In 1981, a made for TV movie debuted about a man named Bill Sackter. Bill was a mentally challenged guy who had lived most of his life in an institution and he was eventually befriended by a filmmaker named Barry, who eventually became Bill's caretaker. The film was exquisitely made and Mickey Rooney did a great job playing the title character...and it wasn't surprising that the film earned two Emmys.
Because "Bill" was so successful, it isn't surprising that Barry Morrow decided to write a sequel. However, the movie was not as well received and only received one Emmy nomination. It's also sad to note that before the film debuted on TV, the real life Bill had died and never got a chance to see this sequel.
When the film begins, Barry and his family move away and Bill is taken to live at a group home. The film is about his adjustment to the program as well as his relationship with a young budding social worker (Helen Hunt). However, after a
'helpful neighbor' points out that the group home is overcrowded and violates the zoning laws, Bill might need to find a new home.
As in the past film, Mickey Rooney is very good as Bill. Helen Hunt is just okay as the well-meaning but clueless social worker...and I think it's mostly because of how the character was written. Me being a former social worker doubtless was why I felt frustrated by the character. Still, the rest of the movie is enjoyable and interesting...though not nearly as much as the first story...hence its lower score than "Bill".
By the way, not only did Barry Morrow write this film and co-wrote "Bill", he later wrote "Rain Man"...which was inspired in many ways from the Bill movies.
By the way, I worked in two group homes for the mentally challenged in the 1980s...and, sadly, problems with neighbors complaining about the residents wasn't uncommon at all. Also what wasn't uncommon and is talked about in BOTH films is the abusive treatment these folks often experienced in various state institutions.
