When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story

Sure, the story of Mr and Mrs Wilson is a very true one, so true that we can hear around us now and then. Before watching it, I never know the alcoholism can be so devastating and make the victim so helpless. And the depression adds insult to the injury, making their lives even down to the bottom. I had to watch this part with great uneasiness. This lasted until the very end, where everything seemed to be OK again. What can I say, exactly such an up and down makes a warm story about devoting love and faith.

I am impressed that Mr Wilson finally made it and, not only helped himself but also the others. But I am more impressed by his wife Lois, her devoting love and firm support to her husband, which, if I were in Mrs Wilson's shoes, would have divorced him at least three times over. Sure, this film is from her angle telling the story and understandably making her the closest entry point for the viewers. Nevertheless, her sweetness and forgiveness is never shadowed or shaded by this setting. One might wonder, who else can play Lois Wilson better than Ryder. I don't know how the real Lois looks like, but as long as the real story goes like the one in this film, the role will be tailored to Ryder. After all, I really can't think of another actress in Hollywood has a small share of Ryder's sweetness and shyness.

This true story is amazing and should be seen by every struggling alcoholic and their families. Every minister and addiction counselor, and pastor should see this, and it should be in every church library. How Lois Wilson, co-dependent and living in a nightmare, rose from her dire circumstances and out of love for her husband, took the lead in healing him. She did this through inviting his alcoholic friends to their home - the opposite of what most women or parents would be inclined to do. One evening she discovered the wives, who had driven their husbands, parked out front, waiting for them,, and invited them in, to become friends and support for each other. I have no doubt Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-non are straight from God, and Lois Wilson was his servant who out of love for her husband, rose above her own desperate circumstances to help her husband and untold others The list of those who receive the benefit of her inspiration and work goes on and on ........! James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 3/16/2021

While acknowledging that Bill Wilson was not perfect (um ... who is?), his contribution to alcoholic mankind was out of this world. I am speaking from someone who appreciates the history of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is quite fascinating.

I've been to Dr. Bob and Anne's house in Akron, Ohio; A.A. World Services in New York several times; and Lois and Bill's Bedford Hills home - Stepping Stones. I enjoyed seeing the Bible where Bill wrote his pledges ~ at one of these places (been awhile; can't recall where.)

The movie touched my heart. I appreciated the brilliance in its creation. Winona Ryder and Barry Pepper were outstanding as well. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Congratulations to Hallmark for making an incredibly important movie for all the families of alcohol addicted loved ones. 95% of the movies on the Hallmark Channel always seem to be saccharine stories of couples in love, and they usually take place in some make believe perfect little town. This story is raw and real. It gives hope to those who may want to quit believing for the best in others, while illustrating what a devil of a disease alcohol addiction is.

I wish Hallmark would make more true biographies. They were common in the movies 50 years ago, and serve to enlighten and educate viewers, young and old.

Just watched this "Hallmark Hall of Fame" TV movie on my DVR. It stars Winona Ryder as the wife of the founder of Alcoholics Annonymous, Bill Wilson, here portrayed by Barry Pepper. Over and over again, after he goes from the joys of Wall Street to the firing after the Stock Market Crash, Lois suffers from his constant drinking despite frequent promises to stop until he hits rock bottom and starts his program. But she still can't have him to herself so when she invites the other wives of reformed alcoholics to the home, she inadvertently starts her own group called Al-Anon. I have to tell you right now, all those scenes of Ms. Ryder just crying and getting angry really put me through the ringer! I've read about some of the omissions of their lives in the other comments but despite that, I found this film very compelling to watch and quite inspirational too. So on that note, I highly recommend When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story.