Annie Sullivan achieves what no one else thought possible: She teaches Helen
Keller to communicate with the world around her. Even more amazing, she inspires
her blind and ... moredeaf pupil to educate and better herself. Bancroft won the Oscar
for Best Actress for the role. (Patty Duke picked up a Best Supporting Actress
trophy for playing Keller.) Their relationship is heartwarming in a real way. No
treacle Hallmark Channel-style melodrama here. The film is based on the play by
William Gibson, which continues to be very popular with high schools and
community theaters.
