My Name Is Bill W.

This movie carries a great message, and I was deeply touched by the story of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's an important historic treasure being preserved in a true and respectful film. The story is straightforward and strong and gives and honest impression of the pioneers of AA. Let this movie carry the message too.. There is a solution.. ;-)

If you liked this one - watch "Pay it forward" - a wonderful movie with a similar theme.

this type of film. He has such a diverse acting range, but it would be nice to see him in other films of this genre (See my review of "The Boost"). While the latter was not a great film, Woods elevates the material, as he does with this made for TV film as well.

The Story of Bill W. is about the actual founder of AA and the doctor (James Garner) who was his sponsor. Years ago (Think Ray Milland in "The Lost Weekend") people were simply locked up in asylums if they had addictions or neuroses. When AA was founded, it represented a way for people to help each other, without incarceration or cruel and inhumane treatment.

This film is important because it educates the audience about subject matter most people deny, or refuse to face. Similar social issues, such as homelessness and mental disorders are also touched on, as alcoholism is a disease, and causes many other societal problems. Watch this film. the story is well told, and the acting (especially by Woods) is excellent.

This was a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. James Woods won the lead actor in a special or miniseries Emmy for this. James Garner's role is quite small, but key. This movie wisely spends most of its time with Bill W before the AA formation to give us a strong sense of the long hell that he lived before he found his answers. It is about him more than about AA. A very intelligent, well written, well acted, important story.

A wonderful heartfelt story of the founding of AA, focusing on the life of Bill Wilson both before and after recovery. Here James Woods gives an amazingly vulnerable performance as a man who cannot get sober and it is one of his best. The rendition of the founding of AA comes across as true due to its understatement. No apocalyptic two by fours, almost an accidental discovery of the way out of a seemingly impossible state of mind and body. Very moving and believable. Kudos to all involved. A masterpiece. 8 out of 10.

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!