The Miracle Worker

One may wonder why this redo was necessary, but in 1979 we were still a few years away from videocassette rentals and Turner Classic Movies. In order to see Arthur Penn's version of "The Miracle Worker", one had to wait until a local television station picked it up for airing. That being said, this color adaptation of William Gibson's play by the author doesn't draw viewers in like the original did. The performances aren't luminous, there's nothing for us to discover for ourselves--it's too straightforward, too "television". The location of the Kellers' Southern home seems wrong, the color photography is ugly (save for the opening scene, which has a nice look), and the movie drags its feet for the first 20mns or so. The family asides with Captain Keller, his wife and son, housekeeper and newborn baby were the weakest link in Arthur Penn's original, and the characters fare no better here. Duke Astin, as well, takes some time adjusting to her role; her Irish brogue is odd, her look is disheveled and, at times, she seems to be doing an impersonation of Anne Bancroft! "Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert initiated the project, with herself cast as a very lanky Helen Keller; she's fine, and she helps makes the finale work, but there's no real reason to watch this version when the original is now readily available. Five Emmy nominations with three wins, in what must have been a slow year. ** from ****

This was a very good movie. Helen was played very well. This movie helps people not take things for granted. It is an incredible story of how anyone is capable of doing anything. Annie was also played very well. She taught Helen many things. The closing scene when Helen realizes that everything has a name is very moving. The love shown between Annie and Helen was really an awesome thing.

I really loved this film, and miss seeing it. It would be wonderful to see it on television and on video. While I agree that Melissa's hair may have been a bit too long, it certainly accentuated the wild look Helen must have had, especially when she struggled against Annie.

It's easy to make comparisons between originals and remakes. I've done it. But, in all fairness, a remake should be viewed with as open a mind as possible. Patty and Melissa both showed great strength and endurance in the "wrestling" scenes. It couldn't have been easy. Anyway, I have always loved the story of Helen Keller, and try not to miss an opportunity to see anything about her. Please try to bring it back, for us. Thanks.

Just finally got a copy of this on VHS off eBay. Been trying for years. Missed it the first time around and have never seen it listed in the TV guide since. Great to see Miss Duke-Astin return to this role. What a great idea in casting! Understand Melissa Gilbert put the project together so showcase her talents and she does that quite well. Although I do find a little more humor in Miss Duke-Astin's performance (more from facial expressions)I find it very believable and proves what an actress she can be when she wants to be. The supporting cast is well chosen and performs well and this is the perfect companion piece to the original.

It was not easy to redo "the miracle worker" after Arthur Penn's masterpiece featuring Anne Bancroft's and Pattie Duke's oscar-winning outstanding performances .

It's amazing to see Duke play the teacher ;her performance is inspired and influenced by that of the great Bancroft ,but who could be better than her in a play she knows so well for having performed it on stage and on screen?Duke really rises to the occasion.

Except for the last scene at dusk , the color version is faithful to its model; in the supporting part ,Diana Muldaur is particularly good as the imploring mom,who does not understand she poisons her daughter with protection and that Helen does not need any pity.Annie's visions of her appalling past were more impressive in the black and white version ,but the color MTV work does Helen and her teacher justice.