See the Inspirational Bill Sackter Documentary For Free

Now Playing On YouTube and BillSackter.com


"A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story"

See the full feature-length documentary for free!

Voted the #1 Audience Favorite in 

5 Consecutive Film Festivals!!!

Click Here to view "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story"

You are invited to view the full inspirational feature-length documentary "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story", right now on YouTube (at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUfaB41xjao&feature=share ) and at http://www.BillSackter.com for free!

This engaging 90-minute feature-length documentary explores the unlikely real-life friendship between Bill Sackter (who was abandoned in an institution for 44 years for mild mental retardation), and Barry Morrow (a young idealistic college student who became Bill's legal guardian to keep Bill out of the institution), and how their relationship and Bill's unique embrace of life allowed Bill to become an internationally known hero for people with disabilities. 

It's a very funny, highly emotional, and ultimately uplifting experience for everyone to enjoy, and it's received great praise, many standing ovations, and was voted the #1 Audience Favorite at 5 consecutive film festivals!

Perhaps you remember the made-for-tv drama "Bill" (1981) starring Mickey Rooney and Dennis Quaid that portrayed the events in Barry and Bill's life, or maybe you've never heard of Bill Sackter. Now for the first time you have a chance to know the real Bill Sackter through actual film/video footage and photographs of Bill and interviews with those closest to him, told in a very entertaining and engaging way.

It's an amazingly powerful film that will bring you to tears and leave you smiling. See Lane Wyrick's award-winning independent feature about friendship, faith, and the value of human compassion.

-- See the full length version of "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" here and hit "Like" below the video (at http://www.billsackter.com/Bills_Homepage.html ) 

-- Buy the Deluxe Edition DVD with over two hours of additional content (at http://www.billsackter.com/Buy_The_DVD.html ) 

For more information about "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story", 

please visit http://www.BillSackter.com

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Reviews

 "Watching this movie made me a better person...It's a story of redemption and uplift that immerses us in a gentle soul's very personal world. I guarantee you will find yourself bawling." 

--- Bob Butler - Kansas City Star Newspaper

"My personal favorite and the sleeper hit of the (Kansas International Film) Festival is 'A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story'...It will touch your heart and bring you to tears." Rating 4 stars (out of 4) 

--- Keith Cohen - Entertainment Spectrum & Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

“There were few dry eyes in the house at the conclusion of the screening. Lane Wyrick has demonstrated a special gift in revealing Bill's life so completely, and the world needs this film!” Rating 5 stars (out of 5) 

--- Deborah Ground Buckner, ANEVibe.com 

“It’s a documentary that’s just super-well-done. It’s very moving, very emotional. I’m not embarrassed to say it brought me to tears. It really renews your positive outlook toward the human spirit.” 

--- Travis Alden - Hardacre Film Festival Director

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P.S. Tell your Facebook/Twitter and other social network friends about this wonderful documentary by posting a link on your site to http://www.BillSackter.com

Facebook members can also click on the "Like" button below the full documentary video playing at http://www.BillSackter.com. 

Also please leave your comments on the YouTube version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUfaB41xjao&feature=share

Please let your friends know about "A Friend Indeed"!

Bring "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" to your City

Hi Fans of "A Friend Indeed",

I wanted to update you about the innovative new distribution model for "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" allowing you to easily "Bring A Friend Indeed To Your City" and share this inspirational production with the rest of your community, while at the same time making a profit for yourself or your organization through these screenings.

Click Here to view the trailer for "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" (3 min.)

The concept is called the "Screen It Yourself Package" and it was developed when it was noticed that a consistently high percentage of audience members were purchasing "A Friend Indeed" DVDs that were being made available after every screening. For instance, immediately following a recent Minneapolis screening with an audience of 500 people of all ages and backgrounds, nearly 200 DVDs were sold! At smaller venues with around 50 audience members, viewers will typically purchase 20-30 DVDs!

You may also host a Filmmaker Presentation and Screening and have Filmmaker Lane Wyrick come to your location for a first-class event. 

For more information, visit

http://www.BillSackter.com/Bring_A-Friend-Indeed_To_Your_City.html

Notes: With the "Screen It Yourself Package", all screenings and DVD sales must be within your same county. - Internet sales of the DVDs are strictly prohibited. For a full explanation, please call Lane Wyrick at 1-314-200-5534.

