The Miracle Worker | Rotten Tomatoes

The Miracle Worker

Released Jul 28, 1962

1h 46m

Biography

Drama

List

96%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

88%

Audience Score

5,000+ Ratings

Blind and deaf after suffering a terrible fever as a baby, young Helen Keller (Patty Duke) has spent years unable to communicate, leaving her frustrated and occasionally violent. As a last chance before she is institutionalized, her parents (Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine) contact a school for the blind, which sends half-blind Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) to teach Helen. Helen is initially resistant, but Annie gradually forms a bond with her and shows Helen ways of reaching others.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Outstanding movie based on life of Helen Keller.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

Nick Pinkerton

Village Voice

The centerpiece is a one-room, nine-minute war of attrition, as a tutor (Anne Bancroft) imposes table manners on her feral charge (Patty Duke). It's a heaving, shin-cracking donnybrook, done with complete commitment.

Nov 12, 2008

Full Review

Variety

Where the picture really excels, outside of its inherent story values, is in the realm of photographic technique.

Oct 18, 2008

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

This is a work that's raw, uncomfortable, and in-your-face.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 19, 2021

Full Review

Janet Graves

Photoplay

Simple, powerful, unsentimental, this version of the stage hit is a real movie.

Dec 15, 2020

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

Based on the biography of tutor Anne Sullivan and her famous case study with Helen Keller, Penn's film has stupendous portrayals of Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, but it only moves me to a minimum. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Jul 25, 2020

Full Review

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Dayna P

Several streaming services such as Tubi offer “The Miracle Worker" which was directed by Arthur Penn. The film is roughly an hour and 46 minutes long. It tells an incredible true story about deaf and blind Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. Set in the 19th century, the film expresses Annie’s unwavering determination to help through Helen’s isolation. In addition, she teaches her how to communicate in society which transforms both of their lives. The essence of Annie Sullivan's perseverance and commitment to her students' education is captured by Anne Bancroft, who plays Helen's teacher. She continues to work toward realizing Helen's potential while having to overcome obstacles of her own and confronting resistance from Helen and her family on her approaches. Bancroft's background in both theater and movies, including "The Elephant Man" and "Jesus of Nazareth," lends credibility to her performance. In addition, Patty Duke, who portrayed Helen Keller, provides the part of a young girl who is blind and deaf understanding and sensitivity. Duke gives a strong performance, despite the challenges of playing a deaf and blind girl.She shines light on individuals who face profound sensory challenges by capturing their frustration, resistance, and triumph through Helen’s journey. The director of "The Miracle Worker," Arthur Penn, skillfully weighs the benefits and drawbacks of Helen and Annie's friendship. The water pump scene, in which Annie addresses Helen and promotes in her the value of words, is one of the most remarkable. This is demonstrated by Penn's outstanding direction of this important scene. The physical interactions between Annie and Helen are carefully planned by him, adding to the scene's drama and intensity. Penn skillfully portrays the actor's inner pain by creating a sense of isolation through careful framing and composition. Throughout his career, he has directed several well-known movies, including "Bonnie and Clyde." A similar approach is applied in "The Miracle Worker," although in another setting. While "Bonnie and Clyde" centers on themes of criminality and rebellion in Depression-era America, "The Miracle Worker" explores the idea of human connection and personal triumph in the face of hardship. Both movies demonstrate difficult connections and the transforming potential of human interaction, despite their different themes. Penn confirms his status as an original filmmaker by giving both movies greater depth, realism, and tragedy. Through his skill in visual language, he achieves a balance between reality and drama. The production design of "The Miracle Worker" pays close attention to detail, which enhances the characters' emotional journey. In addition to taking viewers back in time to the 19th century, the peaceful and vivid surroundings reflect Annie and Helen's internal conflicts and outside challenges. The great contrasts, for example, between the beautiful interiors of the Keller home and the natural surroundings represent the obstacles Annie must face to get to Helen. Also, to help her into a world of knowledge and communication. In addition, the era's clothing' authenticity helps viewers get even more engaged in the historical setting and connect with the characters and their experiences. Laurence Rosenthal's composition for "The Miracle Worker" is just as important in enhancing the film's emotional impact as the production design. Alongside capturing the atmosphere of the late 19th century, Rosenthal's stirring songs also provide an emotional context for Annie and Helen's successes and struggles. The emotional depth of the characters' connections is highlighted by the music, which also heightens the tension during important moments. Rosenthal's music elevates the story and gives Annie and Helen's incredible journey additional depth and emotion by combining themes of enthusiasm, persistence, and change. "The Miracle Worker" is a strong and motivational movie that has a profound effect on viewers. In their respective parts as Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke give outstanding performances that are genuine and refined. Their relationship on film is passionate, capturing audiences in the characters' emotional journey. Although Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft give excellent performances as Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, several reviewers have pointed out instances in which the emotional depth seems a little forced or exaggerated. This can take away from the authenticity of the scenes. Arthur Penn's directing is outstanding, he sympathetically and precisely leads the audience through the highs and lows of Annie and Helen's relationship. The late 19th-century setting is faithfully portrayed by the era's clothing and production design, drawing viewers into the world of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. The protagonists' emotional journey is richly framed by the rural yet fascinating landscapes. The soundtrack by Laurence Rosenthal masterfully accompanies the story, heightening the emotional effect of pivotal moments and giving Annie and Helen's story a greater depth. All ages are captivated with "The Miracle Worker" because of its engaging performances and scenery. Overall “The Miracle Worker” brings awareness to individuals who are either deaf or blind, and the challenges they have to face to fit in with society.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/09/24

