Bill (1981)

Bill a retarded man ventures out into the world for the first time. Having spent most of his life in a dreary inner city Institution. He is taken in by a kind family and learns what it ... See full summary »

Director:

Anthony Page

Writers:

Barry Morrow (story), Corey Blechman (teleplay)

Stars:

Mickey Rooney, Dennis Quaid, Largo Woodruff

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mickey Rooney	...	Bill Sackter
Dennis Quaid	...	Barry Morrow
Largo Woodruff	...	Bev Morrow
Anna Maria Horsford	...	Ms. Marge Keating, County welfare worker
Harry Goz	...	Dr. Tom Walz
Kathleen Maguire	...	Mrs. Florence Archer, Preschool teacher
William J. Daprato	...	Ray, Granville Patient
Raymond Serra	...	Harry, Bill's boss at country club (as Ray Serra)
Jenny Rebecca Dweir	...	Amy Hill, Little girl befriended by Bill at Preschool (as Jenny Dweir)
Breon Gorman	...	Children's Teacher
George Hamlin	...	Mr. Robert Morrow
Katharine Balfour	...	Mrs. Morrow (as Katherine Balfour)
Cordis Heard	...	Arlene
Harriet Rogers	...	Mae, Bill's Landlady
Lotte Palfi Andor	...	Ida Miller (as Lotta Palfi-Andor)

Storyline

Bill a retarded man ventures out into the world for the first time. Having spent most of his life in a dreary inner city Institution. He is taken in by a kind family and learns what it means to love for the first time in his life.

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Plot Keywords:

mental retardation | iowa | character name in title

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Taglines:

A heartwarming true story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 December 1981 (USA)

Filming Locations:

College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale, Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alan Landsburg Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by Bill: On His Own (1983)

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Soundtracks

"Poor Fool"
Music by William Kraft
Lyrics by William Humecke

User Reviews

Life changing

I saw this movie for the first time when I was about 12 years old. I had grown up around older people, but no one with disabilities. At the beginning of the movie I remember feeling sorry for Bill, however, by the end of the movie I felt sorry for the people who didn't know Bill or have a Bill in there life. After watching this movie, I became more aware of the people around me with disabilities and befriended several. I finally began working with the developmentally disabled in my 30's and my life has never been richer. This movie was such an eye opener for me and I highly recommend it to everyone. I've watched this movie with my eldest nephew and plan to watch it with the other children in my family so that they know people with disabilities are just as capable and deserving of respect and not to be frightened of. This is a MUST see for EVERYONE!!!!