The Miracle Worker

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Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft had been playing their respective roles as Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, on Broadway for some time before director Arthur Penn (The Left-Handed Gun) built a mesmerizingly beautiful film around their layers-deep performances. Duke is astonishing as the deaf, blind, mute Keller, who awakens to an awareness of language under Sullivan's determined guidance. Bancroft is fascinating and focused. Penn wisely kept his adaptation unencumbered by cinematic indulgence. The black-and-white film is sparse and charged with the immediacy of the drama. The script is by William Gibson, who also wrote the original play. --Tom Keogh

Description

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 OscarÂ(r)-winning* portrayalsof Annie and Helen. Ennobling and uplifting (Variety), this inspirational story of courageand 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 mother's voice or expressed her innermost feelings. ThenAnnie 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 touchthe only tool they have in commonand leads her bold pupil on a miraculous journey from fear and isolation to happiness and light. *1962: Actress (Bancroft); Supporting Actress (Duke)

Customer Reviews:

The Miracle Worker.......2007-08-20

This dvd is a depiction of Helen Keller's early years with her family and new teacher Annie Sullivan and the struggles they all faced in trying to deal with Helen's blindness and deafness. It is a story of a strong will, love and perseverance which ended with most positive results.

Bancroft Dukes it out to perform miracle acting job!.......2007-08-15

This has got to be an all time classic based on the true life of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. The last time I saw this film, I was a young boy; but I never forgot the story of Helen Keller, her obstacles and how she overcame them with the help of a determined teacher; Anne Sullivan.

The film sends a great message to all of us saying that no matter how bad our hand may be that life gives us, there is nothing the human spirit can't overcome, if we simply don't quit. Helen was born blind and deaf. Her parents didn't know how to reach her or teach her; so she grew up in the dark world of her mind. This was so until a teacher, whose own past was a nightmare to overcome, enters her life to try and bring the light of knowledge and reason into young Helen's dark world.

The interplay between Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke is simply Academy Award Winning acting in my book, which this film got; as the two actresses strive to bring forward a well written script sumarizing the war it took to bring light into Helen's mind and who went to become a brilliant teacher in her own right.

This is a great film for the entire family and a very spiritually uplifting film when it comes to the battles we all face in life. If you think you have problems in your own life, this story will either make you think you are not alone or will make you think your troubles are small next to what Helen Keller had to overcome.

Fantastic Movie.......2007-08-05

I like this movie. It deserves to be seen by all age groups. Hope to see part 2 of that real great story.

The picture fooled me........2007-06-27

I guess I was expecting a colorized version of the movie because of the picture displayed. I guess I'll pay attention next time, however the movie is the one I wanted.

A Must-See for EVERYONE!.......2007-05-23

And that's no exaggeration. The Miracle Worker has everything you could possibly want in a movie and more. The powerful ending scene is as beautiful as it is gut-wrenching; poignant doesn't even begin to describe it.

As for the extras, there's really only one worth mentioning, and that is the original theatrical trailer. I enjoyed watching it because it gives you a glimpse into the past and shows you that although movie trailers were originally quite simple, they gave the audience so much and made them want to run out and see it.

Watch this movie with your family and I'm sure you will all cherish it for years to come.

Average customer rating:

Cheesy
A reading of Hellen Keller's book is recommended
An excellent movie!
To ALL parents who are finding it difficult to discipline their child.
It would take a miracle to watch this version

The Miracle Worker
Starring: Hallie Kate Eisenberg , Alison Elliott , David Strathairn , Lucas Black (II) , and Kate Greenhouse
Director: Nadia Tass
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000059XV6
Release Date: 2001-05-08

