[Encephalitis Lethargica: Awakenings].

Postencephalitic parkinsonism is a characteristic chronic sequelae of encephalitis lethargica, a pandemic disorder which swept the whole world in 1917-1928. Based on his clinical experiences at the Mount Carmel hospital, Oliver Sacks published Awakenings in 1973, and an American drama film Awakenings was premiered in 1990. Success and setbacks of the levodopa trial in postencephalitic parkinsonism patients were chronologically described, and the mother's delight on her son's "return" was impressive; this scene can be shared by us neurologists, even if it was transient. Above all, the exemplary performances of the two distinguished actors, Robin Williams and Robert De Niro (especially the latter), enlivened the most excellent moments of the movie.