The Miracle Worker (1979 film)


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 originated as a 1957 broadcast of the television anthology series Playhouse 90. Gibson's original source material was The Story of My Life, the 1903 autobiography of Helen Keller. The play was adapted for the screen before, in 1962.
The film is based on the life of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan's struggles to teaching her. It starred Patty Duke as Annie Sullivan and Melissa Gilbert as Helen Keller. It produced a TV sequel, in 1984.

Plot

Young Helen Keller, blind, deaf, and mute since infancy, is in danger of being sent to an institution. Her inability to communicate has left her frustrated and violent. In desperation, her parents seek help from the Perkins Institute, which sends them a "half-blind Yankee schoolgirl" named Annie Sullivan to tutor their daughter. Through persistence and love, and sheer stubbornness, Annie breaks through Helen's walls of silence and darkness and teaches her to communicate.

Cast

Melissa Gilbert heavily campaigned Meredith Baxter to play the role of Anne Sullivan.
British actress, Lynne Frederick, had expressed interest playing Anne Sullivan. Despite Frederick’s lengthy and accomplished body of work, the producers deemed her to be a bit too young and beautiful for the part.