Without Warning: The James Brady Story

Beau Bridges has often been overshadowed by his father and brother, but he is a great actor in his own right and proves it in this riveting film. Joan Allen is also great as Sarah Brady. She holds a special place in my heart because she was in Manhunter one of my favorite films. This is a hard film to watch at times because it gets very depressing but it is true to life. I also thought the guy who played Reagan was really funny. He plays him like he is a total dolt.

great film. surprised. well written, in a made-for-TV way. the bad-news TV report scene is particularly chilling.

good IL' Beau! funny prosthetic belly he sports! they make jim brady seem very lovable. i sure remember this. new york senator (than a representative) wrote the Brady Bill which is something good Congress has done.

the shooting occurs too early in the movie for me -- i was just getting into the life of the press secretary. it's kind of West Wing meets Almost Famous. except the characters and events are not fictional.

For a TV production this was actually a pretty good account of the challenges that faced Ronald Reagan's former press secretary, James Brady, after he was shot in the head and almost killed in the assassination attempt against Reagan in March of 1981. Suffering from severe brain damage, Brady (well played by Beau Bridges) struggles to regain his life and refuses to accept that he'll never be the same man he was before the shooting, his refusal being reinforced by various people (including the president himself) assuring him that he'd be coming back to work, even after they had been told it would be impossible. Increasingly frustrated, Brady begins lashing out at those around him, including his wife Sarah (also well played by Joan Allen) and his young son. This also featured a pretty good performance from Bryan Clark as Ronald Reagan. Eventually it turns into basically an advertisement for gun control, with Sarah and eventually even Jim becoming proponents of the so-called "Brady Bill" which required background checks on those wanting to purchase firearms. Hard to believe that even this basic common sense law was fiercely debated and opposed by many people in the United States, but it was finally signed into law by President Clinton in late 1993. The most moving scene in the movie is probably the actual footage of an appearance by Jim and Sarah Brady before the Senate Committee dealing with the legislation. This certainly has the feel of a made-for-TV movie, but it's interesting throughout and in the end raises some important questions. 8/10

People remember when Regan was shot but many don't know the White House press secretary was also shot and sustained a brain injury leaving him paralyzed and with brain damage. This is one of those great made for TV movies that brings to life real events everyone should know about.

Anyone who opposes background checks on firearms purchases should watch this movie.

Beau Bridges dies a great job showing all the physical and emotional struggles of rehabilitation. Joan Allen plays his wife. The details are touching and sad. He was witty and astute.

Not that much about the Brady Bill till the end. Nor that much about the assassin either. But it does show the effect of easy gun access on the innocent victim and his family.

I loved the Sunday afternoon Tea Dances at this Hilton back in the day. I was there a few days prior to the shooting, having a wonderful time dancing to Big Bands and then this occurred. I could not fathom yet another President's life in the balance, recalling that fateful day in 1963. I was not familiar with James Brady and his career trajectory. All I knew was immense sympathy for someone called "Bear" who mesmerized the press and was Ronnie's right hand man. What a tragedy and ensuing impact on this lovely family. Beau did a righteous job portraying the enormous challenge faced by victims of gun violence, stroke, heart attack, accidents, etc. He was imprisioned not by the hospital staff but by his brain function. He could still remember his finer hours and then know they were his last. However, the path one selects in this life can be extremely difficult and unpredictable, no matter the dedication and hard work. He and his wife helped pass the bill carrying his name and he should be proud of that legislation. It would never have occurred on his watch without Hinckley. HIgh recommend for those who were there during these events and for all who are affected by gun violence. I am pro self-protection but when you see this type of violence at an unprecedented level now, what options remain? Sad commentary.