Filmmaker Lane Wyrick to be at Des Moines Screening This Sunday

This Sunday night (November 1), Filmmaker Lane Wyrick will make a special appearance at the 7:30 p.m. screening of "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" at the Fleur Cinema & Cafe (4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa).

He will give insight into the documentary and host a Q&A after the screening. Also, DVDs will be available at a reduced price after this specific screening.

The award-winning documentary is currently playing for a week long theatrical run now through Thursday November 5. This is your chance to see "A Friend Indeed" in a very classy independent theater where, after a successful recent showing at The Fleur it was invited back for a full week of screenings.

Showtimes are as follows:

Friday/Monday through Thursday: 4:45, 7:30, 9:35

Saturday & Sunday: 1:50, 4:45, 7:30, 9:35 (Filmmaker Presentation)

Tickets are just $8 for General Admission

(Matinees, Seniors & Children are $6) and are available at

the door.

For more information, visit: http://www.fleurcinema.com

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Barry Morrow Donates Emmy to Univ. of Iowa

On Friday October 30, Barry Morrow gave a special presentation to the University of Iowa Foundation Board Members and guests where he donated his Emmy Award that he received for his screenplay for the 1981 made-for-tv movie "Bill" (starring Mickey Rooney & Dennis Quaid) to the University of Iowa where it will be on permanent display.

Barry Morrow donates Emmy for "Bill" TV Movie to Univ. of Iowa

In his rousing speech he also enthusiastically related how "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" now tells the real life documentary story that he originally started in 1972 when he first met Bill. Other people from the documentary at this special event were Bev Morrow, Filmmaker Lane Wyrick, Tom Walz, & Darrell Wyrick.

A video of Barry Morrow's incredible speech will be posted soon.

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For more information about Bill Sackter and “A Friend Indeed” and for reviews and video clips, please visit http://www.BillSackter.com.

Inspiring Documentary Returns to Des Moines

“A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" Returns For Full Week To Fleur Cinema – Des Moines, Iowa

After a very successful recent screening, the inspiring feature-length documentary “A Friend Indeed – The Bill Sackter Story” is returning to The Fleur Cinema & Café for a full week long theatrical run starting this Friday October 30 through November 5.

Winner of the #1 Audience Favorite Award at five film festivals in a row, “A Friend Indeed” has been surprising and delighting viewers with its powerful story of human compassion and incredible range of heartfelt emotion.

The documentary tells the true story of Bill Sackter who was institutionalized for over four decades for mild mental retardation, and his friendship with Barry Morrow (Academy Award Winning Screenwriter for “Rain Man”) who in real life as a young college student took the unprecedented step of becoming Bill’s legal guardian to keep Bill from being sent back to the institution.

Their friendship, Bill’s positive outlook on life and his eventual rise to international fame was chronicled in the highly successful made-for-tv movie “Bill” (1981) starring Mickey Rooney and Dennis Quaid, and Morrow’s screenplay for the production also won him an Emmy Award.

But Barry Morrow’s original intention of creating a real life documentary about Bill Sackter (using the hours of film and video footage and hundreds of photographs he captured of Bill during his life) would have to wait for over two decades until Barry met Iowa filmmaker Lane Wyrick and entrusted him to complete this project that was so dear to his heart.

Wyrick spent the next 8 years editing the archival footage along with filming new interviews of Barry Morrow and many others who were close to Bill. He also closely collaborated with Hollywood-trained composer Peter Bloesch who created a very rich and emotional full orchestral music score for the production.

“A Friend Indeed – The Bill Sackter Story” has been praised for retaining its documentary authenticity while having an entertaining quality more akin to a Hollywood movie. Wyrick’s groundbreaking hybrid style is very unique, and the film is filled with lots of humor and is ultimately very inspiring, but a box of Kleenex is also highly recommended!

Don’t miss your chance to see firsthand why “A Friend Indeed – The Bill Sackter Story” is becoming the grassroots hit for moviegoers looking for a very positive, inspirational experience that will touch their hearts, and that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Even if you have never heard of Bill Sackter, by the end of this film you will know and care for him like a close friend!

