My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
Based on the true story of Bill W. (James Woods), a successful stock broker whose life falls apart after the stock crash of the 20's and how he comes to grips with his alcoholism. Along with a fellow alcoholic (James Garner) he forms a support group that would eventually become Alcoholics Anonymous.
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Reviews
The dialogue was melodramatic and trite. Scenes and scenes of crying and complaining and way too much, "I want to be sober, Lo, really I do!" was just a bit too over the top for my taste. The histrionics were verging on comedy. It was quite obvious that it was a made for TV movie. That said, I have to admit that it was a nice tale of how Alcoholics Anonymous got started. The bar scene in Akron, OH, displays accurately, not just the creation of AA, but also why people who are trying to stay sober need something like AA. Overall, it wasn't that bad. There was plenty of eye-rolling on my part,but generally speaking it was nice. I don't think that I will watch it again, but if I'm bored and flip through to the Hallmark channel,I might stop and watch a bit.
Message to the rights holders of this fine film: Why is this out of print and selling used for between $35 and 70$? How about another run of this...maybe this time on DVD?I've found it to be one of the best and only movies to deal with Alchoholics anonymous and a must have for any member of AA and anyone wanting to share the experience with others.Since I need to have at least 10 lines of text to post here I guess I'm just gonna keep typing even though I'm completely out of things to say. My name is Charlie T and I'd rather not share today but I am being forced.Thankfully...this is my 10th line of text!
This is an Excellent movie showing how AA started and how it works. It Shows non AA people how the program works. The two actors who played Bill and Bob are very believable as recovering alcoholics too. I wish everyone would watch this movie so they could see how the program works and so they would understand why people want to go to meetings the rest of their lives.
James Woods gives a terrific performance as Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. JoBeth Williams matches Woods as his loving but beleaguered wife. It is one of the best performances of her career. James Garner has a rather small role but as always he is terrific. This is just an inspiring film, one of the better made for tv movies.