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Fans of "Pepsi Girl" Hallie Kate Eisenberg will find her scarcely recognizable as the silent, sullen young Helen Keller. Blind, deaf, and mute, Helen is unable to communicate with her family except through temper tantrums. She is allowed to eat with her hands, tear buttons off the clothes of others, and even knock over the baby's cradle. She is barely pacified with candy and headed toward institutionalization when Annie Sullivan enters her life. Plagued with vision problems of her own and orphaned at a young age, Sullivan has the right mix of steeliness and empathy to turn her young student's behavior around and teach her language. Allison Elliot (The Spitfire Grill) disappears into the role of the teacher whose job is made tougher by Helen's imperious plantation-owner father (David Strathairn) and soft-centered mother when they doubt her authority and challenge her methods. This Disney television remake of the Oscar-winning 1962 original--based on William Gibson's play--lacks some of the emotional impact of its predecessor, especially in the climactic pump scene. Eisenberg often seems a little stiff as the wildcat Helen, but Elliott and the able supporting cast make this 88-minute update worthwhile. Ages 7 and up. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Description

This contemporary version of the classic true story stars the acclaimed talents of Hallie Kate Eisenberg (THE INSIDER, BEAUTIFUL, and BICENTENNIAL MAN) as Helen Keller, and Alison Elliot (THE SPITFIRE GRILL, THE WINGS OF THE DOVE) as Annie Sullivan. Helen, who has been unable to speak, hear, or see since childhood, is increasingly difficult to educate, and her parents find Annie Sullivan. Although she is new to teaching, it is through Annie's strong will and unshakable faith that Helen discovers how to survive and thrive in the world through the eyes and ears of others. Your family will love this story of these remarkable American women.

Customer Reviews:

Cheesy .......2007-03-09

You've gotta hand it to Disney -- they Disneyfie everything they do! Most of the time that's a good thing, but not so much in the case of this movie. The old one starring Patty Duke was much better in the respect of cast. Everyone CLASHED -- and that was a GOOD thing because it was half the conflict, which is a vital ellement in any movie. Also, Patty Duke was a Helen with a broader range of emotion. This new one is 1)Blank, or 2)Sour. And Lucas Black as James?! I like him, but he was NOT the guy for the role. I much prefer the sarcastic, withdrawn, hurting young man in the 1960's movie. He wanted to be loved and accepted for himself, but was much too proud to stoop to whining or openly pointing out his father's favoritism. Yes, these new characters are definately modulated. And, to me, downright bland. Helen's longing for knowledge was better depicted in the old movie, as well as Annie's restless yearning to impart it to her.

A reading of Hellen Keller's book is recommended.......2007-02-14

Having recently seen the 1962 version, I have not yet forced myself to see all of this production, which seems inferior so far. I agree with another customer that remakes can be better than originals, but I do not think that this remake is. There is a remarkable performance by the girl playing Helen Keller, but otherwise the acting does not seem as strong. This movie is both in color and very colorful, which distinctly seems the wrong cinematic choice. For either version, however, a reading of Hellen Keller's own book, _The Story of My Life_, will help explain what the movie attempts to dramatize, especially the final scene at the water pump.

An excellent movie!.......2007-02-11

It keeps you captured from the beginning to the end. THe actors really make this movie. You can feel the frustrations that Helen has with her handicaps and how Anne deals with her is just what she needed.

To ALL parents who are finding it difficult to discipline their child........2007-01-28

Because the child comes from their womb, many mothers find it hard to discipline their child. Here is the greatest movie about raising a child. It is universal in that it is a manual of how to raise all children. I should know, I am a teacher. We usually have about 198 students to discipline daily (6 classes of 33 children each). I also teach at a school for the visually impaired. In the interest of all children, please watch this movie. It is such a great movie.

It would take a miracle to watch this version.......2006-10-31

I have never been opposed to remakes and can think of several good ones off the top of my head such as Mighty Joe Young, King Kong, Poseidon, and Freaky Friday, but this Disney remake is so awful it defies adequate words. The acting is stiff and although the cast is well-known, the acting, except for Lucas Black as James, is wooden at best and self-conscious at worst. The pacing is off and much is due to the "reworking" of the dialogue. A successful two hour play and film was cut to a mere 88 minutes. It would have been better to cut the whole idea of remaking this film.

