The Miracle Worker

A remarkable journey of communication and understanding unfolds as a determined teacher breaks through a young girl's silence.

Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, harrowing, and emotionally honest drama elevated by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke's extraordinary performances, while noting that its prolonged physical confrontations can become exhausting.

• Helen's education depends on tactile spelling, disciplined repetition, and translating gestures into shared meaning.
• Annie challenges the Keller family's permissiveness and uses rigorous routines to teach Helen independence.
• Patty Duke's frantic gestures and Anne Bancroft's athletic confrontations externalize Helen's confusion and Annie's determination.
• The plot contrasts the threat of institutionalization with the Perkins Institute's belief that Helen can be taught to communicate.

• My Left Footshared biographical drama, teacher student relationship, emotional intensity, and acclaimed central performances
• The Theory of Everythingshared historical drama, disability representation, educational struggle, and deeply committed acting
• Mr. Holland's Opusshared inspirational drama, mentorship, institutional obstacles, and restrained emotional uplift
• Doubtshared stage-derived drama, adversarial relationships, verbal and physical confrontation, and powerful performances

Director

Arthur Penn

Release Date

1962-05-23

Runtime

106 min

Rating

7.9 / 10 (362)

What is The Miracle Worker about?

A fiercely physical teacher-student drama about Annie Sullivan’s determined effort to give Helen Keller a language and a life beyond institutionalization.

What is The Miracle Worker like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Miracle Worker as measured, its intensity as extreme and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Miracle Worker violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Miracle Worker as moderate.

What did critics think of The Miracle Worker?

Critics broadly regard the film as a powerful, harrowing, and emotionally honest drama elevated by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke's extraordinary performances, while noting that its prolonged physical confrontations can become exhausting.

Which films are like The Miracle Worker?

Films with a similar feel include My Left Foot, The Theory of Everything, Mr. Holland's Opus, and Doubt.

How long is The Miracle Worker?

The Miracle Worker runs 106 minutes.

Where can I watch The Miracle Worker?

In United States, The Miracle Worker streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, YouTube Free, ScreenPix Apple TV channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, ScreenPix Amazon Channel , Tubi TV.