Brian's Song (2001 film)

Brian's Song is the 2001 remake of the 1971 television film Brian's Song, telling the story of Brian Piccolo (Sean Maher), a white running back who meets, clashes with and befriends fellow Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers (Mekhi Phifer). The movie was adapted from Sayers' own words in his 1970 autobiography, I am Third. The television movie, produced by Columbia TriStar Television, was first broadcast in the US on The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC.

Brian's Song
GenreDrama, Sport
Based onI Am Third
by Gale Sayers
Al Silverman
Written byAllen Clare
John Gray
Story byWilliam Blinn
Directed byJohn Gray
StarringSean Maher
Mekhi Phifer
Paula Cale
Elise Neal
Aidan Devine
Dean McDermott
Ben Gazzara
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Running time90 minutes
Production companiesStoryline Entertainment
Columbia TriStar Television
DistributorSony Pictures Television
Disney-ABC Domestic Television
Release
Original networkABC
Original release
  • December 2, 2001 (2001-12-02)

In the movie, Piccolo is a brash rookie with the Bears. Initially thinking Sayers is arrogant – when he is only quiet and a slight bit anti-social – they rub each other the wrong way from the moment they meet. The movie, taking place from 1965 to 1970, as the civil rights movement grows, places great emphasis on integration, bringing up the conflict of when Brian and Gale room together for their first football season.

Plot

Brian and Gale aren't friends in the beginning; in fact they are rivals. Brian, during their first season together with pro football's Chicago Bears, is always one-upped by Gale, never being in the spotlight. After the season, Brian pledges to outplay Gale and take his position on the team.

During their second season, Gale is still the Bears' starting running back. After he is injured during a game and loses hope of ever playing again, Brian personally takes charge of his rehabilitation, on the basis that if Gale gives up, and Brian rises to the top, he would have made it only on a chance and not by his own prowess. The two bond during this time, soon becoming good friends and roommates.

Brian is diagnosed with cancer. The treatments and radiation therapy only do so much, and every time it seems as if everything is getting better, the cancer shows up again, someplace else. Brian dies from the disease at age 26. During this time, Gale stays by his side.

Cast
  • Sean Maher as Brian Piccolo
  • Mekhi Phifer as Gale Sayers
  • Paula Cale as Joy Piccolo
  • Elise Neal as Linda Sayers
  • Aidan Devine as Abe Gibron
  • Dean McDermott as Ralph Kurek
  • Ben Gazzara as George Halas
  • Michael Boisvert as Jack Concannon
  • Jeff Ironi as Dick Butkus
  • Shane Daly as Bill Filbert
  • Bruce Gooch as Ed McCaskey
  • Craig Eldrige as Doctor Beattie
  • Michael Miller as Doctor Fox
  • Shawn Lawrence as Doctor O'Conner
  • Erika Cohen as Nurse
  • Carly Marie Alves as Traci Piccolo (as Carley Marie Alves)
  • Janessa Crimi as Lori Piccolo
  • Patrick Salvagna as Brian Piccolo at 10
  • Michael Birkett as Gale Sayers at 10
  • Nigel Hamer as Master of Ceremonies
  • James Arnold as Reporter #1
  • Edgar George as Reporter #2
  • Howard Hoover as TV Sportscaster
  • Gary Fruchtman as Toastmaster
  • Andrea Garnett as Gale's Mother
  • Marvin Hinz as Brian's Father
  • Tony Meyler as Gale's Father


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