The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) The Miracle Worker (2000) User Reviews

Children's Version

[ivanahrrs · 7/10 · 4 September 2009]

I definitely see this movie as the children's version of Helen Keller's story. The language used in this film is easier to understand, but not true to the time period. The horrors of Annie's childhood were also either overlooked, or barely touched. Because the character's have untouched pasts, it was harder to get emotionally involved in the story. The acting wasn't bad by any means, but when compared to the emotional roller-coaster that the Patty Duke version took you on, this remake falls short. I would show this movie to my younger children only if I thought they weren't mature enough to handle the ealier version of the film.

excellent

[semmi-arthuri · 8/10 · 21 October 2011]

far from what I imagined, when he first read the novel I was very surprised and thought how nice if it was aired in a movie. and when I finished reading the novel in Indonesian version I found a note about the miracle worker is a movie of the novel, I am very eager to watch the movie. and I am looking for the miracle worker movie is new since last year but this time I found it on IMDb. before I ask my friends but rarely anyone knows but I still look for it and now I know this movie was very good and excellent.

full of inspiration and motivation for me. other than that I really enjoy the advantages of this movie. I hope my friends in Indonesia could also say this.

A Funny and Serious TV Film

[moviewizguy · 7/10 · 13 March 2007]

This film is a television remake of William Gibson's classic play about Annie Sullivan's efforts to draw Helen Keller from her world of darkness and silence.

This have been the first TV thing I've seen of The Miracle Worker and I thought it was pretty good. There were some pretty and great scenes with some great acting and some bad ones.

The acting by Alison Elliott was probably the best in the cast. I couldn't say much with Hallie Kate Eisenberg, who plays Helen. One thing I didn't like about the play is the separation with Annie and her brother. I find it so fake that I didn't believe that subplot at all. I find it laughable.

This film is sometimes dramatic with some of it's bad scenes, since it was in the play, but it's a good remake and has some funny scenes.

my childhood favorite, redone just in time

[video-watcher · 23 February 2007]

When i was about seven years old, I read a fascinating book, unusual for me considering I wasn't really much for reading books (and still aren't). I read this one several times, mostly for the story but also for two very secret codes that no one else knew. I learned them to the extent that throughout my schooling, I could use either one of them quite proficiently. One of the codes was Braille, the other was the Manual Alphabet. The name of the book was "the story of Helen Keller". It also gave me a lifetime of wanting to learn the entire American Sign Language. It would take fifteen years after first reading the book, but I would eventually learn some of this amazing language.

Now we jump to a time two years ago. My boss at the time, a truck driver and breeder of Great Danes, knowing I was very much an animal lover, asked if I'd be interested in taking a deaf female great dane he'd rescued from another breeder. The four month old puppy, a beautiful version of the coloring known as Harlequin, needed patience and extensive training. After several weeks working with her virtually every free moment, I was going to do something I'd never once considered: I was going to give up on another living creature. I wasn't getting through. Nothing was working. I was getting truly frustrated because she didn't seem to be catching on. I was seriously considering sending her back to my boss, who would find her another home. Maybe I and Evony weren't supposed to connect... I told my mom of this plan, and she, the one who taught me my love of animals, asked me to give the puppy just a little while longer.

It was while I was sitting in the living room shortly after that, checking the schedule of the satellite TV that I noticed the title "the miracle worker". Very familiar to the story of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller (favorite book, remember), I switched it over to the movie. I watched it, taping it at the same time, then sat there a long time afterward. One idea of the movie stayed with me: If Annie Sullivan gave up, she was Helen Keller's last chance. Helen would be sent to an insane asylum (a common practise at the time for severely/multiple handicapped people). If, throughout the conflict, she had let go of that little hand, Helen Keller would have been just another sightless, soundless face in an asylum, instead of a leader and inspiration to all. Annie was the only one who saw intelligence behind those sightless eyes. She just had to get through to it. I looked at Evony, the puppy I had considered naming Helen or Keller, in honor of Helen Keller, and knew I couldn't give up and let go of that little hand...