There was a clever and very well-acted remake back in the 70's with Melissa Gilbert from "Little House on the Prairie" as Helen and Patty Duke as Annie Sullivan. That was truely inspired casting especially as Melissa was a well-established and respected child actress and Patty Duke was the original Helen in the 1962 award-winning classic. That was a much more satisfying remake than Disney's most recent effort which doesn't appear as an effort at all.

Average customer rating:

What A Pleasant Surprise!
Hope Springs Eternal
Cheers the Spirit
:(
One of the best films ever!

The Maldonado Miracle
Starring: Peter Fonda , Mare Winningham , Rubén Blades , Eddy Martin , and Bill Sage
Director: Salma Hayek
Manufacturer: Showtime Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001AP0MW
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Description

This inspirational movie by first-time director and Academy Award® nominee Salma Hayek, tells the story of a spiritually and financially bankrupt town in need of hope until one day a young boy gives them something to believe in. The Maldonado Miracle is an uplifting family movie with extraordinary performances by Academy Award® nominees, Peter Fonda and Mare Winningham and Emmy® Award nominee Ruben Blades.

Customer Reviews:

What A Pleasant Surprise!.......2006-02-19

I just watched this tonight with a little trepidation,wondering if it was just another "Miracle Of Marcellino",which is another great movie,by the way,that also involves a Christ on A Cross. Imagine my surprise to find this is a completely different story,and yet so good I must own it as well. I was completely draw into the characters and the story,and I was also very happy with the music and songs,especially the song at the beginning and the one the boy Jose sings is beautiful. I am always delighted as a Christian to find an inoffensive movie that is not only "safe" viewing for the family,but high quality and great entertainment as well,as admittedly many movies with a Christian theme, such as the Left Behind ones are soooo bad! I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in this.

Hope Springs Eternal.......2005-08-05

"The Maldonado Miracle" is the story of a small and sleepy former mining town coming back to life, demonstrating how oftentimes people fail to see what's right in front of them. This is Salma Hayek's directorial debut, and I look forward to seeing more of her work. Peter Fonda is Father Russell, who is at a turning point in his life, as are most of the other major players. The relationship between bar owner Cruz (Ruben Blades) and coffee shop owner Maisie (Mare Winningham) is especially charming. The essential plot revolves around a young boy (Eddy Martin) in search of his father, hiding in the church with his dog. I'm keeping this information cryptic so as not to provide any spoilers. Suffice it to say that this portrayal is well done, with fine actors and the occasional surprise humor. It won't change your life, but it may uplift an evening.

Cheers the Spirit.......2005-03-09

Salma Hayak's freshman directorial attempt is an entertaining film. She comments in the DVD feature interview that it is difficult for women directors in Hollywood because it is a male-dominated profession. However, this effort shows promise. She also talks about how she searched to find Eddy Martin who plays Jose. In his only screen role to date, Eddy does a fine job as the young boy who illegally crosses the border, befriended only by his dog, into a different American world. Peter Fonda was first nominated for an Oscar as a screenwriter for "Easy Rider" in 1969. It wasn't until his nomination for best actor in 1997 as the beekeeper in "Ulee's Gold" that his minimalist acting style was recognized for the intensity it generates on screen. As Father Russell, he is a quiet brooding priest, about at a crisis of faith, who shepherds the small struggling church in San Ramos. His performance is adept as in the scene where he faces reporters who want to know if there were a miracle. Father Russell isn't sure and we see all the levels of conflict flash across Fonda's face as he considers what he believes, what he knows & what he should be saying. Mare Winningham was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for "Georgia" in 1995. As the diner proprietor Maisie, she shows great tenderness to the little boy Jose, attraction for Cruz, and secret unhappiness. Panamanian singer/actor Ruben Blades who was in "The Cradle Will Rock" and James Redford's (Robert's son) freshman directorial film "Spin," does a nice job as the town local who has feelings for Maisie. Soledad St. Hilaire was in "Real Women Have Curves" and does an outstanding job here as Josephina who discovers the miracle and embellishes it. Father Russell has an assistant, Brother Amos, played by Scott Michael Thomas who was in "Hart's War" with Colin Farrell & Bruce Willis and also in "Flight of the Phoenix." He does a nice job as the novice whose hopeful attitude is one that the town lacks. My other favorite in this cast was Bill Sage who plays Lyle, married to the town beautician with a 10-year childless marriage. Sage was in "American Psycho" and has a new sci-fi pic "The Girl from Monday" coming out this year. He does an excellent job showing all the levels from blue collar beer-drinking sports enthusiast, negative down-in-the-mouth guy with an attitude, to loving prospective father as he and wife Stella have their own little miracle. Although his will be an unheralded role, he delivers an excellent performance. His wife Stella is played by Christina Cabot who had a small role in "The Italian Job." Hayak says that the picture is about hope. There is a lack of it in the town until the arrival of Jose. Based on a Theodore Taylor novel, it is a sweet story that cheers the spirit and warms the heart. Enjoy!

