Brian's Song (1971) (TV)

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Buzz Kulik

Writers:

Gale Sayers (book) and
Al Silverman (book) ...

Release Date:

30 November 1971 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Tagline:

An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.

Plot:

Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.

Plot Keywords:

Chicago Bears | Roommate | Cancer | Professional Sports | Banquet

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

James Caan	...	Brian Piccolo
Billy Dee Williams	...	Gale Sayers
Jack Warden	...	Coach George 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	...	Themselves
The Chicago Bears Coaches	...	Themselves
The Chicago Bears Staff	...	Themselves
Harold 'Happy' Hairston	...	Veteran Player #1 (as Happy Hairston)
Ron Feinberg	...	Veteran Player #2 (Doug Atkins)

Runtime:

73 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:PG | USA:G | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company:

Screen Gems Television

Trivia:

Released theatrically after its successful TV showings.

Goofs:

Errors in geography: When his team mates visit Brian in a Chicago hospital, they are drinking Brown Derby beer. Brown Derby beer was only sold in California.

Quotes:

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

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "The King of Queens: Inner Tube (#3.17)" (2001)

YOU'LL LAUGH, YOU'LL CRY, YOU'LL WANT TO PLAY FOOTBALL

I still remember sitting down with my family to watch "Brian's Song", the made for TV movie in 1971. I was 13 years of age, and my 3 brothers and I thought we were going to watch a sports movie. It's funny thinking back to that night, as all the brothers fought back tears during the final scenes. We jumped up at the end, and tried to act macho and pretended we all had colds and runny noses. Watching the movie today, it doesn't have quite the same impact, but it remains touching and dramatic. James Caan and Billy D Williams work well together. They act without any arrogance and tough-guy attributes they picked up later in their careers. The movie score wraps around the scenes to add to the poignancy without disrupting the mood. Shelly Fabarase is the perfect wife. It is a touching tribute to a ordinary football player, Brian Piccolo, who lead a extraordinary life. A updated version of "Brian's Song" attempted to capture the magic of 1971's version, but as is usually the case, the attempt falls short of the goal. The original does the best at mourning Piccolo's death, but most importantly, celebrating his life. It is a touchdown!