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

The interior of Gale Sayers' house was the interior set of Darrin and Samantha's house from Bewitched (1964).

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Goofs

Jack Concannon and Dick Butkus were shown preparing the rookie initiation of Brian and Gayle. But Concannon was not with the Bears in 1965 and Butkus was a rookie himself that season.

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Quotes

Narrator: Ernest Hemingway once said "Every true story ends in death." Well, this is a true story.

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Cave Dwellers (1991)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

It was an honor to cry at such a fine film

This is one of the best football films ever made. Yes, it's not that long, but it is great. Billy Dee Williams and James Caan were just starting out their careers and TV movies were still fairly new. This is a story of two opposites, one who was shy and kept to himself and the other who was cocky and confident. There would eventually see past their differences and become the best of friends. I like the chemistry that Williams and Caan had in this film. They made you belive they were Sayers and Pic. What was the part that made me cry? It was the scene where Gale has to tell the team before a game that Brian has cancer. Even if I have to force it, I love to cry at that scene. It's the best part of the film. The musical score is also great. The theme has a tone to it I can't describe. I tried watching the remake when it came out, and couldn't make it through the first 15 minutes. It was Disneytized for my viewing displeasure. In my heart, Williams and Caan will always be Sayers and Pic. No doubt about it.