Watch The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker is a captivating biopic drama based on the life of Helen Keller, one of the most influential women in modern history. Directed by Paul Aaron, the movie is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name and serves as an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning play by William Gibson. Patty Duke delivers a remarkable performance as Anne Sullivan, a young woman who is hired as a governess by Keller's parents to teach their daughter, who has been blind and deaf since she was a baby. Diana Muldaur and Charles Siebert play the roles of Kate and Arthur Keller respectively, the wealthy and stout-hearted parents of the young Helen.

The movie begins by introducing the audience to Anne Sullivan, who as a child, had been blind for several years. With the help of her mentor, she learned to read and write and graduated from the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. Anne's enthusiasm for teaching others who are visually-impaired is evident as she eagerly accepts the job to teach Helen, despite knowing the challenges ahead of her.

As Anne arrives to meet Helen, viewers feel a sense of foreboding as they learn that Keller is a difficult and demanding child who is prone to violent outbursts. Anne also discovers that her student has developed poor habits and is being indulged by her parents who are unable to cope with her disabilities.

Anne's efforts to communicate with Helen are initially futile, leaving her frustrated and dejected at times. However, she refuses to give up, realizing that Helen's survival and potential are dependent on her. Eventually, Anne's persistence begins to pay off, as Helen begins to understand the connection between language and objects. She begins to make progress, gradually gaining the ability to communicate.

As the story progresses, viewers get to witness the depths of Anne's struggles and the emotional investment she made to teach Keller, leading them to develop a strong emotional bond. The complexity of Keller's learning difficulties and Anne’s innovative techniques to reach through to her mind and teach her vocabulary create an engaging and inspiring storyline.

Patty Duke's portrayal of Anne is a masterclass in acting. Her performance is intense and multifaceted, capturing the character's vulnerability, strength, and determination in equal measure. Diana Muldaur and Charles Siebert also deliver strong and convincing performances as Kate and Arthur Keller, struggling to come to terms with their daughter's disabilities.

The movie's production design was impressive, with costumes, sets, and locations creating an authentic 19th century feel. The use of period music and sound effects also added to the authenticity of the film.

Overall, The Miracle Worker is a timeless classic deserving of its place in cinematic history. The movie is a testament to the human spirit and portrays the power of determination, perseverance, and compassion to effect change in the world. It captures the essence of Helen Keller's remarkable life while paying homage to the inspirational woman who taught her to communicate and gave her a voice in the world.