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Seeing Hands (1943) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
6.7/10   34 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 290% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Writer:
Joe Ansen (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for Seeing Hands on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
3 July 1943 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
This serious entry in Pete Smith Specialty series encourages industry to hire people with disabilities to help with the war effort... more | add synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. more
User Reviews:
Very Good more (3 total)

Cast

  (Cast)
Barbara Bedford ... Ben's Mother (uncredited)
William Bishop ... Man Pulling Lamp Cord (uncredited)
Robert Frazer ... John Downin (uncredited)
Russell Gleason ... Ben Helwig (uncredited)
George 'Spanky' McFarland ... Boy leading initiation (uncredited)
Pete Smith ... Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
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Additional Details

Runtime:
11 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:

FAQ

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Very Good, 15 February 2009
Author: Michael_Elliott from Louisville, KY

Seeing Hands (1943)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Oscar-nominated Pete Smith short is very serious in tone, which was a rarity with his films. The movie tells the true story of Bel Helwig (Russell Gleason) who as a boy was blinded after being hit in the head. As an adult he wants to help when WW2 breaks out but most won't hire him for anything until a couple men discover that he can pretty much see with his hands. I had never heard of this guy before but that's a reason why these shorts showing up on Turner Classic Movies are so great because they can teach you about things and people who might not have learned about otherwise. I was really effected by how great this guy appeared to be and how strong he had to become just to get over his blindness. Smith does a very tender job in telling his story and handles everything just fine. I also enjoyed the performance by Gleason and if you look fast you can see George "Spanky" McFarland in one of his final roles. I think the film also gives a good lesson on why disabled people should be allowed to work and how many could become great if given an opportunity.

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Related Links

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