Bottom Line: The glass is half-full thanks to beautiful detailing mixed with a stiff shot of talent.
Behind every great man there stands an equally great woman, or so they say. In the case of Bill and Lois Wilson, behind one very drunk man there stood a sober, suffering wife.

Fortunately, the sober, suffering wife of CBS’ Hallmark Hall of Fame film “When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story” is played by Winona Ryder, recalling the period winsomeness and inner steel she displayed in “The Age of Innocence.” Lois, the educated, older wife of “country boy” Bill (Barry Pepper) was not the first co-dependent married to a drunk, but she proved to be the pillar of strength that allowed him to get sober and conjure Alcoholics Anonymous, after which she became the matriarch of Al-Anon.

“Love” is a standardly structured tale with the occasional dud line — “I guess being sober has its own challenges” — but that flatness is easily offset by the fine production values (come on, it is Hallmark). The period design, always a challenge on a television budget, is detailed and warm, the costumes true and textured. The hats alone deserve special recognition.

Ryder, Pepper and the supporting cast are fine, if never too-deeply drawn; during the course of their years together, Lois puts up with about 110% more garbage than a modern woman would today. Continue reading “When Love Is Not Enough”: another TV Review

When Love Is Not Enough is the perfect Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. It has a strong message wrapped up in an interesting story performed by superb actors. Winona Ryder and Barry Pepper star in the story of Lois Wilson (Ryder), wife of Bill Wilson (Pepper) the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Lois was the founder of Al-Anon, the organization for the families of alcoholics. (…)

(…) Ryder has not been seen on screen much lately. This role should bring her back into the public eye. She is perfect for the part — fragile but strong, attractive but not beautiful, loving but not blind. All of the nuances of Lois’ personality are played to perfection by Ryder.

When Love Is Not Enough will air on CBS, Sunday, April 25 at 9PM.

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