trusten I have seen this film more than any other film ever made, because I need to see it. It is to be shown tomorrow evening at a local AA meeting, as it usually is on New Year's Eve. I can probably recite most of the dialog from memory.Most people who have entered rehab have probably been shown this film, since it is such a well-acted, concise version of Bill Wilson's story. For those unfamiliar with Alcoholics Anonymous, this film is a must. For those in the fellowship (if any of us haven't seen it), it is also a must, and moving experience.Fritz Weaver, who plays Lois Wilson's father (Dr. Burnham) in the film, is a much-unsung actor. Perhaps he is best remembered as the wayward Colonel Cascio in "Fail Safe" (1964) and also as the physician in another James Woods film, "Holocaust" (1978). Also, it was in this film that first I saw the amazing Gary Sinise (Ebby Thatcher, Bill's sobriety mentor), who went on to do my favorite version of Harry Truman, and also shined as "Colonel Dan" in "Forrest Gump" opposite Tom Hanks.

ThommyMac Expertly acted, great sets, and an interesting story brought to the screen. How much more could you ask for? Having been sort of forced to watch many recovery movies at the VA, this one shines. Take it from a cynic, this is well worth watching. Most movies dealing with addiction are syrupy, saccharine, and all the problems are solved at the end of 90 to 120 minutes. I understand that this is the nature of movies HOWEVER it is NOT the nature of recovery. Non-members of the AA fellowship can enjoy it for how well it shows the beginning of the movement, friends of people in recovery can identify with the supporting characters, and "friends of Bill W." can marvel at the birth of a miracle. Finally, the straightforward script manages to avoid the aforementioned "sappy" pitfalls inherent to most recovery movies. It beats "28 Days" anytime.

Granada321 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.

Carl Halling James Woods puts in the most magnetic performance of his career in this stunning neglected classic. Normally known as a tough guy, Woods is profoundly affecting, and heartrendingly vulnerable as the charming and brilliant young stockbroker who succumbs to alcoholism, before going on to found AA, and help so many to find the strength to stay sober. It is wonderfully well directed, but of course the subject matter would prevent it from being a "classic" in the commercial sense. Artistically however, it is a triumph, well-paced and almost hypnotically powerful, with an Oscar-meriting performance.