The Miracle Worker (1979)

The Miracle Worker is a 1979 American made-for-television biographical film based on the 1959 play of the same title by William Gibson, which tells the story Annie Sullivan first met with famous blind and deaf girl, Helen Keller.

Summary
Devoted teacher, Anne Sullivan, leads deaf and blind Helen Keller into the light of learnedness.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The acting is spot-on, especially from Patty Duke as Annie Sullivan and Melissa Gilbert as Helen Keller.
 * 2) Accurately depicts how Annie Sullivan left a big impact/effect on Helen’s life after the two had met.
 * 3) Excellent character and story-development.
 * 4) The ending is quite heartwarming as Helen finally begins to learn her surroundings after coming into contact with water, satisfying Annie and her family along with being able to properly spell out things via sign language.
 * 5) Memorable and well-executed, like the scenes where Annie is teaching Helen sign language or the scene where Helen is being difficult at the breakfast table.
 * 6) Nice cinematography that’s very easy on the eyes.
 * 7) A nice depiction of a rural area where the real Helen Keller grew up in.

Bad Quality

 * 1) While a great performance, Melissa Gilbert appeared slightly too old to play the role of Helen Keller (who was meant to be 8-years-old at the time).

Trivia

 * Patty Duke, who plays Annie Sullivan in this film, had also played Helen Keller in the 1961 version.