“Brian’s Song” (1971) starring James Caan & Billy Dee Williams / Z-View
Brian’s Song (1971)
Director: Buzz Kulik
Screenplay: William Blinn, based on I AM THIRD by Gale Sayers, Al Silverman
Stars: James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden, Bernie Casey, Shelley Fabares, David Huddleston, Judy Pace, Harold ‘Happy’ Hairston, Stephen Coit, Stu Nahan, Dick Butkus and Doreen Lang
Tagline: An inspiring true story of friendship and courage.
The Plot…
Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers are rookie running backs drafted to the Chicago Bears. Piccolo is white, outgoing and a jokester while Sayers is black and shy. Despite their differences and competing for the same position, they become friends. When both make the team they become the NFL’s first interracial roommates and best friends.
Their friendship deepens when Piccolo assists Sayers through a long arduous knee rehabilitation. Later Piccolo becomes sick and Sayers is ready to return the favor. That’s when they learn Piccolo has an aggressive terminal cancer.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Brian’s Song was nominated for eleven Primetime Emmy Awards and won five…
- winner Outstanding Single Program – Drama or Comedy – Paul Junger Witt (producer)
- nominee Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – James Caan
- nominee Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – Billy Dee Williams
- winner Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama – Jack Warden
- nominee Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama – A Single Program – Buzz Kulik
- winner Outstanding Writing Achievement in Drama – Adaptation – William Blinn
- nominee Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition – For a Special Program – Michel Legrand
- winner Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for Entertainment Programming – For a Special or Feature Length Program Made for Television – Joseph F. Biroc (cinematographer)
- nominee Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Editing – Marvin I. Kosberg (sound editor), Harold E. Wooley (sound editor), Wayne Fury (sound editor), Ralph Hickey (sound editor), Paul Laune (sound editor), George C. Emick (sound editor), Monty Pearce (sound editor)
- nominee Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Mixing – William J. Montague (sound mixer), Alfred E. Overton (sound mixer)
- winner Outstanding Achievement in Film Editing for Entertainment Programming – For a Special or Feature Length Program Made for Television – Bud S. Isaacs (editor)
Louis Gossett Jr. was cast as Gayle Sayers. Gossett tore his Achilles’ tendon before filming started and was replaced by Billy Dee Williams.
Brian’s Song was so popular in the US that it received a theatrical run in Europe.
Stu Nahan who plays a sportcaster in some of the Rocky movies plays a speaker at one of the awards ceremonies.
One of the best made-for-television movies ever. It’s better than most feature films.
Brian’s Song (1971) rates 5 of 5 stars.