Theatrical Release: July 28, 1962
Director Arthur Penn first filmed a television play of THE MIRACLE WORKER (starring Teresa Wright and Patty McCormack), which aired in 1957.
The Broadway version of THE MIRACLE WORKER opened on October 19, 1959 at the Playhouse Theatre.
Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, who reprised their roles for the 1962 film, both won Academy Awards for their acclaimed performances.
At only sixteen years old, Duke became the youngest recipient of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar up to that point.
The exteriors of the film were actually shot in New Jersey, not Alabama, where the film is supposedly set.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 1.66
Single Side - Single Layer
Audio:
Dolby Digital Mono - Spanish
Dolby Digital Stereo - English, French
Additional Release Material:
Trailers
The true story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, THE MIRACLE WORKER is a gripping and inspiring story of the battle to overcome impossible obstacles and the struggle to communicate. As a young girl, Helen Keller (a brilliant Patty Duke) is stricken with scarlet fever. The illness leaves her blind, mute, and deaf. Sealed off from the world, Helen cannot communicate with anyone, nor anyone with her. Often frustrated and desperate, Helen flies into uncontrollable rages and tantrums that terrify her hopeless family. The gifted teacher Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) comes to help the little girl understand the world from which she is isolated, freeing Helen Keller from her internal prison forever. Under Arthur Penn's controlled direction, Bancroft and Duke deliver unforgettable, flawless performances. The screenplay for THE MIRACLE WORKER was written by William Gibson, who also wrote the book.