When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story

Drama · 2010PG

A Hallmark Hall of Fame original movie based on the true story of the enduring but troubled love between Lois Wilson (Winona Ryder), co-founder of Al-Anon, and her alcoholic husband Bill Wilson (Barry Pepper), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Lois Wilson was a woman of great inner strength and determination. Together, Lois and Bill Wilson started movements that have helped millions of people around the world. And together, they’ve given the world an inspiring love story. The two met and fell in love, then married following Bill’s return from World War I. Despite concerns over Bill’s drinking, Lois believed he was destined for greatness. She believed her love and support would eventually persuade Bill to quit drinking. When he finally attained sobriety, he poured his time and energy into helping other drunks, which led to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Lois felt resentment that her patience and devotion were not acknowledged. When she discovered the wives of other alcoholics experienced the same anger and frustration, Lois learned her own experience could be invaluable in helping families of other problem drinkers. This was the beginning of Al-Anon.

Starring

Winona Ryder, Lawrence Shragge, Barry Pepper, Ron Wisman, Camille Thomasson, John Bourgeois, Rosemary Dunsmore, Mirosław Baszak, Paul Popowich, John Kent Harrison

Director

John Kent Harrison