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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Nell Minow

This is the true -- and heartbreaking -- story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, players for the Chicago Bears and the first interracial roommates in pro sports. Piccolo (James Caan) isn't as talented as Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) but his dedication is immense and he excels when competing against Sayers. When When Sayers is injured, Piccolo devotes himself to his friend's recovery. Sayers comes back, Piccolo is added to the starting lineup, and all seems fine until Piccolo becomes ill. It turns out that he has terminal cancer. The shy and reserved Sayers must learn to handle a devastating loss by keeping the best of Piccolo inside him.

Is It Any Good?

4

This is a touching and inspiring made-for-TV film with an outstanding musical score by Michael Legrand. The friendship and devotion between the two friends (and their wives) is very moving, as is the treatment of racial issues.

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