Brian's Song (1971)

**Brian's Song** is a 1971 American television biographical sports drama film directed by Buzz Kulik which aired on November 30, 1971 on the ABC network.

It is based on Gale Sayers' 1970 autobiography, "I Am Third."

## Plot

The film tells the true story of the friendship between Chicago Bears football player Gale Sayers and his teammate, Brian Piccolo, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1965.

## Cast

* James Caan as Brian Piccolo
* Billy Dee Williams as Gale Sayers
* Jack Warden as Coach George Halas
* Shelley Fabares as Joy Piccolo
* Judy Pace as Linda Sayers
* Bernie Casey as J.C. Caroline
* David Huddleston as Ed McCaskey
* Ron Feinberg as Doug Atkins
* Jack Concannon as Himself
* Abe Gibron as Himself
* Ed O'Bradovich as Himself
* Dick Butkus as Himself
* Chicago Bears as Themselves

## Critical Reception

Film Threat said: *"Brian’s Song can melt the hearts of the coldest, most emotionally stunted men in the universe, leaving them sobbing in delicate, weeping hordes of sadness. It’s the Old Yeller of adult males, and no real man will ever fault another for getting a bit misty in it’s presence."*

The New York Times wrote: *"The film's only concession to contemporary cinematography was in the cliché of lyrical slow motion, with extended sequences of the two football players, one white and the other black, running together through sylvan glades. More than that, though, the basic story is moving."*

In their review of the film, NPR said: *"Brian's Song is a classic in a genre that is -- perhaps for good reasons yet unnamed -- films that make grown men blubber and sometimes women look on with stern wonderment."*

Pat Graham from the Chicago Reader called it a *"made-for-TV eyewash for disheartened Bears fans to drown their sorrows in."*

The Film Frenzy website said the film was *"routinely called one of the most potent of all tearjerkers, with good reason."* Neil Minow from Common Sense Media called it a *"a touching and inspiring made-for-TV film."*

## Awards

**Primetime Emmy Awards** (1972)

* Outstanding Single Program (Drama or Comedy): Paul Junger Witt ['*Winner*]
* Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama: Jack Warden [**Winner**]
* Outstanding Writing Achievement in Drama (Adaptation): William Blinn [**Winner**]
* Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for Entertainment Programming For a Special or Feature Length Program Made for Television: Joseph F. Biroc (cinematographer) [**Winner**]
* Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing for Entertainment Programming - For a Special or Feature Length Program Made for Television: Bud S. Isaacs (editor) [**Winner**]
* Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: James Caan and Billy Dee Williams [*Nominated*]
* Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama (A Single Program): Buzz Kulik
* Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition For a Special Program: Michel Legrand [*Nominated*]
* Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Editing: Marvin I. Kosberg (sound editor), Harold E. Wooley, Wayne Fury, Ralph Hickey, Paul Laune, George C. Emick and Monty Pearce [*Nominated*]
* Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Mixing: William J. Montague (sound mixer) and Alfred E. Overton (sound mixer) [*Nominated*]

**American Cinema Editors** (1972)

* Eddie for Best Edited Television Program: Bud S. Isaacs [*Nominated*]

**Directors Guild of America** (1972)

* Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television: Buzz Kulik, Eddie Saeta (unit production manager/first assistant director) (plaque) and Richard Learman (second assistant director) (plaque) [**Winner**]

**Golden Globes** (1972)

* Best Movie Made for TV [*Nominated*]

**Peabody Awards** (1972)

* Peabody Award: William Blinn [**Winner**]

**Grammy Awards** (1973)

* Best Instrumental Composition: Michel Legrand [**Winner**]

**PGA Awards** (1998)

* PGA Hall of Fame (Television Programs): Paul Junger Witt [**Winner**]

**Online Film & Television Association** (2000)

* OFTA TV Hall of Fame: Television Programs [**Winner**]

**TV Land Awards** (2006)

* Blockbuster Movie of the Week: James Caan and Billy Dee Williams [**Winner**]

## Remake

A remake of Brian's Song was released in 2001.