Watch A Child Is Waiting

A Child is Waiting is a 1963 drama movie, directed by John Cassavetes and featuring an ensemble cast consisting of Burt Lancaster, Judy Garland, and Gena Rowlands. The movie tells the story of a young boy named Reuben, who is sent to a school for mentally challenged children, only to find himself struggling to fit in and form relationships with both peers and adults alike.

Lancaster plays Dr. Matthew Clark, the director of the school, who is determined to provide the best possible care for his students despite the challenges he faces from staff members and parents. Garland plays Jean Hansen, a music therapist who forms a special bond with Reuben and works to help him find his place within the school community. Rowlands plays Dr. Clark's assistant, who is constantly at odds with him over how to best serve the children and their families.

The movie is set in the 1960s in a period where people with mental disabilities are often excluded from society and considered outcasts. The film focuses on Reuben, a boy with a diagnosis of Down syndrome, who struggles to find acceptance in the world around him. As he arrives at the school, Reuben is met with a wide range of challenges from both his peers and the staff members who care for him, who seem to struggle with their own limitations of understanding and patience.

Dr. Clark, played by Lancaster, is the stalwart leader of the school, who believes in the power of education and therapy to help Reuben and his classmates develop to their full potential. Despite his best efforts, he struggles to maintain order within the school, as parents and staff members alike seek to have their way with how the school is run.

Garland's character, Jean Hansen, plays a crucial role in helping Reuben find his place in the school. Jean's expertise as a music therapist helps her connect with Reuben through music, leading him to gain a sense of accomplishment and ultimately to develop increased confidence and self-esteem.

The movie portrays the frustrations that both staff and parents face in the quest to understand and care for children with mental disabilities. Staff members find themselves at odds with each other and with parents who may harbor unrealistic expectations for their children's care. Dr. Clark's assistant (Gena Rowlands) pushes him to take a more hands-on approach in the classroom, while Jean finds herself questioning whether her relationship with Reuben may be bordering on personal conscience.

Despite the challenges presented in the film, ultimately, the message is one of hope and growth. The children in the school are shown to be capable of learning and improving, given the right kind of care and attention. Both the staff and the parents begin to learn about the unique needs of their charges, and the school ultimately comes together to provide the best possible care for the children.

Overall, A Child is Waiting is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores themes of acceptance, compassion, and growth. The strong performances from a talented cast, including Burt Lancaster, Judy Garland, and Gena Rowlands, help make the film a classic that stands the test of time. It is a movie that leaves a lasting impression on its audience, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in the art of storytelling and the power of film to move and inspire.