Evony is now a two and a half year old, happy, healthy (36 inches at the shoulder, 150 pounds!) dog. Without any knowledge of signals used by dog trainers, I taught her American Sign Language. Her vocabulary is now sixteen signed commands. She adores anyone she meets, favorite is the kids who are fascinated by this giant white dog. When they ask if they can pet her, I request that they approach from the front so she can see them, because she can't hear. Then their fascination grows: a deaf dog. Adults are amazed that this huge dog, the personification of affection, understands American Sign Language. My answer is the same: "She's very intelligent. Just took some patience..." Do I see myself as a male Annie Sullivan, teaching a canine Helen Keller to lead the world? No. Her mission is to teach everyone to get along, and that they should all stop and pet large white dogs whenever possible. She does prove, however, what is possible when you're inspired. What a mistake I may have made, if not for this movie airing when it did.

A Wonderful Version of Helen Keller's Story!

[mkramer-693-816493 · 10/10 · 26 July 2014]

Obviously, everyone has their personal opinions on which version of The Miracle Worker is the best, the 1960s one, the 1970s one, or this 2000s one. The truth is, when you have such a moving, powerful story as the life of Helen Keller, then it can be filmed many times and each version will have its own quality and value to it. After all, great stories can be told more than once.

This Wonderful World of Disney made-for-television version is lovely and handsome, with a charming "family film" quality that makes it a great version for kids, young and old, to view it and understand it. It accurately follows the true story of how Annie Sullivan taught communication to blind, deaf, and dumb Helen Keller. (Any strict comparisons to the stage play, upon which this is based, or the excellent 1960s film are not necessary; after all, if you want to view the 60s film or the stage play, go view them.) Hallie Kate Eisenberg is perhaps the most underrated little actress on the planet, giving a totally believable and intricate performance as Helen. Just watching her movements and body language in each scene makes you fully believe that she is a blind and deaf child. Patty Duke deservedly won an Academy Award for her performance as Helen Keller in the 60s film. I think Hallie Kate Eisenberg deserves an Emmy for this one! In addition, Hallie Kate is the first screen Helen Keller who is literally the spitting image of the real Helen Keller, both in age and in looks.

Alison Elliott is very real and genuine as the plucky Annie Sullivan, as is the rest of the cast, which includes hard-working character actor David Strathairn as Helen's father. This is a lovely, well-made, believable version of Helen Keller's extraordinary story, and it stands completely on its own in comparison to previous versions. It is highly recommended for families, and could be a great version for children who have not yet heard about Helen Keller.

I love this movie

[alliebo_bally · 10/10 · 6 July 2006]

I saw this movie when i was only 10 years old i was in the fifth grade i moved to Columbus Indiana during the middle of the school year and i went to Smith Elementry and my class watched a movie called "The Miracle Worker" and when i saw it i said to myself it would have to have been one of the greatest movies i had ever seen and someday i hope to see it again. I would also wish to meet Hallie Kate Eisenberg because she is now and will forever be one of my most favorite actresses there will ever be. Hope to meet you Hallie!

Best wishes to all,

Allison J. McTarsney

A good, warm and touching movie...

[markovd111 · 10/10 · 23 October 2021]

No, I haven't seen the previous version and in fact, I wouldn't even see this one if I wasn't forced into watching it in class. I don't usually watch movies like this. But I must admit it's beautiful. Maybe it's inferior to the previous versions or not really true to the real story, but I don't know. What I know it's a wonderful movie with a beautiful message and is a great source of inspiration. I give it 10/10, just for it's beauty. I leave the critiquing of it's flaws to the others.

"Miracle Worker" Lite

[baker-9 · 5/10 · 24 May 2001]

This very vanilla and completely unnecessary remake (the 2nd) of the 1962 film does manage to achieve some solid dramatic moments, but much of Gibson's play has been overly softened and sentimentalized to achieve what passes as "family entertainment" these days. This is one time when smoothing out all the rough edges for the sake of the children (or is it for the over-concerned adults?) has a negative impact.

