Bill / Bill: On His Own (Double Feature) [DVD]

This DVD set is a thrill for fans of the underground favorites Bill and Bill: On His Own. Mickey Rooney is at his best playing the mentally disabled Bill Sackter, a real life friend of the director. For two movies that ran an average of $25 each before this release, this $12 DVD is a real bargain.Bill 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 man whose life has not been easy. He spent almost 50 years in an insane asylum and lives with the threat 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 very 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.Bill: On His Own is the sequel to Bill. In this second movie, Barry moves to California to start a new career, leaving Bill behind to be a "good man" on his own. Bill finds that independence isn't easy, even when he lives with a loving group of people. He finds a potential new friend in student of social work Jenny (Helen Hunt) who pushes Bill to learn to read and count. Her insistance frustrates him and makes him feel like a "low grade man," but her intentions are good.One forgets that Rooney is acting, even though he's a familiar face. Hunt is less likable than Quaid's character is, but she represents a common factor when dealing with the mentally disabled. Teresa Wright also appears as Mae, Bill's guardian. Her face will be familiar to classic movie fans for her appearances in films like The Pride of the Yankees and The Best Years of Our Lives.

I first saw "Bill" in 1981 when it first aired on TV, every once in a while a movie comes along that encourages and gives hope the human spirit. A good friend of mine also saw the move, he was equally moved, and to the puzzlement of our friends and colleagues we began calling each other "Bill" from that day forth. I haven seen or heard from my friend "Bill" in over 25 years until he found me on "Military.com" just a few days ago, the first thing that I thought about was the bond created between the two of us by our mutual Love for the message inspired by the movie "Bill". Needless to say, we are still calling each other "Bill"Ps. neither of our names is "Bill", however, "Bill" is used as a cherished term of endearment. Also one of us is African American and the other White American ......thanks "Bill"

I have never seen the film Bill, but I was on the set while they were filming at Mount Saint Vincent's in Riverdale, New York. I remember watching the filming of a scene from a window just after taking my last final. I'm going to keep an eye out to see if I can locate myself in the window looking out on the court yard where "Bill" was sweeping up some leaves. Enjoy!

It was 25 years ago the viewing public was introduced to Bill Sackter thanks to two made for tv movies on the life of this individual. Mickey Rooney deserved the awards for his role as a man who was an institution for 66 years and later learning life in Iowa City. This is a movie that demonstrates the human spirit in each of us. A good double feature for a nice price!

"Bill" was my first Mickey Rooney movie. I believed he really was a mentally challenged individual and was shocked later when I saw him in other movies.I enjoy both of these movies. It was fun to see a couple of well-known actors of today in these two movies where they were quite young: Dennis Quaide and Helen Hunt.Recomended for anyone who enjoys old made-for-TV movies.

This was bought special for my husband, as it's favorite movie. we haven't watched it yet but thank you for making it monetarily availble. everytime i looked for it, it was soooooo expensive. i found yours at a reasonable price. so thank you, it meant alot to my "hubby"

These movies were a part of Mickey Rooney's best acting career!! I knew I had to have it for my DVD collection. Painless experience buying from Amazon & seller. Seller was honest about 2 disc set & I'm glad I own it now.

"Bill" was very influential on me. To describe this movie (the first one) would be difficult for me, it evokes much emotion. Finally...it has arrived on DVD! I've been checking online for years for the DVD format. Alas, the VHS I saw many years ago suffered from out-of-sync audio later in the movie. Five stars.

I had been searching for this DVD for years and it hasn't disappointed me in the least.Excellent quick delivery and excellent conditionThank youKaren