A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story (PBS version) is a heartwarming biographical tale about a man named Bill Sackter who was born with a developmental disability in 1913. The movie tracks Bill's life journey from his childhood where he was abandoned by his family and left to live in an institution, to his later adult years, where he becomes a beloved member of the community in Iowa City, Iowa.
The movie is narrated by Jack Doepke who does an excellent job of bringing the story to life. The film also features interviews with Bill's friends, family, and those who knew him well, including Barry Morrow, the screenwriter of the Academy-Award winning film, "Rain Man".
Bill's childhood was filled with isolation, neglect, and abuse. He was labeled as "mentally defective" and spent most of his life in a state institution. However, in 1968, Bill's fate changed when he was released from the institution and taken in by a young social worker named Barry Morrow.
Barry Morrow saw potential in Bill and helped to bring out his talents and strengths. He showed Bill the kindness and love that he had never known before. With Barry's help, Bill learned how to work, live on his own, and even read and write.
As Bill's confidence grew, he became a beloved figure in the community. He worked at a local coffee shop, where he charmed customers with his infectious personality, gentle nature, and eagerness to help out. He also became a talented artist, selling his artwork and gaining recognition for his work and his story.
Throughout the movie, viewers see how Bill touched the lives of those around him, whether it was through his work, his art, or simply his kind nature. The movie is filled with moments of joy, laughter, and tears as viewers witness the ups and downs of Bill's life and the impact he had on those around him.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the movie is the way it shows how love and acceptance can make all the difference in someone's life. Bill's story shows us that all people, regardless of their disabilities, have the potential to achieve great things if given the right opportunities and support.
Overall, A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story (PBS version) is a must-see movie for anyone who appreciates a good, heartwarming story. It is a beautiful tribute to a man who, despite facing incredible challenges in life, managed to make a difference and touch the lives of so many.
A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.
