Rating: 
Summary: A Truly Wonderful Film
Review: The story of Helen Keller is well known. But how she conquers deafness and blindness bears a powerful message for overcoming other prejudices (racism, sexism) as well.Her teacher, Annie Sullivan (played by the gorgeous Anne Bancroft) is motivated by her own experiences growing up in the dank cruelty of asylums where blind and handicapped children were institutionalized with no chance for education and self fulfillment. She is driven with a messianic zeal to help her charge who, much like herself, has been similarly deprived. Helen, thought to be dumb, has been relegated by her family's ignorance to the status of a child-like pet; indulged because her infirmities are assumed to be unfixable. By today's standards, the movie's dialog and pacing are a little intense. And the physical violence (slapping mainly) between teacher and pupil might make some, especially young children, somewhat uncomfortable. But the performances by both Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke (as Helen) are mesmerizing. Helen, sharp as a tack (which is how she became so manipulative) is starved for knowledge and connection, and Miss Sullivan uses this hunger to bring her out. The story is well paced. And few movies I've seen recently have been so thoroughly filled with love! The only difficulty I had in watching this work - was my need to constantly wipe the haze from my eyes. This is a truly wonderful film.
Rating:
Summary: Home visit
Review: This is such a wonderful story.Helen Keller as a child,Patty Duke Gives such a performance and Anne Bancroft is splended.From child to adulthood Helen Keller Life history is amazing.We all have to have some sympathy for anyone that has a handicap as she did but how many would seek the education,dedication to help others as she did, courage to visit other countries.She met Presidents(had her picture taken with them)Leaders of other countries welcomed her. This past summer I visited her home in Tuscombia Al.There are plays in June and July. I didn't go to one though(It was Hot).The bleachers are in the back yard,I hear the plays are wonderful.It protrays her as the movie does.You can visit the House and explore each room.I must say I was shocked to see the house,because it looked so big in the movie,and the house next door where Anne took her.The well,buggy,maids house in back. If you haven't been there,Type this up on your net. Alabama History on Line Email:dpendlot@Archives. state.Al USA.They will send you pamplets and information about everything. Have fun,Marie
Rating:
Summary: genious
Review: There's so many bad children actors out there, that it's so refreshing to see Patty Duke in this film. The character she plays would be a challenge for many accomplished adult actors, but Patty was something special from the start. Together with Bancroft(who is also superb), they truly shine. Parents, turn off the garbage that is usually pouring into your kids brains from the television, and pop this delightful story into your DVD player Now!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Video. In this video is a secret.
Review: This was really a great video. I've seen this in my language class. It is really good that Helen Keller finally was able to talk and hear. I bet it was hard for Annie to teach Hellen. If you watch this video, you will find out before the micrale took place, while she was still teaching him, James Keller was mean to her, but at the end, he is nice to her. You may think I am crazy, but I think James has feeling for Annie.
Rating:
Summary: "TWO OF THE BEST PERFORMANCES..."
Review: ever committed to film are on display in this 1962 classic by Arthur Penn. Based on the stage play of the same name, it tells the story of how Annie Sullivan brings light into the dark world of Helen Keller. This is one of the best films of any era. Patty Duke is amazing as Helen Keller. She is a young girl isolated in a way by her blindness, yet totally controlling of the environment and people around her because of it. Patty manages to capture the frustration Helen has, that of being an intelligent person unable to fully express herself and grow. She conveys this all without saying a word until the climatic moment at the end. Anne Bancroft is Annie Sullivan. Partially blind herself, she is a young woman who has seen and experienced more than her share of poverty and misery in her life. It is her experience as a child of the institution that shapes the woman she has become and prepares her for the assignment she takes on in teaching Helen. Anne conveys vulnerability, strength, determination and compassion; and love, as exhibited in the closing scene where she is holding Helen and singing "Hush Little Baby" on the porch. It is a deeply felt and affective performance. It is beautifully shot in black and white, which helps keep the film close to its stage roots. Victor Jory is the "Captain," Helen's gruff, no nonsense father, who doesn't know what to make of this young "Yankee" woman. Inga Swenson is Helen's younger, fragile mother, hoping for a miracle and reluctantly letting Annie take control of the daughter she loves. Andrew Prine is Annie's main supporter as Helen's half brother. They all lend terrific support. I was 12 years old on that Christmas Day in 1972 when I first saw this film. I was deeply affected by Anne Bancroft's performance and became a fan for life. For anyone who wants to be an actor, this is required viewing. A CLASSIC!
Rating:
Summary: Nothing Comes Close to This
Review: There hasn't been another movie made in all the years since this has been released that has ever come close to matching its intensity and acting. It's no wonder it received as many awards as it did. Unfortunately, a movie could not be made today like this without all the social scientists and DSS (Department of Social Service-types) getting all bent out of shape for the way the little blind girl is treated. This film-making at its greatest, and it deserves probably twenty stars!!
Rating:
Summary: PLEASE HELP OUR DEAF STUDENTS
Review: This is a wonderful movie--no doubt about it. There's only one disappointment though: I bought it in hope to show it to my deaf students then I found out that the subtitles only come in French and Spanish. My students and I only know English...
Rating:
Summary: My favorite movie of all time...
Review: If I had only one movie to take with me to a desert island, this would be it. Of course, different things appeal to different people, but this resonates with me. Patty Duke's performance is simply incredible, breathtaking. The astounding generosity shown by Annie Sullivan... I have studied the lives of Annie & Helen and this movie is just the tip of the iceberg. Annie was a devil, and Helen is remembered as this a sweet old lady. Actually, Helen learned to speak & was a socialist, and could work crowds into an absolute frenzy. She was brilliant & beautiful- Mark Twain was in love with her & always trying to get her into bed. But anyway...for me the wonder of giving a person who is deaf & blind the whole world, showing the nuts & bolts of it- no other ending of a film gives me the thrill this one does. Pure ideas, pure passion, pure human heart to heart- a perfect screenplay, not a wasted word or moment in the whole film- PERFECTION as far as I'm concerned!
Rating:
Summary: Papa!!! she knows!
Review: To me there is only one version of The Miracle Worker and this is it! This is a brilliant film with a cast that is more than just impressive. Patty Duke as Hellen Keller is the best that the screen has very seen and Ann Bancroft as Anna is super remarkable and gives a few light moments to this very heavy drama. This film will tug at every emotion and if you don't cry out of happyness at the end of this film (papa she knows) there is something wrong with you. Also note that this film is in beautiful black and white which adds so much to the film and please don't forget the wonderful background music score. It will give you chills.
Rating:
Summary: The Miracle Worker
Review: A blaze of action and unexpected surprises! A unique presentation of how a deaf and blind child is forced into finding her way out of that void.
A true story, and one that shook the world's ideas of the handicapped. Anne Bancroft is upstaged by her problem pupil, and accompanied by a handful of actors whose performances are also superb!
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