The Miracle Worker - 1962 and 1979

If you have never seen this film, I highly suggest you do so.  The story revolves around the awareness of the world that Helen Keller discovers thanks to the efforts of the "Miracle Worker" Annie Sullivan who would carry the name (not title) Teacher for the remainder of her life.

The 1962 version stars Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan and Patty Duke as Helen Keller.  In the 1979 version Patty Duke appears as Annie Sullivan and Melissa Gilbert has the role of Helen Keller.  Both versions are outstanding.  The '62 film was not the first nor was the '79 film the last, though these are my favorites and I have the '62 version on DVD.

The screenplay is based on a part of Helen Keller's autobiography The Story of My Life, a book I've read several times.  Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing while still an infant when she contracted a high fever (probably Scarlett Fever) and went into convulsions.  She was pretty much given to do as she pleased and had become such a wild child with no understanding (probably) of anything outside her closed off world.  That is until Annie Sullivan stepped in and took over.  After just a few weeks of working with Helen there was a sudden breakthrough at the water pump, and the world suddenly filled with understanding for this child who knew only darkness and silence.

The story of Helen Keller has always touched me.  I can't remember the first time I saw the film but I do watch it every time it is on.  In just about every form.  Helen is one of my heroes, because she broke through the barriers and showed the world that nothing is impossible.  Annie Sullivan, too, is a hero of mine, as she is the symbol of not just strenght... but the determination of never giving up on anyone or anything.

Though there is probably a lot of trivia about this movie, the one piece that I will share with you here (and yes I found it at IMDB) is that Patty Duke won the Oscar for her role as Helen Keller for the 1962 film version and she won the Emmy for her role as Annie Sullivan for the 1979 made for TV movie.