Brian's Song (1971)
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92% of critics liked it
(12 reviews) -
80% of users liked it
(8,790 ratings)
One of the best known and most enthusiastically reviewed made for television films of the 1970's, this drama was based on the true story of football greats Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and Piccolo (James Caan) both joined the Chicago Bears the same year, and while… More One of the best known and most enthusiastically reviewed made for television films of the 1970's, this drama was based on the true story of football greats Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and Piccolo (James Caan) both joined the Chicago Bears the same year, and while it was obvious from the start Sayers had the talent and drive to be a great player, Piccolo seemed destined to be an also-ran on the team. However, Sayers and Piccolo struck up a friendship which brought out the best in both players, and coach George Halas (Jack Warden) chose them for a special assignment -- they became the first interracial roommates in the history of the NFL. When Sayers suffered a knee injury that threatened to end his career, Piccolo took it upon himself to help his friend through rehabilitation so he could rejoin the team. But when Piccolo began having heath problems, it was a problem too great for Sayers to handle -- his close friend had developed cancer. Adapted from Sayers' autobiography I Am Third, Brian's Song also features Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus as himself. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Buzz Kulik
- Written By
- William Blinn
- Genres
- Drama, Television, Classics
G,
- In Theaters
- May 1, 1970 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Pat Graham, Chicago Reader
Made-for-TV eyewash for disheartened Bears fans to drown their sorrows in.
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Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates.
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Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser
The film's emotions are obvious and blunt, but they get the job done.
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Brad Laidman, Film Threat
It remains the best example of the most different of men competing fairly and getting along peacefully ever filmed.
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Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
This is a touching and inspiring film.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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James Caan
as Brian Piccolo
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Billy Dee Williams
as Gale Sayers
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Jim Boeke
as Veteran Player
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Dick Butkus
as Himself
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Ji-Tu Cumbuka
as Roommate
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Bernie Casey
as J.C. Caroline
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Shelley Fabares
as Joy Piccolo
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Ron Feinberg
as Veteran Player 2
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David Huddleston
as Ed McCaskey
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Doreen Lang
as Nurse 1
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Mario Machado
as 1st Reporter
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Stu Nahan
as Speaker
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Judy Pace
as Linda Sayers
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Allen Secher
as Hotel Man
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Jack Warden
as Coach George Halas
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Jack Daniel Wells
as Toastmaster
