The Story Behind Charlie Wilson's War

Categories: History , Movies & Books

With a great story, big stars, a legendary director, and a very capable screenwriter, Charlie Wilson's War has opened in theaters accompanied by rave reviews and Golden Globe nominations.  Containing elements of espionage, wealth, glamour, and political intrigue, this film is based on a true story of the days when Texans took the law into their own hands, not in the 1880's, but actually, the 1980's. Directed by Mike Nichols, Aaron Sorkin (who created NBC's West Wing) adapted the screenplay from a 2003 book by George Crile, a former producer at CBS news who came into notoriety following the Vietnam War when he took on the US Department of Defense in the form of Gen. William Westmoreland.

George Crile died in 2006, but the real Charlie Wilson is still around, residing in Lufkin, Texas, where he is commonly known as "Good Time Charlie".  Tom Hanks and his production company, Playtone, have created a film of substance that entertains and provides some backstory to the current issues in the Middle East.  The Library offers Crile's book in regular print, large print, and Downloadable Audiobook formats.