The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker

Year: 1962

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Arthur Penn

BiographyDrama

A young girl is both blind and deaf, making communication with the outside world incredibly difficult. As a result, she has become increasingly frustrated and displays violent behavior. Her parents, searching for a solution beyond institutionalization, bring in Anne Sullivan, a determined teacher who strives to reach the girl and unlock her ability to connect with the world around her.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Miracle Worker yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Miracle Worker (1962)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Miracle Worker (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1882-1887

The story unfolds during the late 19th century, a time when societal views on disabilities were markedly different from today. This period witnessed advancements in education for the deaf and blind, setting the stage for the innovative methods introduced by Annie Sullivan.

Location

Alabama

The movie primarily takes place in Alabama, specifically in the Keller family's home. This setting is characterized by its warm Southern atmosphere and familial dynamics. The home serves as a backdrop for the emotional struggles and breakthroughs between Helen and Annie.

🏡 Home 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33

Main Characters – The Miracle Worker (1962)

Meet the key characters of The Miracle Worker (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Helen Keller (Patty Duke)

Helen Keller is a blind and deaf girl who struggles with communication and understanding the world around her. Initially portrayed as wild and uncontrollable, her character evolves dramatically as she begins to learn language through her interactions with her teacher, Annie. Helen's journey towards self-awareness and empowerment is both inspiring and poignant.

👶 Childhood 🌈 Growth 🎓 Education

Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft)

Annie Sullivan is Helen's determined teacher, grappling with her own past traumas while fiercely advocating for Helen's education. Her strength and stubbornness are key to unlocking Helen’s potential. Annie's character embodies grit, compassion, and a revolutionary approach to special education.

👩‍🏫 Teaching 🌟 Resilience ❤️ Compassion

Captain Keller (Victor Jory)

Captain Keller is Helen's father, initially portrayed as frustrated and desperate, struggling to manage his daughter's difficulties. His character provides a counterpoint to Annie's determination. Over time, he begins to understand the importance of Annie’s methods and the potential within Helen.

👨‍👧 Fatherhood 🔄 Transformation 😡 Frustration

Mrs. Keller (Inga Swenson)

Mrs. Keller is Helen's nurturing mother, torn between her love for her child and the limitations imposed by society. Her unwavering support for Annie Sullivan demonstrates her hope and belief in Helen's potential. Her character adds depth to the family dynamic within the story.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 💕 Nurturing 😢 Sacrifice

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33

Major Themes – The Miracle Worker (1962)

Explore the central themes of The Miracle Worker (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Persistence

The theme of persistence is central to both Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller's journeys. Annie’s determination to teach Helen despite numerous challenges highlights her resilience. Helen's own fierce will to learn and connect with the world around her showcases the transformative power of education and love.

💪 Empowerment

The film emphasizes empowerment through knowledge and understanding. Annie seeks to empower Helen by teaching her language, which serves as a gateway to her independence. This theme resonates deeply as it illustrates the profound impact of education on personal growth.

❤️ Connection

The emotional bond that develops between Helen and Annie underscores the importance of connection. Despite initial hostility, as their relationship matures, their mutual respect and affection flourish, ultimately leading to life-altering breakthroughs for both characters.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33

Unlock the Full Story of The Miracle Worker

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Miracle Worker in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Miracle Worker is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Miracle Worker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Miracle Worker, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Miracle Worker Summary

The Miracle Worker Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Miracle Worker with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Miracle Worker Timeline

More About The Miracle Worker

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Miracle Worker: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Miracle Worker

Similar Movies to The Miracle Worker

Discover movies like The Miracle Worker that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.