Customer Reviews

Bill [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

That's right, the extremely hard to find, out-of-print for who-knows-how-long movies are now available for everyone. But first let me say a word or two about BILL for those people who know nothing about it.

It's Mickey Rooney's finest performance, as many of his fans who have met him in person have told him. He portrays William ("Bill for short") Sackter. Bill spent 40 years in a Minnesota mental institution. Sometime after his release he befriended struggling amateur filmmaker Barry Morrow, who would later receive an Academy Award for co-writing the movie RAIN MAN. Barry and his wife Bev reached out to help Bill probably without realizing that Bill was helping them and all the others who crossed his path.

You see, Bill was the word "optimistic" made flesh. When you see him standing in the ICU hospital room of the little girl, and he's reciting the Lord's Prayer and praying for the little girl...I can't even describe it, except to say it's one of the most powerful scenes that have ever been on my television screen.

This movie (and its sequel) are proof that the entire family can view something wonderful on the television.

...

I also highly recommend Thomas Walz's book, THE UNLIKELY CELEBRITY: BILL SACKTER'S TRIUMPH OVER DISABILITY. This, thank goodness, is not out of print.

This movie staring Mickey Rooney is a great movie of love and inspiration for the whole family. It will bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face.

My roommate was forever complaining of how many movies I taped. Well, looking at a used price of almost $80 for this gem, I am certainly glad it's one I taped from my television! How an actor of normal intelligence can portray a person as mentally-challenged as Bill is a tribute to his mastery. While a lot of people made fun of Bill, or gave him a look of distaste or even fear, a struggling filmmaker and his wife took him into their lives and hearts -- and our hearts, too. Spending decades in a frightful mental institution, Granville, he wanted to forget about it. But when Barry convinced him to return so he could film him there, Bill re-establishes friendships with the patients he left behind. I found the film to be sensitive to the subject in showing Bill's difficulty in comprehending things, but never making fun of him in the process. At the end of the movie, we are treated to a look at the real William (Bill for short) Sackter together with Rooney, and in his annual role as Santa (Bill for short), proving mental illness does not have to prevent one from becoming a member of our society. I can't fault the directing, script, or acting, so if you are not fortunate as I to have already taped it, it really is worth purchasing.

I remember seeing this film several years ago. It is a great film that would be an inspiration to anyone that watched it. It really is some of Mickey Rooney's best work. I would buy several copies and use them for gifts if it were out on DVD.

I remember seeing this movie when I was young. Maybe 15-20 years ago. I cried everytime I saw it, I just LOVED Bill.

Fast forward to today. I can't get a copy anywhere in any format to show my wife. She's never seen it nor heard of it!

If anyone can help me find a copy, I'd surely compensate you.
Please help me out!

This film is absolute sentiment, but with such a fine actor in the leading role, it is difficult not to fall for the baited hook. Mickey Rooney plays Bill, a mentally retarded man whose life has not been easy. He spent almost 50 years in an insane asylum and has been threatened with returning there if he cannot keep himself out of trouble. Bill is extremely innocent and easily taken advantage of, so trouble is not unknown to him. However, a film maker named Barry (Dennis Quaid) takes an interest in him as a subject and becomes his friend.

The story is simple, but the plot doesn't have to be complex. Rooney is absolutely fascinating to watch. It is easy to forget he is acting; he makes the character so realistic and so lovable. Of course the editing and the music aid that, but really it is Rooney who pulls through. Quaid is also interesting here too in an early role. Even through his character's frustrations and imperfections, he makes his character notable and interesting.

It would be wonderful to see this movie packaged with its sequel on DVD. Because of its stars, people would be interested, and they'd be hooked when they watched the movies.

I would like to thank every reviewer in this room for your support. I too was once a handicapped man, and my disability kept me from those I loved for years. In my asylum, I would often peer down at lovers who walked the flowered paths outside... and I longed to walk with them. Now, thanks to Mickey Rooney and Dennis Quaid, I have the courage to walk, albeit alone usually. My toupee is off to all of you.

I saw this movie several years ago and it moved me to tears. What a courageous spirit Bill had. No one could have played that part better than Mickey Rooney. I hope I can find this movie on DVD soon. My family and friends would love it!

I have waited to get my vcr. For the first time since I received this movie,I played it today. It is terrible. You can hardly see the picture. It is NOT the vcr because I put my other movies in and they play fine! I am SO disappointed,because I this is one of my very favorite movies. Thanks anyway....GRZ

hi it's me again and I'm now on dvd with both titles.

Do a search and enjoy

Bill / Bill: On His Own (Double Feature)