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Brian's Song ()

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Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.
Director:
Writers:
Stars:
Awards:
  • Won 5 Primetime Emmys. Another 6 wins & 8 nominations.
  • See more »
Reviews:

Photos and Videos

30 photos | 1 video

Cast verified as complete

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Brian Piccolo
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Gale Sayers
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Coach Halas
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J.C. Caroline
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Joy Piccolo
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Ed McCaskey
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Linda Sayers
Abe Gibron ...
Abe Gibron
Jack Concannon ...
Jack Concannon
Ed O'Bradovich ...
Ed O'Bradovich
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The Chicago Bear Players (as The Chicago Bears Players)
The Chicago Bears Coaches ...
The Chicago Bear Coaches
The Chicago Bears Staff ...
The Chicago Bear Staff
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Veteran Player #1 (as Happy Hairston)
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Veteran Player #2
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Roommate
Jim Boeke ...
Veteran Player #3
Larry Delaney ...
Dr. Fox
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Mr. Eberle
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Nurse #1
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Nurse #2 (as Jeni Kulik)
Allen Secher ...
Hotel Man
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Speaker
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Reporter #1
Bud Furillo ...
Reporter #2
Jack Wells ...
Toastmaster
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
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Dick Butkus (uncredited)
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Mike Ditka (uncredited) (archiveFootage)
January L'Angelle ...
Girl in Hospital (uncredited)

Directed by

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Buzz Kulik

Written by

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William Blinn ... (written by)
 
Gale Sayers ... (book "I Am Third") and
Al Silverman ... (book "I Am Third")

Produced by

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Paul Junger Witt ... producer (produced by)
Tony Thomas ... associate producer

Music by

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Michel Legrand

Cinematography by

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Joseph F. Biroc ... director of photography (as Joe Biroc)

Editing by

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Bud S. Isaacs

Art Direction by

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Ross Bellah

Set Decoration by

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Frank Lombardo

Production Management

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Eddie Saeta ... unit production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

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Eddie Saeta ... assistant director
Richard Learman ... second assistant director (uncredited)

Art Department

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Richard Lawrence ... uncredited

Sound Department

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George C. Emick ... sound editor (uncredited)
Wayne Fury ... sound editor (uncredited)
Ralph Hickey ... sound editor (uncredited)
Marvin I. Kosberg ... sound editor (uncredited)
Paul Laune ... sound editor (uncredited)
William J. Montague ... sound mixer (uncredited)
Alfred E. Overton ... sound mixer (uncredited)
Monty Pearce ... sound editor (uncredited)
Harold E. Wooley ... sound editor (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department

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Dave Friedman ... still photographer (uncredited)

Casting Department

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Renée Valente ... casting executive (as Renee Valente)

Thanks

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Ernie Ernse ... thanks
Joe Guarracino ... thanks
Jack Newman ... thanks
Steve Sabol ... thanks
Crew believed to be complete

Production Companies

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Distributors

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Special Effects

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Other Companies

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Storyline

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Plot Summary

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

Plot Keywords
Taglines A true story about love See more »
Genres
Parents Guide View content advisory »
Certification

Additional Details

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Also Known As
  • Le destin de Brian (France)
  • Freunde bis in den Tod (Germany)
  • La canción de Brian (Spain)
  • Estranhos Companheiros (Portugal)
  • Песня Брайана (Soviet Union, Russian title)
  • See more »
Runtime
  • 73 min
Country
Language
Color
Aspect Ratio
Sound Mix
Filming Locations

Did You Know?

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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. See more »
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. See more »
Movie Connections Featured in The 24th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1972). See more »
Soundtracks Brian's Song See more »
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.
[Theme "Brian's Song" begins to play]
Gale Sayers: 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.
See more »
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