Brian's Song (1971) (TV)

Director:

Buzz Kulik

Writers:

Gale Sayers (book) and
Al Silverman (book) ...
(more)

Release Date:

30 November 1971 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Sport

Tagline:

An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Football | Archive Footage | Racism | Operation | 1960s

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

James Caan	...	Brian Piccolo
Billy Dee Williams	...	Gale Sayers
Jack Warden	...	Coach George Halas
Bernie Casey	...	J.C. Caroline
Shelley Fabares	...	Joy Piccolo
David Huddleston	...	Ed McCaskey
Judy Pace	...	Linda Sayers
Abe Gibron	...	Abe Gibron
Jack Concannon	...	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)
Ji-Tu Cumbuka	...	Roommate
Jim Boeke	...	Veteran Player #3
Larry Delaney	...	Dr. Fox
Stephen Coit	...	Mr. Eberle
Doreen Lang	...	Nurse #1
Jennifer Kulik	...	Nurse #2 (as Jeni Kulik)
Allen Secher	...	Hotel Man
Stu Nahan	...	Speaker
Mario Machado	...	Reporter #1
Bud Furillo	...	Reporter #2
Jack Wells	...	Toastmaster
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Dick Butkus	...	Dick Butkus (uncredited)

Directed by
Buzz Kulik

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

Produced by
Paul Junger Witt	....	producer
Tony Thomas	....	associate producer

Original Music by
Michel Legrand

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

Film Editing by
Bud S. Isaacs

Art Direction by
Ross Bellah

Set Decoration by
Frank Lombardo

Production Management
Eddie Saeta	....	unit production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Eddie Saeta	....	assistant director
Richard Learman	....	second assistant director (uncredited)

Camera and Electrical Department
Dave Friedman	....	still photographer (uncredited)

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

Thanks
Ernie Ernse	....	thanks
Joe Guarracino	....	thanks
Jack Newman	....	thanks
Steve Sabol	....	thanks

Production Companies

• Screen Gems Television

Distributors

• American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (1971) (USA) (TV) (original airing)
• Columbia Pictures (1971) (USA) (theatrical)
• Columbia TriStar Domestic Television
• Columbia TriStar Home Video (1996) (USA) (VHS)
• Columbia TriStar Home Video (2002) (USA) (DVD)
• Columbia TriStar (2000) (Brazil) (DVD)
• Sony Pictures Television (2002-)

Other Companies

• Photo Effex  opticals
• Sunset Editorial  music and sound effects

Runtime:

73 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

UK:PG | USA:G | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company:

Screen Gems Television

Trivia:

The interior of what was supposed to be Gale Sayers' house was actually the interior set of Darrin and Samantha's house from "Bewitched" (1964).

Quotes:

Gale Sayers: I love Brian Piccolo. And tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "The King of Queens: Inner Tube (#3.17)" (2001)

The Most Gut-Wrenching......

......emotional and tear-jerking movie ever made! Brian's Song will have you weeping and an emotional wreck regardless of how many times you see it! Simply put, the greatest TV movie ever made and some of the finest performances ever put on film. "Nuff said!