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Brian's Song (1971)

TV Movie  |  G  |   |  Biography, Drama, Sport  |  30 November 1971 (USA)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 5,626 users  
Reviews: 46 user | 17 critic

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

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Title: Brian's Song (TV Movie 1971)

Brian's Song (TV Movie 1971) on IMDb 7.6/10

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Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 10 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
J.C. Caroline
...
...
Judy Pace ...
Abe Gibron ...
Himself
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)
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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

Taglines:

An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Certificate:

G | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

30 November 1971 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Freunde bis in den Tod  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Dick Butkus made his acting debut in this film playing himself in an uncredited role. See more »

Goofs

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

Quotes

Gale Sayers: Oh, babe, you won't believe it. Brian *tried* to call me a nigger!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Frasier: Burying a Grudge (1994) See more »

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User Reviews

 
An inspiring story of friendship and love...
12 September 2004 | by (Philippines) – See all my reviews

I just love this movie! It is a story of 2 men--Gale and Brian...2 unlikely people to become the best of friends...The actors were well cast--James Caan and Billy Dee Sayers fit their roles to a tee. It is a film not only of friendship but also of love...a film of triumph of the human spirit. It is a story that transcends time and overcomes barriers to relationships, whatever they might be--racial, religious, or political. It challenges the viewer to assess his/her own prejudices and why it must be overcome. It is as timely as it was when it was first shown. A real winner but be prepared with a box of Kleenex when watching this very touching film. I saw a remake of this film quite recently but I think the original movie was much better than the remake.


15 of 17 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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