The original play and movie are not absolute masterworks: some of Gibson's writing is too melodramatic and the supporting characters have few dimensions (not helped by the overacting of Victor Jory and Inga Swensen in the '62 film). But the taut direction of Arthur Penn and the sheer intensity of the Bancoft-Duke pairing resulted in an extraordinarily effective piece nonetheless.

Here we have the good Alison Elliott as Sullivan and Hallie Kate Eisenberg as a too-scrubbed-clean Helen (when one character remarks at how clean she is after Sullivan has her to herself for a week, you really don't see a difference). Eisenberg is competent, but not moving. Hers is a Helen that would work well in a Disney animated version of the story.

Elliot fares better, but the mediocre direction and script undermine her at times. In trying to give the other characters some added dimensions not in the play, the teleplay feels the need to konk us over the head about some of their issues. When confronted about his jealousy of Helen, half-brother James actually says, "If Helen gets better, who else can I blame for my unhappiness?" Yikes. Lucas Black looks very uncomfortable saying that clunky line, and you can't blame him.

David Strathairn should have better things to do than play Captain Keller, and his performance has little energy or impact. Kate Greenhouse as Kate Keller loses her southern accent after less than a minute and is rather amateurish at times.

Another vote to stick with the original. I've never seen the 1979 remake - which I gather is better than this one.

Okay, but watered down compared to 1962 & 1979 versions

[wis293 · 5/10 · 17 July 2004]

I have enjoyed both of the earlier versions of The Miracle Worker so much so that I wanted to see this one. While the performance by Alison Elliott as Anne Sullivan was very well done, she was handicapped by the watered down dialogue and tension between her character and that of Helen. For someone who has never seen either the 1962 version with Anne Bancroft as Anne and Patty Duke as Helen or the 1979 version with Patty Duke as Anne and Melissa Gilbert as Helen (which is my favorite - probably because I saw it first), this version may be enjoyable, but I found it to be deflatingly understated. If you have seen either of the earlier renditions, do not expect the dramatic scenes to be as emotional or the dialogue to be as effective in this latest remake.

Mediocre

[alsantro · 4/10 · 5 May 2006]

The true story of Anne Sullivan, the teacher of Helen Keller, and her struggles to teach a deaf, mute, and blind girl. Set in the south on an Alabama tobacco plantation the story combines elements of family life, psychology and persistence. The movie teaches not to pity or treat someone as a lesser because of a handicap. The acting was good. The script writing however was mediocre and lacked elements of excitement. The plot line at times became uninteresting, but the ending was dramatic and captivating. I found this movie to be of mediocre quality. I would not consider the movie extremely entertaining, but would suggest watching it to learn more about Helen Keller.

A well paced and sensitive retelling of the classic story.

[sebchen · 13 November 2000]

The fact that Helen Keller would be played by that annoying girl in those ubiquitous Pepsi commercials did not give me much hope for this television remake of the classic tale. I'm happy to report that I found myself very pleasantly surprised. Hallie Kate Eisenberg did, in fact, create a Helen with both subtlety and nuance. As well, Alison Elliot's portrayal of Annie Sullivan showed both grace and intelligent restraint. This relatively gentle production never recreates the dense and claustrophobic tragedy of the 1962 movie (starring Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft) and thus the 'awakening' lacks the same glorious contrast. However, it does remain true to the spirit of the story and Helen's amazing triumph will no doubt continue to inspire a whole new generation.

Third time is NOT a charm here!

[sdkorman · 3/10 · 11 July 2005]

My students clamor for this version of The Miracle Worker, insisting that the modern filming techniques (like color) make it a better film. I insist that we read the original play and watch the 1962 version first. Most students are then quickly disappointed by the 2000 version. The only thing going for Hallie is that she looks closer to the age Helen actually was at the time, and she has a slight resemblance to Helen's childhood pictures. Otherwise, she is much too presentable to be believable as Helen. The remake also tampers with the original script. Too much attention is given here to the internal conflicts of James Keller---the jealousy of Kate and Helen and the need for his father's approval. The 1962 screenplay is more faithful to the original Broadway play, which is understandable since William Gibson wrote both. In short, the only purpose this film serves is to demonstrate, through comparison with the original, the power of the classic and the weaknesses of the remake.

