A Brother's Promise: The Dan Jansen Story (1996)

Based on the true story of Speed Skater Dan Jansen and the loving relationship with his sister Jane. We see Dan go through the motions before and after losing his sister, then see him rise ... See full summary »

Director:

Bill Corcoran

Writer:

Wesley Bishop

Stars:

Matt Keeslar, Jayne Brook, Len Cariou

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matt Keeslar	...	Dan Jansen
Jayne Brook	...	Jane Jansen
Len Cariou	...	Harry Jansen
Claire Rankin	...	Robin Jansen
Christina Cox	...	Natalie Grenier
Louis Ferreira	...	Nick Tometz (as Louis Ferriera)
David Keeley	...	Peter Mueller
Scott Speedman	...	Andy Gables
Patricia Gage	...	Gerry Jansen
Hugh Thompson	...	Richard Beres
Mark Lutz	...	Mike Jansen
Richard Fitzpatrick	...	Father Yockey
Nora Sheehan	...	Mary Jansen
Scott Wickware	...	Jim Jansen
Shari Hollett	...	Jo-Anne Jansen

Storyline

Based on the true story of Speed Skater Dan Jansen and the loving relationship with his sister Jane. We see Dan go through the motions before and after losing his sister, then see him rise to glory winning the Gold Medal in the '94 Olympics.

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Plot Keywords:

skater | olympics | medal | gold medal | winter olympics | 

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Taglines:

His sister always inspired him to be the best. And when she died, he had to find the strength to fulfill his last promise... to win.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Dan Jansen rides his final 1000 metres race, the coach showing the lap time is standing on the inside of the lanes. This is not allowed - coaches are restricted to a box on the outside of the lanes.

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Connections

Referenced in Late Show with David Letterman: Episode #3.24 (1996)

User Reviews

Sensitive Portrayal of Coping with the Death of a Loved One

Beautiful story of Wisconsin native, Dan Jansen, and his real life, agonizing struggle to win the 1994 Olympic Gold Medal in Speed Skating, despite his overwhelming emotional loss with the death of his much loved Best Friend and Family Member; his Sister, Jane.

This story's main focus is to sensitively portray the real life emotional turmoil of grief, that one feels in loosing a special Loved One, and the struggle to productively cope and rise above the great loss! It is the incredible story of Dan Jansen's heartbreak in loosing his beloved Sister to Leukemia, his struggle to cope with the intensity of his grief, while still maintaining his Dream to win at the Olympics, and his ultimate triumph in winning the Gold Medal in Speed Skating for America, and in honor of his Sister's memory; thereby fulfilling his childhood promise to Jane!

After Dan Jansen's remarkable Gold Medal performance in the Winter Olympic in Lillihamer, Norway, he established a Foundation in 1994 to help fight Leukemia, which claimed the life of his Sister, and to support youth sports programs, educational and scholarship awards. His Dan Jansen Foundation promotes the philosophy that: "as his Father always told him at a young age: 'there is more to life than skating around in circles!' Maintaining a proper perspective is key! So, too, is setting goals, and realizing one's Dreams through perseverence, overcoming adversity and never giving up!"

Recommended for anyone who has ever suffered the great loss of someone very special, and dearly loved within your life! And, for anyone who still believes in the Achievement of Dreams, and Never Giving Up!

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 February 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Braterska obietnica

Filming Locations:

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros. Television

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1