Brian's Song (2001 film)

Last updated
Brian's Song
Brian's Song (2001 film).jpg
Genre Drama, Sport
Based onI Am Third
by Gale Sayers
Al Silverman
Written byAllen Clare
John Gray
Story by William Blinn
Directed by John Gray
Starring Sean 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
Original release
Network ABC
ReleaseDecember 2, 2001 (2001-12-02)

Brian's Song is the 2001 American 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 United States on The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC on December 2, 2001.

Contents

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 Piccolo and Gale Sayers are not friends in the beginning of the story; in fact they are rivals. During their first season together with pro football's Chicago Bears, Piccolo is never in the spotlight because Sayers is a better and more dynamic player. After the season, Piccolo pledges to outplay Sayers and take his starting position on the team.

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

Piccolo is diagnosed with cancer. The treatments and radiation therapy are only partially effective, and every time it seems as if everything Piccolo is getting better, the cancer shows up again someplace else. Piccolo dies from the disease at age 26. During this time, Sayers stays by his side.

Cast

See also


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