Bill W.

BILL W. is the inspirational story of Bill W, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Young Bill was a hard worker and a quick learner. But there were always reasons to drink, and Bill became an alcoholic at a time when there was no support. Drinking impeded his career as a Wall Street securities analyst to such an extent that he and his loyal wife Lois found themselves destitute. During a hospitalization, Bill was struck with an idea for a method of saving himself. Working with Dr. Bob Smith to organize an alcoholics' support group in Akron, Ohio in 1935, Bill then expanded his ideas into the first 12-step recovery program. An engaging public speaker, his idea was to turn alcoholics' interests toward others, so they wouldn't be overwhelmed by their own difficulties. Enhanced by wonderful period footage and convincing reenactments, BILL W. provides insight into the life of the charming man who saved countless lives, yet called himself the “floundering father of AA.” –B.B.