Full Review

Harry H

The indomitable Ann Sullivan (Bancroft) goes up against the feral Helen Keller (Patty Duke)! I love movies like this and even more because it's based on fact! Duke and Bancroft deserve their Oscars, but Victor Jory as Helen's father was just perfect as the post Civil war father, Tough, gritty and touching and that it was shot in black and white is no accident! Gotta love the great, realistic fight scene in the dining room! A passionate movie about the capabilities of humans! Remarkable.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/12/23

Full Review

ERF

Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft give two of the most incredible acting performances of all time. An amazing story of courage and tenacity in the face of insurmountable odds.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Emily H

I watched The Miracle Worker 1962 movie on Tubi with my older sister Carly and my mother. I'm a big fan of The Miracle Worker and every other movie and TV show. I have screen-recordings of 2 scenes from The Miracle Worker that I love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/08/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Way overrated…and over acting

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

Full Review

Paula T

Very touching. The acting is superb. Just wish it was in color.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/21

Full Review

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Arthur Penn

Director

Anne Bancroft

Annie Sullivan

Patty Duke

Helen Keller

Victor Jory

Captain Arthur Keller

Inga Swenson

Kate Keller

Andrew Prine

James Keller

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The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - It Has a Name

2:16

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - Let's Play a Game

3:50

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - Helen's First Lesson

2:10

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - She Knows!

3:34

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - Helen Kisses Annie Goodnight

1:48

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - Annie Is Reminded of Her Past

2:13

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - I Want Complete Charge

2:07

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - She Wants to Talk Like You and Me

1:41

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - Helen's Table Manners

2:09

The Miracle Worker: Official Clip - She Can't See or Hear

1:45

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Synopsis

Blind and deaf after suffering a terrible fever as a baby, young Helen Keller (Patty Duke) has spent years unable to communicate, leaving her frustrated and occasionally violent. As a last chance before she is institutionalized, her parents (Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine) contact a school for the blind, which sends half-blind Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) to teach Helen. Helen is initially resistant, but Annie gradually forms a bond with her and shows Helen ways of reaching others.

Director: Arthur Penn
Producer: Fred Coe
Screenwriter: William Gibson, William Gibson, Helen Keller
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp., United Artists
Production Co: Playfilm Productions
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 28, 1962, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 24, 2010
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Mono

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