My Name Is Bill W.

1989
7.2| 1h40m| en
Details

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.

Director

Producted By

Warner Bros. Television

AD
AD

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime. Watch Now

Trailers & Clips

Reviews

NekoHomey Purely Joyful Movie!
Salubfoto It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.
Teddie Blake The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
Janae Milner Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.
RodInOz I saw this in a detox here in Australia as "Anonymous Hero". It's a must-see for anybody who thinks they may have a drink problem or their suffering family. The whole crew have done their homework, from the collapsing in the street to the craving for a drink in early sobriety, to the slow growth of a new person, to the relationship that has to be rebuilt - this is the way it is, even today. Religion is tactfully presented as optional rather than mandatory - Bill's symbolic blinding white light in the hospital is a spiritual awakening rather than a religious experience. Plus you get James Garner's quiet humour to prevent it all getting too grim.
Charles Tomaras 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!
rpbndc1 I was a partly-involved spectator during the filming of the movie, and it was an incredible experience. The quality of the actors was usurped only by their unending interest in the story of Bill W and the important message they were delivering.James Garner and James Woods were intensely focused on keeping the story of Dr. bob and Bill as true to form as possible. Jo Beth Williams played Lois Wilson incredibly well; first as a confused wife with no options and a drunkard husband; then as a strong willed but understanding partner for life.If anyone has a loved one or knows of a friend whose life is impacted by an alcoholic, then this movie is both an eye opener and an inspiration to keep trying to find a way to fight and deal with the disease.
Walt-11 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.

Similar Movies to My Name Is Bill W.