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My Name Is Bill W.

  • TV Movie
  • 19891989
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
1.2K
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
  • Drama
The story of Bill Wilson and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.The story of Bill Wilson and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.The story of Bill Wilson and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
1.2K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Daniel Petrie
  • Writer
    • William G. Borchert
  • Stars
    • James Woods
    • JoBeth Williams
    • James Garner
Top credits
  • Director
    • Daniel Petrie
  • Writer
    • William G. Borchert
  • Stars
    • James Woods
    • JoBeth Williams
    • James Garner
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 24User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 1 win & 9 nominations total

    Photos15

    My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and James Garner in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and Gary Sinise in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods, James Garner, and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods, James Garner, and JoBeth Williams in My Name Is Bill W. (1989)
    James Woods and JoBeth Williams at an event for My Name Is Bill W. (1989)

    Top cast

    Edit
    James Woods
    James Woods
    • Bill Wilsonas Bill Wilson
    JoBeth Williams
    JoBeth Williams
    • Lois 'Lo' Wilsonas Lois 'Lo' Wilson
    James Garner
    James Garner
    • Dr. Bobas Dr. Bob
    Gary Sinise
    Gary Sinise
    • Ebbyas Ebby
    George Coe
    George Coe
    • Frank Shawas Frank Shaw
    Robert Harper
    Robert Harper
    • Dr. Jeremy Partlinas Dr. Jeremy Partlin
    Ray Reinhardt
    • Dr. Silkworthas Dr. Silkworth
    Fritz Weaver
    Fritz Weaver
    • Dr. Burnhamas Dr. Burnham
    Rick Warner
    • Bill D.as Bill D.
    Joe Inscoe
    Joe Inscoe
    • Fredas Fred
    Susan Duchow
    • Adeleas Adele
    Rich Valliere
    Rich Valliere
    • Charleyas Charley
    Mark Joy
    Mark Joy
    • Guy Kolbas Guy Kolb
    William Aylward
    • Controlleras Controller
    • (as Bill Aylward)
    Richard Travis
    • Stockquoteras Stockquoter
    Mike McBlair
    • Mayflower Clerkas Mayflower Clerk
    Wally Doyle
    • Mayflower Bartenderas Mayflower Bartender
    Norman Aronovic
    • Hospital Attendantas Hospital Attendant
    • Director
      • Daniel Petrie
    • Writer
      • William G. Borchert
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit
    This film reconstructs the true story of stockbroker William Griffith Wilson, a World War I veteran whose small drinking problem becomes a serious addiction after he loses his fortune in the stock market collapse of 1929. Wilson's career and his domestic life are in tatters when he meets Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith also struggling with a drinking problem. The two form a support group that becomes the basis for the organization Alcoholics Anonymous. —Jwelch5742
    • alcoholic
    • alcoholism
    • alcoholics anonymous
    • support group
    • alcohol
    • 1 more
    • Plot summary
    • Add synopsis
    • Genre
      • Drama
    • Certificate
      • Not Rated
    • Parents guide
      • Add content advisory

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      This was a Hallmark Hall of Fame production. When it aired on ABC on April 30, 1988, Bill's widow Lois B. Wilson had just died only a few months before. Lois W., co-founder of the Al-Anon Family Groups (for families and friends of problem drinkers), died on October 5, 1988 at age 97.
    • Goofs
      1935 Mayflower Hotel scene has Gershwin's "Love is Here to Stay" playing in background while this song was released in 1938.
    • Quotes

      Bill Wilson: It's like any journey, Fred. It begins with the first step.

    • Connections
      Edited into Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951)

    User reviews24

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    There is a solution
    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.
    helpful•17
    1
    • jespereilertsen
    • Apr 7, 2003

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 30, 1989 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Hallmark Hall of Fame: My Name Is Bill W. (#38.3)
    • Filming locations
      • Richmond, Virginia, USA
    • Production companies
      • Garner-Duchow Productions
      • Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
      • Warner Bros. Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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