cast & crew »
62
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Popularity
3,788 ( 382)

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Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 11 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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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 ... Abe Gibron
Jack Concannon Jack Concannon ... Jack Concannon
Ed O'Bradovich Ed O'Bradovich ... Ed O'Bradovich
The Chicago Bears Players ... The Chicago Bear Players
The Chicago Bears Coaches The Chicago Bears Coaches ... The Chicago Bear Coaches
The Chicago Bears Staff The Chicago Bears Staff ... The Chicago Bear Staff
Harold 'Happy' Hairston Harold 'Happy' Hairston ... Veteran Player #1 (as Happy Hairston)
Ron Feinberg ... Veteran Player #2
See full cast »
Edit

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. Written by Jerry Milani <jmilani@ix.netcom.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

remade | male objectification | male friendship | weigh in | wrapped in a towel | See All (61) »

Taglines:

An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Certificate:

G | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
Edit

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 November 1971 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Brian's Song See more »

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Screen Gems Television See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

After its successful television broadcast on ABC, it was released theatrically. See more »

Goofs

The position of Sayer's head changes when he is talking with Piccolo in the hospital. See more »

Quotes

Brian Piccolo: I think it's working.
Gale Sayers: What is?
Brian Piccolo: I'm getting you overconfident.
See more »

Connections

Remade as Brian's Song (2001) See more »

Soundtracks

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

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User Reviews

 
I cried......
20 December 2002 | by grahamsj3 – See all my reviews

Yes, I did. Anyone who doesn't the first (and probably second) time they see it is not human. The film does a fantastic job of establishing a strong bond between the two lead characters, played by James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. Then, at the end, when Billy Dee says "I love Brian Piccolo..." I lost it! Blubbering! This is one outstanding film. If you decide to watch it, have your tissues handy towards the end!
35 of 38 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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