Synopsis:
Helen Keller is isolated from the world. Struck down at a young age by scarlet fever, Helen cannot see, she cannot speak, she cannot hear. Her total inability to communicate sends her into wild, uncontrolled tantrums. Some people claim she is mentally ill and cannot be helped. Her own family doesn't know what to do to help their little girl. They suffer over Helen's unimaginable condition, but are slowly accepting it as permanent. But one day gifted teacher Annie Sullivan arrives to help Helen escape her prison.

Notes:
Theatrical Release: July 28, 1962 Director Arthur Penn first filmed a television play of THE MIRACLE WORKER (starring Teresa Wright and Patty McCormack), which aired in 1957. The Broadway version of THE MIRACLE WORKER opened on October 19, 1959 at the Playhouse Theatre. Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, who reprised their roles for the 1962 film, both won Academy Awards for their acclaimed performances. At only sixteen years old, Duke became the youngest recipient of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar up to that point. The exteriors of the film were actually shot in New Jersey, not Alabama, where the film is supposedly set.