The Miracle Worker (1962)
Puff's Score
88/100 (We aren't professional critics - just movie lovers!)
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Wider Scores
IMDb: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Metacritic: 83%
This is a good one!
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Who's in it?
Anne Bancroft, Patty Duke
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Genre
Biography, Drama
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What's it about?
The true story of Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl, and the fierce teacher Annie Sullivan who helps her break through isolation and learn to communicate.
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Puff's Take
This one’s definitely a departure from our usual hunt for pure entertainment. The Miracle Worker isn’t “entertaining” in the casual sense - it’s powerful, emotional, and guaranteed to stay with you long after the credits roll. We always say we’re not trained critics, but the acting masterclass on display here is impossible to ignore.
The story is straightforward but deeply moving: set in the late 1800s, young Helen Keller (Duke) - deaf, blind, and mute... is given a last-chance effort at connection through the help of Annie Sullivan (Bancroft), a determined teacher who refuses to give up. What follows is a relentless and raw battle to break through barriers most of us can’t imagine.
The performances are unforgettable. Duke and Bancroft deliver scenes so real and intense they’ll genuinely take your breath away. Knowing this is based on true events only makes it hit harder.
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Did You Know? – 5 Fresh Facts About The Miracle Worker
1. Oscar-winning performances
Both Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke won Academy Awards for their roles. Bancroft for Best Actress and Duke for Best Supporting Actress. Duke was just 16 at the time!
2. They brought the stage to the screen
The film is based on the play by William Gibson, and both Bancroft and Duke had already played their roles on Broadway before reprising them for the movie.
3. That dining room scene? Intense!
The intense 9-minute scene where Annie tries to teach Helen table manners took five days to film and left both actresses physically exhausted and bruised.
4. Helen Keller met Patty Duke
Before filming, Patty Duke had the chance to meet the real Helen Keller. She said the encounter left a lasting impression and helped her better understand the role.
5. The director wanted it raw and real
Arthur Penn, who also directed the stage version, insisted on keeping the film in black and white to maintain a stark, emotional tone - and to avoid glamorizing the story.
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Where to Watch?
You can find The Miracle Worker (1962) streaming options here on JustWatch.