Blind

[tedg · 16 July 2004]

This story is just screaming to be a fine movie. What is better subject matter for a presentation by signs, than a story of presentation by signs. And there has been a moderately successful film made in 1962, at least it had the weight of trembling actors.

This version has been Disneyfied in predicable ways: dumbed, cleaned and sweetened accordingly. But oddly enough for a film about blindness, it is blazingly bright and colorful. I think this is a simple accident of what Disney knows about how TeeVee bleaches colors.

And it has two actors who have done well in fine films. Nominally, they are supposed to have a huge metaphysical tussle, here more of a staring contest. David Strathairn's presence in 'Limbo' is really something you need to see. Any one of tens of thousands could have done what he does here.

Alison Elliott just blew me away in 'Wings of a Dove.' This woman has enough power to suggest what is suspected of the 'real' Anne, that much of the intelligence of her student was imposed. This would have been fertile stuff for an intelligent film. Oh well, at least she does something.

That can't be said for the Helen here who is little more than the dolls in this story. Would have made more sense if that Anne redactor layer was mined.

Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.

CALLING PATTY DUKE!!!

[patdukfan · 1/10 · 27 November 2000]

At first it might not have seemed like such a bad idea to remake this movie again. Afterall the story of Annie Sullivan teaching Helen Keller communication is timeless and the 1979 version does prove that remakes can still work. So, if they had to do another one two decades later, why cast the Pepsi Girl in the coveted role as Helen?? I read a review that said her emotionless performance should be nicknamed "Frankenkeller", because she does indeed walk around like a robot! The only good thing about her performance is that she doesn't talk in the film! She is also too graceful a Helen. Patty Duke, and even Melissa Gilbert had a more wild animal like energy to their performances, while Ms. Pepsi seems bored as Helen (or is it that we are just bored at watching her? Would someone give her a Pepsi, please?? I was totally shocked that she didn't start singing at the pivotal water pump scene "The Joy of Wa-Wa"! However, she didn't say anything at all! Where is the emotional wallup that that scene has always brought to us?!

On some postive notes: The sets are grand and so are the costumes. Ms. Allison's performance as young fiest Sullivan can almost stand proudly besides Anne Bancroft's Oscar-winning turn as Anne Sullivan and Patty Duke's Emmy-winning interpretation of her. Do yourself a favor and watch the 1962 and 79 versions, ones that didn't rape such a gorgeous tale. My score: 3

Great Remake

[jrockley · 9 September 2004]

I came across this remake of the 1962 classic with Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke on WE television and was very, very impressed, both with Hallie Eisenberg, who played Helen, and with Allison Elliott, who played Annie Sullivan. I had, of course, seen the original black and white, but was pleasantly surprised with this remake of the original film. Hallie is an amazing young actress. It was beautifully filmed as well, and I always enjoy seeing David Strathairn, who played Helen's father. What an amazing story of the relationship between Helen Keller and the woman who taught her how to relate to the world around her, even those this child was locked in darkness without sight, sound or speech. A beautiful, moving remake with wonderful acting.

...told with emotion, heart, and feelings.

[scoobyg69 · 25 April 2001]

I am SO proud of Disney for presenting us with movies with emotion, heart, and feelings, and not just another talking animal, or silly kids picture. On the heels of "Selma, Lord Selma", and "Ruby Bridges", comes this re-telling of the classic story of deaf, & blind Helen Keller, and her courageous teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Still not sure if the story was actually NEEDING another modern version, I gave it a chance because I love the story. I was very pleased and impressed with the acting talents of the two leads, and I enjoyed the gentle and touching way Disney presented them. a wonderful story (no doubt) but an even more wonderful presentation. Does it outdue the original? NEVER. Nor did "The Parent Trap" outdue it's original, but both versions are worthy of your attention. And this is no exception. A gem of a movie. Share it with your family.

