Bernie Casey, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden

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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81% liked it

2,159 ratings

G, 73 min.

Directed by: Buzz Kulik

Release Date: May 1, 1970

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DVD Release Date: August 8, 2000

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Stats: 390 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (390)


  • May 31, 2009
    If you thought this was a bit sappy in 1970 you should watch it again. The thing practically oozes with overt sentimentality. Still, it's an indelible childhood memory for men of my generation and an almost iconic piece of '70s Americana. ...and yes, it still makes me cry (dam...( read more)mit).
  • June 19, 2008
    This truly classic football movie is bound to get the tear ducts of even the most hardened dude flowing. Not particularly dated since 1971, this TV movie has some amazing performances from James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. The heartwrenching true story of Brian Piccolo not only ...( read more)addresses terminal illness in young people, but racial issues and the male coping mechanism as well. Unofficially recognised as the greatest television movie ever made (according to IMDB). Incredibly sad, beautiful, inspiring and horiffically underwatched. If you can find it, please give it a go!!
  • October 23, 2007
    This is one of the best films I've ever seen -- I lived in Aurora, Illinois when Brian died! I loved him as a Bear, and I was terribly saddened by his death -- I remember all that Gayle Sayers did for him, but I didn't know this much -- A Wonderful film --
  • May 29, 2007
    Great flick, very touching story.
  • November 7, 2009
    This movie is so sad. I remember watching it in school.
  • September 5, 2009
    A tremendous performance by Caan. Oscar worthy if not a TV movie. Too many 70's-style snap zooms throughout.
  • August 28, 2009
    Oh, How Melo-Drama was enjoyable in the 70's! Now a days, You can't even last a minute with a movie like that. In Brian's song Case, I lasted the whole film, enjoying moderate parts of it.
  • August 27, 2009
    enjoy real-life relationship movies... enjoy the fun when & while you can...
  • March 1, 2009
    Gale sayers bears rb brian pickalo true story & great movie
  • January 8, 2009
    This is a real guy's movie...one in which it is "okay" to be seen shedding one tear. After all, it's about football!

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  • CodyLuv6
    May 12, 2007
    This movie was awesome. But it was very, very, very sad. :'(

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Brian's Song Trivia


  • This football film starred James Caan and Billy Dee Williams and was based on a true story.   Answer »
  • In the movie 'Brian's Song', Brian Piccolo says he knows exactly what's wrong with him. What did he say?  Answer »
  • What was Gale Sayers nickname in the movie 'Brian's Song'?  Answer »
  • I appeared in 'The Godfather', 'Brian's Song', and 'Rollerblade'. Who am I?  Answer »

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