In 1969, Hunter Adams was a troubled man who voluntarily committed himself into a mental institution. Once there, he finds that helping his fellow inmates there gives him a purpose in life. Thus inspired, he leaves the asylum and vows to become a doctor to help people professionally. However, what he finds at medical school is a sickeningly callous philosophy that advocates an arms-length attitude to the patients that does not address their emotional needs or the quality of their lives. "Patch" Adams is determined to find a better way to help them, although the consequences of his defiance of the rules and the authorities are severe.

Patch's ('Williams, Robin') roommate in the mental hospital is played by Michael Jeter. In The Fisher King (1991), Jeter also played an insane companion of Williams'.

Hunter Patch Adams:
You don't understand, I'm leaving


Dr. Titan:
Hunter, if you leave my records will say AMA, you left against medical advice.


Hunter Patch Adams:
And Mine will say IDGARA, I don't give a rat's ass. And my name is Patch.

Anachronisms: The Pablo Neruda poem used in the film (set in the early-to-mid-'70s) was not translated into English until 1986.

Written by Diane Warren
Performed by Rod Stewart
Produced by Guy Roche
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Inc.