Brian's Song
Seen it?1971 | 73 min | Drama, TV Movie
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
It won 5 Emmys, it earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Rudy, start here.
- The mood
- Emotional (bring tissues).
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 13 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1971: an older pace and style.
Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsVery strong
Won 5 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Single Program – Drama or Comedy, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Writing Achievement in Drama – Adaptation, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for Entertainment Programming – For a Special or Feature Length Program Made for Television and 1 more. Won 1 DGA Award: Directors Guild of America Awards: Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television. Won 1 PGA Award: Producers Guild of America Awards: Best Instrumental Composition. Won 1 Peabody Award: Peabody Awards: Best Television Film. Also nominated for 5 more Emmys and 1 Golden Globe. Plus 3 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 129K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Buzz Kulik
- James CaanBrian Piccolo
- Billy Dee WilliamsGale Sayers
- Jack WardenCoach Halas
- Bernie CaseyJ.C. Caroline
- Shelley FabaresJoy Piccolo
- David HuddlestonEd McCaskey
- Judy PaceLinda Sayers
- Abe GibronAbe Gibron
- Jack ConcannonJack Concannon
- Ed O'BradovichEd O'Bradovich