The Miracle Worker

Why remake the classic 1962 screen adaptation of William Gibson's play? Perhaps the producers wanted to introduce Helen Keller to a new generation and knew that the original film's black and white cinematography would be anathema to youngsters. Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, who each won Oscars for their performances, are a hard act to follow, but Alison Elliott, as teacher Anne Sullivan, and pint-sized Pepsi shill Hallie Kate Eisenberg as Helen, work their own little miracles with these demanding roles. To its detriment, the remake is more sentimental than the original film, pulling its punches, for example, in the classic breakfast battle royale in which Anne tries to get her spoiled, tantrum-throwing charge to eat from her own plate (the obtrusive cellos on the soundtrack undercut the scene). But these missteps only slightly detract from what remains a triumphant true story…even in color. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)