The Miracle Worker is a 1962 American biographical film directed by Arthur Penn available on DVD. The screenplay by William Gibson is based on his 1959 play of the same title, which originated as a 1957 broadcast of the television anthology series Playhouse 90. Gibson's o­riginal source material was The Story of My Life, the 1902 autobiography of Helen Keller.

Starring in what is quite possibly the most moving double performance ever recorded on film (Time), Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke are remarkable in their Oscar winning portrayals of Annie and Helen. Ennobling and uplifting (Variety), this inspirational story of courage and hope is one of the finest works of art in the history of motion pictures (Boxoffice). Locked in a frightening, lonely world of silence and darkness since infancy, 7-year-old Helen Keller has never seen the sky, heard her mothers voice or expressed her innermost feelings. Then Annie Sullivan, a 20-year-old teacher from Boston, arrives. Having just recently regained her own sight, the no-nonsense Annie reaches out to Helen through the power of touch the only tool they have in common and leads her bold pupil on a miraculous journey from fear and isolation to happiness and light.

COVER ARTWORK NOT FINAL

Awards

• Won Oscar Best Actress in a Leading Role Anne Bancroft (Academy Awards, USA 1963)
• Won Oscar Best Actress in a Supporting Role Patty Duke (Academy Awards, USA 1963)
• Nominated Golden Globe Best Motion Picture – Drama (Golden Globes, USA 1963)
• 9 other wins and 8 other nominations

The Miracle Worker Movie Reviews

“Where the picture really excels, outside of its inherent story values, is in the realm of photographic technique.” Variety

“It's a stunningly impressive piece of work, typically (for Penn) deriving much of its power from the performances.” Time Out

“The eight-minute sequence featuring a physical fight between Bancroft and Duke as the teacher attempts to teach the pupil some manners stands as one of the most electrifying and honest ever committed to film.” TV Guide's Movie Guide