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IMDbPro

Brian's Song

  • TV Movie
  • 1971
  • G
  • 1h 13m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
9.2K
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
30 Photos
FootballBiographyDramaSport

Buzz Kulik's beloved tearjerker is based on the real-life friendship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond that was strengthened when Piccolo discovers t... Read allBuzz Kulik's beloved tearjerker is based on the real-life friendship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond that was strengthened when Piccolo discovers that he has a fatal disease.Buzz Kulik's beloved tearjerker is based on the real-life friendship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond that was strengthened when Piccolo discovers that he has a fatal disease.

  • Director
    • Buzz Kulik
  • Writers
    • William Blinn
    • Gale Sayers
    • Al Silverman
  • Stars
    • James Caan
    • Billy Dee Williams
    • Jack Warden
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.5/10
    9.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Buzz Kulik
    • Writers
      • William Blinn
      • Gale Sayers
      • Al Silverman
    • Stars
      • James Caan
      • Billy Dee Williams
      • Jack Warden
    • 74User reviews
    • 24Critic reviews
    • 62Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 5 Primetime Emmys
      • 11 wins & 8 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:38
    Official Trailer

    Photos30

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    Top cast27

    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
    Chicago Bears
    Chicago Bears
    • Chicago Bears Players, Coaches and Staff
    • (as The Chicago Bears Players Coaches and 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
    Stephen Coit
    Stephen Coit
    • Mr. Eberle
    Doreen Lang
    Doreen Lang
    • Nurse 1
    • 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
      Having played football in high school, James Caan was a more accomplished athlete than Billy Dee Williams. In the film, Gale Sayers is supposed to surpass Brian Piccolo in speed and playing ability, so Caan was forced to slow down considerably so that Williams could believably outplay him.
    • 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. 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 Theme
      (uncredited)
      Written by Michel Legrand
      Performed by Michel Legrand and his Orchestra

    User reviews74

    Featured review
    7/10

    I cried......

    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!
    • grahamsj3
    • Dec 19, 2002
    • Permalink

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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

    Tech specs

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

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