THE MIRACLE WORKER (1962)

Cast

Plot

A superb screen adaptation of William Gibson's play about Helen Keller who following an illness during infancy is left blind, deaf, and mute. Loved and yet misunderstood by her parents, Helen is allowed to run wild as she frustratedly struggles to communicate with the world around her. The generally held belief that Helen is a creature to be pitied, loved and incapable of intelligent interaction all changes with the arrival of a new governess Annie, played by Ann Bancroft, who having to overcome her own disability is less inclined to adopt the laisser-faire attitude of those around her. What follows is a fantastically taut piece of cinema as Annie, through persistence and sheer stubbornness attempts to breaks through Helen's wall of silence. The confrontations between Helen and Annie are particularly moving, the emotional honesty of the relationship reveals loneliness, confusion and fear. With a well-written script, inspired direction and sensitive performances The Miracle Worker is a remarkable triumph.