“A Friend Indeed – The Bill Sackter Story”

LOCATION: The Fleur Cinema & Café, 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa

Screening October 30 Through November 5

For showtimes, visit: http://www.fleurcinema.com

Tickets are just $8 for General Admission (Matinees, Seniors & Children are $6) and are available at the door.

For more information about Bill Sackter and “A Friend Indeed” and for reviews and video clips, please visit http://www.BillSackter.com.

"A Friend Indeed" to screen at City High School This Thursday

Winner of the #1 Audience Favorite Award at five film festivals in a row, an inspiring new documentary will have a special screening at City High School's Opstad Auditorium on Thursday October 22 at 7 p.m. "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" was created by award-winning filmmaker Lane Wyrick (a 1985 City High Grad). He will introduce the screening and host a Q&A and Filmmaker Presentation afterwards.

"A Friend Indeed" is an amazing and entertaining real-life documentary about people and events that happened right here in Iowa City!!! Tickets to the event are just $8 and are available at the door.

This special screening is sponsored by City High's Drama Department who will benefit from every ticket sold.

If you are on Facebook, please let us know if you're coming and help by inviting all your Facebook friends by going here: http://www.facebook.com/BillSackter#/event.php?eid=150721442809&index=1

The Background:

In 1981, actor Mickey Rooney portrayed Bill Sackter's life in the highly successful television drama "Bill", which depicted Bill's unique relationship with young college student Barry Morrow (played by Dennis Quaid). Their friendship developed shortly after Bill's release from Faribault Institution in Minnesota where he had spent 44 years of his life for mild mental retardation. Barry's compassion for Bill and deep concern for his situation led him to taking the unprecedented step of becoming Bill's legal guardian to keep Bill from being sent back to the institution.

This new documentary "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" gives viewers the opportunity to know the real Bill Sackter, Barry Morrow and many others who were close to Bill, in an entertaining production full of heart and emotion. The 90-minute feature length production uses actual film and video footage and photos of Bill (captured in the 1970's and 80's by Barry Morrow and others), along with interviews with the people closest to Bill, filmed more recently by Wyrick, who also edited the production.

During the final years of Bill's life, his positive attitude, passion for the harmonica, and enthusiastic embrace of everyone he met began to get Bill noticed. As proprietor of "Wild Bill's Coffee Shop" on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, Bill's striking personality led to his rise as a local "celebrity", and eventually to his becoming a national leader in a movement that helped normalize peoples' reactions to people with disabilities. He was honored with many awards and was even invited as a guest at the White House, all the while retaining his humble and caring personality and love for all people, especially children.

A Groundbreaking Documentary:

"A Friend Indeed" is filled with lots of emotion, evoking laughter, tears, and ultimately leaving audiences with a feeling of real inspiration. And it shows how a little care and attention can truly transform someone's life and enrich us all. The emotion of the film is greatly enhanced by the full orchestral music score created by Hollywood-trained composer Peter Bloesch who closely collaborated with Wyrick throughout the production to interweave the rich music score seamlessly into the fabric of the story.

At every screening "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" has been enjoyed by moviegoers that are looking for a very positive, inspirational experience that will touch their hearts.

For complete details, please visit http://www.BillSackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html

Join us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/BillSackter

Location: City High School's Opstad Auditorium - 1900 Morningside Drive - Iowa City, Iowa

Chicago Premiere of "A Friend Indeed" THIS WEDNESDAY

Don't miss the Chicago Premiere of "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story"at The Music Box Theater THIS WEDNESDAY October 14 at 7 p.m.

The event will be introduced by Kathy Lavin, director of community relations at Neumann Family Services in Chicago, who is also a mother of a child with a disability. Filmmaker Lane Wyrick will then introduce the film and afterwards give a Q&A/Filmmaker Presentation offering his perspective of over 7 years of research into Bill Sackter's life as well as a behind the scenes look at the documentary.

Also, the Deluxe Edition DVDs will be available after the screening at a reduced price as a benefit to those that come to the theater to see this very inspiring film.

