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Poster of A Child Is Waiting

A Child Is Waiting (1963)

“Burt Lancaster & Judy Garland take an untouched theme - and make it touching and unforgettable!”

  • PG
  • 102 min
  • Drama
  • imdb logo 7.2/10 (3373 votes)

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Plot

In the heart of the pioneering Crawthorne State Training Institute, a sanctuary for developmentally challenged children, we meet the firm yet compassionate Dr. Matthew Clark. He champions a controversial method of tough love, pushing boundaries with his unconventional approach. Enter Jean Hansen, a former aspiring concert pianist with no experience in nursing, teaching, or dealing with the developmentally challenged. Attempting to discover her own purpose in life, she joins the institute as a music teacher, immediately forming a deep bond with the autistic student, Reuben Widdicombe. Reuben is a child caught in the shadows of his disability, understanding just enough to know he's different, and often feeling rejected. His parents, crumbling under the strain of his condition, have not visited him since enrolling him in the institute two years ago. Jean's heart aches for Reuben, seeing him as a child in desperate need of special attention. This sparks a clash with Dr. Clark, who views Reuben as one of the most challenging children to reach. Despite acknowledging that his methods have not worked with Reuben, Dr. Clark remains skeptical of Jean's approach of undivided attention. Meanwhile, Jean, through her interactions with Reuben's absent parents and her observations of the lives of adult disabled individuals, begins to form her own understanding of how she can best support her students, especially Reuben. "A Child Is Waiting" is a heartfelt tale of empathy, understanding, and the battle between traditional methods and unconventional approaches in the world of developmental challenges. The film explores the complexities of human connection and the lengths one will go to foster growth and acceptance in the face of adversity.

Where to watch A Child Is Waiting?

A Child Is Waiting is a drama movie featuring Lawrence Tierney and directed by John Cassavetes.

A Child Is Waiting is currently streaming on Hoopla.