:(.......2005-01-23

While the story kept my interest somewhat, I disliked the "message."

*SPOILERS*

If the blood on the crucifix actually turned out to be the boy's blood, the story would have been much better. However, it turned out not to be, and therefore was supposed to be a miracle. At this time, God doesn't work through such miracles, as far as I know, so this was a disappointing movie.

There was also swearing and some immodest clothing.

One of the best films ever!.......2005-01-07

Maldonalo Miracle is entertaining and inspirational - one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time.
Great story, great acting, this movie is truly worth owning.

Average customer rating:

The Miracle Worker
Bancroft Dukes it out to perform miracle acting job!
Fantastic Movie
The picture fooled me.
A Must-See for EVERYONE!

Miracle Worker (1962)
Starring: Anne Bancroft , Victor Jory , Inga Swenson , Andrew Prine , and Kathleen Comegys
Director: Arthur Penn
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: Video
Binding: VHS Tape

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Duke, Patty | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Jory, Victor | ( J ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Prine, Andrew | ( P ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Richards, Beah | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Swenson, Inga | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

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ASIN: 0792842146
Release Date: 1999-08-03

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Customer Reviews:

The Miracle Worker.......2007-08-20

Bancroft Dukes it out to perform miracle acting job!.......2007-08-15

Fantastic Movie.......2007-08-05

I like this movie. It deserves to be seen by all age groups. Hope to see part 2 of that real great story.

The picture fooled me........2007-06-27

I guess I was expecting a colorized version of the movie because of the picture displayed. I guess I'll pay attention next time, however the movie is the one I wanted.

A Must-See for EVERYONE!.......2007-05-23

Average customer rating:

The Miracle Worker
Bancroft Dukes it out to perform miracle acting job!
Fantastic Movie
The picture fooled me.
A Must-See for EVERYONE!

The Miracle Worker [Region 2]
Starring: Anne Bancroft , Victor Jory , Inga Swenson , Andrew Prine , and Kathleen Comegys
Director: Arthur Penn
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001P1BQQ

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Customer Reviews:

The Miracle Worker.......2007-08-20

Bancroft Dukes it out to perform miracle acting job!.......2007-08-15

Fantastic Movie.......2007-08-05

I like this movie. It deserves to be seen by all age groups. Hope to see part 2 of that real great story.

The picture fooled me........2007-06-27

I guess I was expecting a colorized version of the movie because of the picture displayed. I guess I'll pay attention next time, however the movie is the one I wanted.

A Must-See for EVERYONE!.......2007-05-23

Average customer rating:

ABC News 20/20 The Miracle of Audrey

Manufacturer: ABC News
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000QXCP2C
Release Date: 2007-05-17

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Lynn Sherr examines the mystery surrounding 14 year old Audrey Santo, a girl who has been in a coma like state for years. What happens around her seems to defy logic. Her modest home has become a Mecca, where mysterious things are said to happen -- statues that move, pictures that bleed. Thousands believe this teenager is the instrument of God. To many, she is considered a miracle worker, who has the power to heal the sick. This "20/20" show contains the following additional story: No Second Chances

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