Tickets are just $8 and are available online or at the door at the Music Box Theater - 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, Illinois - http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/events/

For online tickets go here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/84842

For further details, visit: http://www.billsackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html

Here is a wonderful article about the Chicago screening by Medill Reports:

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=141649

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More upcoming screenings include:

Doctoberfest Documentary Festival - Gloucester, Mass. - October 14, 15, 23

Yes Cinema - Columbus, Indiana - October 19

The Flicks Theater - Boise, Idaho - October 21

City High School - Iowa City, Iowa - October 22

Western Illinois University - Macomb, Illinois - October 24

Vermont International Film Festival - Burlington, Vermont - October 23, 25, 28

The Fleur Cinema - Des Moines, Iowa - October 30 through Nov. 5 (Weeklong screening)

Cedar Lee Theater - Cleveland Heights, Ohio - November 3

St. John Lutheran Church - Newhall, Iowa - November 8

Auburn Public Theater - Auburn, New York - November 22

More dates to come soon...

To learn more about Upcoming Screenings visit the BillSackter.com website at: http://www.billsackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html

Several New Screenings of "A Friend Indeed"

Over the past month, I have been starting the process of booking screenings in independent movie theaters across the country. Please check back frequently at http://www.billsackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html to see added dates.

Upcoming Confirmed Screenings

Times Cinema - Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Sept 17

OFS Documentary Film Festival - Olympia Washington - Sept. 20

Iowa City Senior Center - Iowa City, Iowa - Sept. 21

Music Box Theatre - Chicago, Illinois - October 14

IndieFest! 09 - Celebration, Florida - October 18 & 23

The Flicks - Boise, Idaho - October 21

City High School - Iowa City - October 22

Western Illinois University - Macomb, Illinois - October 24

Vermont International Film Festival - South Burlington, Vermont - Oct. 25 & 27

The Fleur Cinema - Weeklong Theatrical Run - Des Moines, Iowa - October 30 through November 5

St. John Lutheran Church - Newhall, Iowa - November 1

The Arc of Greater Cleveland - Cleveland, Ohio - November 3

Auburn Public Theater - Auburn, New York - November 22

-More dates to come soon-

(for full details, go to: http://www.billsackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html)

"A Friend Indeed" is an incredible experience with an audience in a theatrical environment, and I encourage all of you to come to these events in your area and also bring a friend, co-worker, family member, etc. - Bring a friend to "A Friend Indeed"!

Des Moines Screening of "A Friend Indeed"

"A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" will be screening this Thursday August 6 (at 7 p.m.) at the classic Fleur Cinema & Cafe (4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa). Tickets are just $8 at the door.

Enjoy this inspirational documentary, and meet Filmmaker Lane Wyrick who will host a Q&A after the screening. Also, the newly release Deluxe Edition DVD will be available at the theater for a reduced price.

For more information on this and other upcoming screenings, please go to: http://www.BillSackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html

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In other news:

-"A Friend Indeed" was winner of the "Best Documentary" award at the Iowa Independent Film Festival. Lane Wyrick attended this three day festival in Clear Lake, Iowa where the documentary was screened twice to an enthusiastic crowd (there was no "Audience Award" available at the festival, so this was the top award available).

-A Chicago screening is being planned at The Music Box Theatre in October. Other screenings will soon be set up for many locations, so please check out the BillSackter.com website to keep updated.

-You may purchase the Deluxe Edition (Home Use) DVD at http://www.billsackter.com/BuyTheDVD.html

-If you would like to set up a Filmmaker Screening in your community, please call Lane Wyrick toll free at 1-877-852-9485 for more details.

Two new screenings of "A Friend indeed"

See "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" this Saturday July 11 (2 p.m.) at the New Strand Theater in West Liberty, Iowa. The documentary was recently voted the #1 Audience Favorite at the New Strand Film Festival, and was invited back for this special screening.

With an outstanding projection system, "A Friend Indeed" looked and sounded its very best on this independently run screen that shows many Hollywood films. Lane Wyrick will be present and give a Q&A, and will be selling the DVDs at a discounted price after the screening. Tickets for the event are just $5.

"A Friend Indeed" will also be screened at the Iowa Independent Film Festival on Saturday July 18 at 2 p.m. and Sunday July 19 at 4 p.m. (awards ceremony is Saturday at 9 p.m.).

