Dick Van Dyke does very fine work in this thoughtful TV-movie about a once-successful speech writer for a public relations firm who has hit the skids: he's a heavy drinker, and doesn't know how to help himself. Thriller-writer Richard Matheson was a surprising choice to adapt Jack Weiner's novel, but he does a terrific job at setting up the circumstance and then allowing his central character to free-fall with help from his ever-present bottles of booze. Lynn Carlin, as Van Dyke's enabling spouse, is put in the somewhat unbearable position of playing mommy to both her sick husband and her shaky kids, and one longs for her to stop being a victim and take charge. But, this being 1974, the avenues which are now present for people in this unfortunate situation simply weren't commonplace yet, and Van Dyke's struggles--his broken promises, his self-inflicted downward spiral--are painful to witness. Matheson seems intent not to make this a cookie-cutter domestic drama, and at that he succeeds. The final shot (extremely well executed) leaves the viewer with a lot to consider. It becomes clear this isn't solely a hard-hitting portrait of alcoholism--it is also a story about giving up.

I too saw this movie as a kid, I was only eleven years old and it made such an impact on me that i thought i would never be a drinker...and here i am both my parents were drinkers and both dead :( And i saw some things and behavior that was very disturbing to me and also very similar to some of the behavior in my own life now. When I'm feeling like my drinking is starting to get out of hand this film is the first thing that enters into my mind especially the end... I recall the chilling and sad feeling i got at the end of this movie as a kid, I believe this keeps me in check, don't misunderstand me I'm a very fit and successful man and father but we all have our demons and drinking and its devastation is not limited to its victims; rich or poor, fit or fat, married or single, this film puts it all on the line... the power of alcohol! I have only seen it once many years ago! but what an impact!! This should be available to the public and all who struggle especially those in AA groups! come on this needs to be released, how can we get this done? I really just want a copy of it for myself, but i think about the impact that this movie could have on the many people out there struggling just like that and like me. what an amazing performance, absolutely memorable!!! If anyone has a copy or knows how to get one let me know please! Steve, 714-655-0284 Peace and many blessings...

I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Van Dyke, and this is my favorite performance. I remember watching this movie in the '70's on TV, and have been looking for a copy ever since. Dick Van Dyke is not only a genius comedic actor, but he is also a wonderfully moving dramatic actor as well. If anyone knows where I can purchase a copy of this movie, please let me know at [email protected]. I have been waiting for years!!! Mr. Van Dyke reminds me so much of my father, and I have been watching his shows since I was a little girl. A couple of years ago, I received a DVD of a few of the old "Dick Van Dyke Show", and I watch it over and over. PLEASE email me if you know how to obtain a copy of "The Morning After", as I have been searching for this movie forever. Thanks so much, Paula Pellegrino [email protected]

I saw this movie as a child. My mother insisted my brother and I watch it. My father is an alcoholic and has never recovered. I am now in recovery. This movie had an unbelievable impact on me as a child. I cried so very hard when I saw it, and as another person commented, I can not listen to the Beatles song "Yesterday" without thinking of that poor desperate soul. I need to see this movie!