And thanks AGAIN, Disney. You are slowly restoring my faith in your "family films" again.

1962 version cannot be outdone

[moviewatcher2010 · 15 October 2003]

I came across the video of this movie and had to rent it. The story of "The Miracle Worker" is timeless and is always worth a look. This version, however, absolutely PALES to the 1962 version! Hallie Kate Eisenberg seemed too calm, especially during the so-called temper tantrums which were unconvincing, not to mention that her clothes made her look more like a polished doll. She seems too cutesy with the ruffles and bows and dimples and would have fared better in a remake of a Shirley Temple classic. The only performance really worth seeing is that of Alison Elliott who did an excellent job portraying Annie Sullivan, complete with the Irish brogue done to a "T". Nevertheless, if you really want to see a more accurate version of this movie, rent the version from 1962 with INCREDIBLE performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, who was nothing short of OUTSTANDING in her portrayal of Helen Keller - totally believable!

Hallie Kate Eisenberg is charming.

[shrek2004 · 27 July 2003]

This is a wonderful film and the best version of the Miracle Worker I've seen by far. Hallie Kate Eisenberg is a wonderful actress, cute and unlike the Olsen Twins, actually seems to study and rehearse her lines and role. She was extremely convincing, though perhaps a little too tame at times, in her role as young Helen Keller. I hope there are to be good things in store for her in the future!

This is a very very good movie!

[TYCOLLECTOR · 29 March 2003]

This movie is so good. I have not yet seen the original but it cannot be any better than this is. Haley should have got some sort of award for her acting in the film. It will touch your heart and make you understand what a great gift Annie Sullivan gave Helen Keller! A must see.

The only version that didn't make me cry

[eannhart · 5 October 2016]

Of course, everyone has their own opinion about the best version of this film.

To me, the 1962 version is the best. Anne Bancroft's performance as Anne Sullivan is nuanced and heartrending. Patty Duke manages to play a feral but brilliant Helen, who expresses rage, joy, fear, and sorrow without language. Even beyond those two, the cast is excellent. Kate is a loving mother, a picture of Southern gentlewomanhood. Captain Keller is the overbearing, short-tempered, but ultimately loving father. James is the contentious son who constantly challenges his father. And the audience can see them slowly coming apart at the seams as their pity for Helen turns her into their lord and master.

I was surprised, watching the 1979 version, how much Patty Duke seemed to pale in comparison to Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan. She was still good, but somehow, there was less passion. Less of the obstinance and fury at the world that seemed to drive Bancroft's Sullivan. And Melissa Gilbert seemed afraid to emote as much as Duke had as Helen. In general, the cast seemed less sure of their parts, and much less subtle.

However, both the 1962 and 1979 versions passed the ultimate test: when Anne Sullivan screamed, "She knows!" I wept.

...That I did not cry at the 2000 remake is the greatest of its failures, and I believe it the fault of the script's Disneyfication. All in all, the Disney script lacked the subtlety and nuance of the original. I will the give the benefit of the doubt to the actors involved, but their characters were not what I believe they were supposed to be, having read the original script.

By the time they write to Perkins, the original play describes Kate as being worn and aged by her love for her wild, undisciplined daughter. This Kate is too earnest and optimistic. There is not enough desperation in her. I would say the same of Captain Keller, though I did appreciate that they included the scene where he waits with Helen for Kate to come back with Anne, and he laments the fact that Helen doesn't know he's her father.

I think my biggest character complaint in this version is James. Previous versions of James were sympathetic in their way. He is the son of a forgotten mother, and his little sister is spoiled and pitied while he is constantly chided, no matter what he says or does. ...In this version, he seems cruel and vindictive.

All in all, this version never captures the emotion and weight of the original.