The festival takes place in Clear Lake Iowa, and Lane Wyrick will also be at the festival (and have discounted DVDs available).

You can find out details on these and other Upcoming Screening at http://www.billsackter.com/Upcoming_Screenings.html

Don't miss these two great opportunities to see "A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story".

You may also purchase the DVD at http://www.billsackter.com/BuyTheDVD.html

"A Friend Indeed - The Bill Sackter Story" Now Available on DVD

For immediate release

Winner of the Audience Favorite Award in 5 Film Festivals already (the Kansas International Film Festival, Hardacre Film Festival, Omaha Film Festival, Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, and the New Strand Film Festival), “A Friend Indeed – The Bill Sackter Story” has just been released worldwide on DVD and is available and shipping now at www.BillSackter.com.

It’s an inspiring new feature-length documentary by award-winning filmmaker Lane Wyrick, showing how a forgotten man and an uncommon friendship shattered the world’s perceptions of people with disabilities, and it's been captivating audiences with its humor, emotion, and powerful message of human compassion!

The Deluxe Edition DVD Includes:

The Full Award-Winning Documentary "A Friend Indeed"

plus

An Insightful Director’s Commentary Track

Additional Footage of Bill & Friends

New Interviews, Deleted Scenes, & Audio recordings

The World Premiere Event at Hancher Auditorium

Behind the Scenes Orchestra Recording in Seattle

Theatrical Trailer, Biographical Information

...and much more.

WITH OVER 2 HOURS OF ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

IT IS A “MUST HAVE” DVD FOR YOUR COLLECTION!

Click here to find out more & order your DVD(s) today!

The Background: At the age of 7, Bill Sackter was institutionalized for mild mental retardation, and wouldn't be released from Faribault Institution in Minnesota for another 44 years.

But his friendship with college student Barry Morrow (who met Bill in Minneapolis and became his legal guardian to keep Bill out of the institution), would lead to Bill's meteoric rise as an international hero for people with disabilities, as the optimistic harmonica-playing proprietor of Wild Bill's Coffee Shop on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City.

Bill Sackter’s life story was made famous by the highly successful made-for-tv movie “Bill” (1981) starring Mickey Rooney as Bill Sackter, and Dennis Quaid as young filmmaker Barry Morrow.

This new feature-length documentary “A Friend Indeed – The Bill Sackter Story” uses the actual film and video footage and photographs of the real Bill Sackter taken by Morrow and others, along with new interviews with the people closest to Bill.

“A Friend Indeed” was created by Iowa City Filmmaker Lane Wyrick over a 7 year time period, and premiered at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City last June to an audience of nearly 1200, where it received a standing ovation and much critical acclaim.

“I think the reason audiences have embraced ‘A Friend Indeed’ is because it is not only highly inspirational and very funny, but it also allows viewers to look beyond Bill’s disabilities and care for him as a human being,” Wyrick said. “It’s a fulfilling emotional experience that people will remember for a long time. A box of Kleenex is highly recommended!”

The documentary features a very moving full orchestral music score, created by Hollywood-trained composer Peter Bloesch (also of Iowa City). Wyrick and Bloesch closely collaborated throughout the entire process to make the music integral to the emotional storyline, and recorded the soundtrack at Seattle Music, well-known for their movie scores for major Hollywood productions.

The DVD is now available exclusively at www.BillSackter.com, where you can also find extensive information about “A Friend Indeed” and Bill Sackter, and even view the first 4 minutes of the documentary.

This Deluxe Edition DVD includes full 90-minute documentary, a director’s commentary, and over two hours of ‘extra’ footage, including additional film & video footage of Bill and friends, insightful interviews, audio recordings, as well as footage from the Hancher Premiere and behind-the-scenes at the orchestra recording in Seattle.

The DVD release comes at the same time that the documentary is picking up steam theatrically. Fresh off a nearly packed screening at the Riverview Theater in Minneapolis (where nearly 200 DVDs were sold after the screening on the first night of it's release), Wyrick plans on offering the DVD to a worldwide audience to help spread the story more quickly and work hand in hand to promote more theatrical screenings, and to offer everyone an enhanced experience on DVD, and an opportunity to share “A Friend Indeed” with friends and family.

For more information, please visit www.BillSackter.com.