The True Story of Charlie Wilson 16 years old

A playboy congressman, an outcast CIA operative, and a socialite steer over $300 million of the United States Government’s money — in an era when Reagan couldn’t raise $19 million for the Contras — to fund a covert war intended to turn Afghanistan into “Russia’s Vietnam.” Is this a joke? Is this some improbable work of fiction? Who are these wildly eccentric figures? How did they pull it off? In this special presentation from THE HISTORY CHANNEL discover the intricate details of this incredible, fascinating and completely true series of events. Learn how Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson allied with CIA agent Gust Avrakotos and Houston philanthropist Joanne Herring to secretly bankroll the Afghan Mujahideen’s resistance to the Soviet Union. Retrace the behind-the-scenes machinations that led to the CIA’s largest and most successful campaign ever. And understand the wide-ranging and long-lasting implications of this little-known episode.

Credits

The True Story of Charlie Wilson Cast

Name Character
Tom Hanks He was 50, now 67 years old
Philip Seymour Hoffman He was 39, 46 years old when he died
Julia Roberts She was 39, now 56 years old

The True Story of Charlie Wilson Crew

Name Department
The True Story of Charlie Wilson poster
The True Story of Charlie Wilson (16 years)

  • Release day: Tuesday, June 12, 2007
  • Runtime: 94 minutes