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James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jim Boeke, Dick Butkus, Ji-Tu Cumbuka ... see more see more... , Bernie Casey , Shelley Fabares , Ron Feinberg , David Huddleston , Doreen Lang , Mario Machado , Stu Nahan , Judy Pace , Allen Secher , Jack Warden , Jack Daniel Wells

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... read more read more... 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

Flixster Users

80% liked it

8,608 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

12 critics

G, 1 hr. 13 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: 441 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (441)

  • flixsterman
    May 31, 2009
    flixsterman
    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 moremit).
  • sainttom93
    October 23, 2007
    sainttom93
    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 --
  • EbertsLittleApprentice
    July 17, 2010
    EbertsLittleApprentice
    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. Also, no matter How much, i love football, i do not shed tears, only Old Yeller, can get th... read moreat close.
  • irisheyes686
    October 28, 2010
    irisheyes686
    Very short...It had its good moments, but I thought it was overly cheesy for the most part and a little dramatic at random points throughout the movie. It was probably good for its time though.
  • kenscheck
    April 21, 2012
    kenscheck
    James Caan and Billy Dee Williams do a pretty good job as Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo in this sad tale based on the real life events. Sad story told on the verge of melodrama...but it is a fairly effective melodrama, which has been one movie men will weep at for years (all it ... read moretakes is football, huh?). I'm not a football fan, but I do think this is a solid made for TV movie.
  • inhonoredglory
    December 30, 2011
    inhonoredglory
    My father loved this movie as a youngster. I was glad we got a chance to see it and experience what it was all about. It is a truly touching story, especially considering that it is a true one and that the real Chicago Browns staff played themselves in order to give tribute to Br... read moreian Piccolo. The love between these two friends, Brian and Gale Sayers, is quiet and steady, their devotion to one another pushing though injury and illness. This is a timeless, heart-warming story of friendship and a beautiful tribute to a loving man.
  • placeinthesun455
    November 24, 2009
    placeinthesun455
    a great cast and a well-told story of one of the great tragedies in American sports. unfortunately, the film oozes "70s TV movie" from the opening note of the score. while certainly emotionally driven, it tries WAY too hard to be sentimental and heartwarming, and ends up being ... read moremore cheesy than touching. I would have liked it to have been longer too--tell the story in more detail. But then again, I wasn't working for ABC in 1971...oh well. I liked this movie, but it didn't really strike any particular chords with me.
  • jscottcorley
    September 5, 2009
    jscottcorley
    A tremendous performance by Caan. Oscar worthy if not a TV movie. Too many 70's-style snap zooms throughout.
  • BeingTwain
    January 8, 2009
    BeingTwain
    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!
  • SexiVixxEN
    November 2, 2008
    SexiVixxEN
    Older movie,However some stories are timeless This is one of them.An amazing friendship formed around the common passion for Football until tragedy strikes and bond grows deeper.I don't want to spoil anything if you have not yet seen this amazing movie.It's a fantastic football m... read moreovie and a true story,A must see for any fan of Football.=)

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Critic Reviews

Pat Graham
January 25, 2008
Pat Graham, Chicago Reader

Made-for-TV eyewash for disheartened Bears fans to drown their sorrows in. Full Review

Nell Minow
December 22, 2010
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

Weepy story of interracial pro football teammates. Full Review

Douglas Pratt
January 25, 2008
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser

The film's emotions are obvious and blunt, but they get the job done.

Brad Laidman
December 6, 2005
Brad Laidman, Film Threat

It remains the best example of the most different of men competing fairly and getting along peacefully ever filmed. Full Review

Nell Minow
February 27, 2001
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

This is a touching and inspiring film.

Jeffrey Westhoff
April 4, 2006
Jeffrey Westhoff, Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

No review available.

Cole Smithey
November 7, 2005
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

Susan Granger
August 12, 2005
Susan Granger, www.susangranger.com

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
June 30, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Carol Cling
September 5, 2003
Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts

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    • Brian Piccolo: I said thank you.
    • Gale Sayers: I know.
    • Brian Piccolo: Well, usually when someone says thank you you're supposed to say you're welcome or How's Your mother?
    • Gale Sayers: How's your mother?
    • Brian Piccolo: She's doin' fine, thanks for asking.
    • Speaker: Ernest Hemingway once said 'Every true story ends in death.' Well, this is a true story.
    • Gale Sayers: I love Brian Piccolo. And tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.
    • Brian Piccolo: I think I know what's wrong with me.
    • Gale Sayers: Yeah? What's that?
    • Brian Piccolo: I'm pregnant.
Submit a Fact | View All

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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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