# The Miracle Worker

> 1962 film by Arthur Penn

**Wikidata**: [Q287536](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q287536)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Miracle_Worker_(1962_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-miracle-worker

## Summary
*The Miracle Worker* is a 1962 film directed by Arthur Penn, based on the 1903 memoir *The Story of My Life* by Helen Keller. The film stars Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as her teacher, Anne Sullivan, and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Duke’s performance. It is a biographical drama that broke barriers for actresses in leading roles and remains a significant work in film history.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 1, 1962
- **Director**: Arthur Penn
- **Starring**: Patty Duke (Helen Keller), Anne Bancroft (Anne Sullivan)
- **Based On**: *The Story of My Life* (1903 memoir by Helen Keller)
- **Genre**: Biographical film, drama film
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Company**: United Artists
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Patty Duke), Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year (Patty Duke), Theatre World Award (Patty Duke)
- **Runtime**: 123 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Box Office**: $12.5 million (gross)
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 96%
- **Metacritic Score**: 7.9/10
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1567059
- **IMDb ID**: tt0056241
- **National Film Registry**: Selected for preservation in the United States Library of Congress
- **Sitelink Count**: 32 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs
**What is *The Miracle Worker* about?**
*The Miracle Worker* is a biographical film based on the memoir *The Story of My Life* by Helen Keller, depicting her life and the transformative relationship between her and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The film explores themes of communication, disability, and personal growth.

**Who directed *The Miracle Worker*?**
The film was directed by Arthur Penn, a renowned filmmaker known for his work in the New Hollywood movement.

**What awards did *The Miracle Worker* win?**
The film won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Patty Duke’s portrayal of Helen Keller. Duke also received a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year and a Theatre World Award.

**Where was *The Miracle Worker* filmed?**
The film was primarily shot in New York City, with key scenes filmed at the Helen Keller School in Westport, Connecticut.

**What is the significance of *The Miracle Worker* in film history?**
*The Miracle Worker* was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a leading actress with a disability, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.

## Why It Matters
*The Miracle Worker* is significant for its historical and cultural impact on film and disability representation. The film broke barriers by casting Patty Duke in a leading role, which was unprecedented at the time. It also highlighted the transformative power of education and communication, resonating with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success led to increased awareness of disability rights and paved the way for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. Additionally, it remains a notable work in biographical filmmaking, celebrated for its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of Helen Keller’s life.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress**: Won by Patty Duke for her portrayal of Helen Keller
- **Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year**: Awarded to Patty Duke for her breakthrough performance
- **Theatre World Award**: Recognized Patty Duke for her stage performances
- **National Film Registry Selection**: Preserved in the United States Library of Congress for its cultural significance
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed $12.5 million, reflecting its widespread appeal
- **Critical Acclaim**: Received a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.9/10 score on Metacritic
- **Cultural Impact**: Broke barriers for actresses with disabilities in leading roles
- **Historical Context**: Based on the 1903 memoir *The Story of My Life* by Helen Keller
- **Directorial Achievement**: Directed by Arthur Penn, a key figure in the New Hollywood movement
- **Production Legacy**: Produced by United Artists, a major player in Hollywood’s golden age

## Body
### Core Definition and Context
*The Miracle Worker* is a 1962 biographical drama film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan. The film is based on the 1903 memoir *The Story of My Life* by Helen Keller, which details her life and the transformative relationship between her and her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The film won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Duke’s performance, which was a groundbreaking achievement for an actress in a leading role.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
The film was released in January 1962 and became a critical and commercial success. It grossed $12.5 million and received a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.9/10 score on Metacritic. The film’s success led to increased awareness of disability rights and paved the way for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. It remains a notable work in biographical filmmaking, celebrated for its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of Helen Keller’s life.

### Production and Cast
The film was produced by United Artists, a major player in Hollywood’s golden age. Key cast members included Patty Duke as Helen Keller, Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan, and Arthur Penn as director. The film was primarily shot in New York City, with key scenes filmed at the Helen Keller School in Westport, Connecticut. The production team included notable figures in the film industry, contributing to the film’s cultural significance.

### Awards and Recognition
*The Miracle Worker* won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Patty Duke’s portrayal of Helen Keller. Duke also received a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year and a Theatre World Award. The film was selected for preservation in the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry, recognizing its cultural impact. These awards and recognitions highlight the film’s significance in film history.

### Legacy and Influence
The film’s legacy includes its impact on disability representation in Hollywood and its influence on biographical filmmaking. It broke barriers for actresses with disabilities in leading roles and paved the way for more inclusive storytelling. The film’s success also led to increased awareness of disability rights and remains a notable work in film history. Its influence extends to subsequent films and productions, shaping the landscape of biographical and drama films.

### Related Works and Examples
The film is part of a broader body of work that includes *The Story of My Life* by Helen Keller and other biographical films. It is also connected to the work of Patty Duke, who went on to become a prominent political activist and advocate for mental health awareness. The film’s success and cultural impact have influenced numerous related works, contributing to its lasting legacy in film history.

### Distinction from Related Entities
*The Miracle Worker* distinguishes itself from other films through its unique portrayal of Helen Keller and the transformative relationship between her and Anne Sullivan. The film’s success and cultural impact set it apart from other biographical films, making it a notable work in film history. Its distinction from related entities is further emphasized by its awards and recognitions, which highlight its significance in the film industry.

### Platform and Service Integration
The film is available on various platforms, including streaming services and DVD releases. It has been integrated into educational and cultural programs, reflecting its significance in film history. The film’s availability on multiple platforms ensures its accessibility to a wide audience, contributing to its lasting legacy in film history.

### Additional Topic IDs and References
The film has numerous additional topic IDs and references, including its presence in the National Film Registry and its recognition in various cultural and educational programs. These references highlight the film’s significance in film history and its impact on the broader cultural landscape. The film’s additional topic IDs and references further emphasize its distinction from related entities and its lasting legacy in film history.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056241/)
2. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film462819.html)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=4887.html)
4. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056241/fullcredits)
5. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1963)
7. The Movie Database
8. The Miracle Worker. Rotten Tomatoes
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Kinopoisk
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/26302)
13. Online-Filmdatenbank
14. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=28513)
15. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
16. Bechdel Test Movie List
17. mymovies.it
18. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/7F66-1C08-19DD-CC04-C17E-B)
19. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/84944)
20. Trakt.tv
21. FilmVandaag.nl