'SONG' REMAINS THE SAME.

Byline: David Kronke TV Critic

The original ``Brian's Song,'' which aired but 17 months after Chicago Bear Brian Piccolo died of cancer, remains, 30 years later, a high-water mark in the history of network TV movies. That ABC has remade its classic is probably more a testament to commerce than art, but the film retains its ability to affect viewers.

The story is famous enough, but for the uninitiated: Cocky journeyman running back Brian Piccolo (Sean Maher in the remake; James Caan in the original) barely makes the Chicago Bears in 1965, where he's competing against superstar Gale Sayers (Mekhi Phifer here; Billy Dee Williams 30 years ago). The two conquer both the era's racism and their own innate competitive natures to become true friends, and soon share the Bears' backfield, until Piccolo is diagnosed with cancer. Then, Sayers, heretofore a taciturn fellow, becomes a heartbreakingly articulate advocate of his dying friend.

Many of those who bawled unabashedly at the original are, today, wiser, more cynical - and, perhaps, even reviewing TV movies professionally - so a remake can't possibly hold up against the original.

Version 2001, courtesy director/co-writer John Gray and Allen Clare, credited with co-writing the screenplay and the story - huh? It's taken directly from Sayers' autobiography ``I Am Third'' and William Blinn's brilliant original script (couldn't they have at least given Blinn a credit, since most of the film was cribbed virtually directly from him?) - doesn't add a whole lot, though it has an extra half-hour to play with.

A few pop songs are added to the soundtrack. Piccolo's agony is prolonged. Piccolo and Sayers' wives (Paula Cale and Elise Neal, respectively) are given a little more screen time. There's a scene added in which Sayers runs in slow motion while all the players behind him move in fast motion (had that been the case, maybe someone might've been able to stop him). Michel Legrand's memorable original score is used to lesser effect here.

Maher's likable, even if he seems to try too hard to be so. Phifer is nicely stoic until he becomes genuinely moving. Cale plays a couple of emotionally wrenching moments effectively. Had the film not been made to virtual perfection 30 years ago, this would be a very nice effort. As is, it's still a touching experience for neophytes.

``BRIAN'S SONG''

What: Remake of the classic telefilm about the friendship between Chicago Bears Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, the former's cancer and the latter's emotional response.

The stars: Sean Maher, Mekhi Phifer, Paula Cole, Elise Neal.

Where: ABC (Channel 7).

When: 7 tonight.

Our rating: Three stars

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

Mekhi Phifer, left, stars as legendary Chicago Bears halfback Gale Sayers, with Sean Maher as Brian Piccolo, in a remake of ``Brian's Song'' on ABC tonight.