The Unconquered (1954)

A documentary on the amazing life of Helen Keller, in 1882, aged 19 months she fell ill with what was termed "brain fever" (now believed to be scarlet fever or meningitis) which left her ... See full summary »

Director:

Nancy Hamilton

Writers:

Nancy Hamilton, James L. Shute

Stars:

Katharine Cornell, Helen Keller, Polly Thompson

Won 1 Oscar. Another 1 win.

Cast

Credited cast:
Katharine Cornell	...	Herself - Narrator (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Helen Keller	...	Herself
Polly Thompson	...	Herself (Helen Keller's companion)

Storyline

A documentary on the amazing life of Helen Keller, in 1882, aged 19 months she fell ill with what was termed "brain fever" (now believed to be scarlet fever or meningitis) which left her deaf and blind, made when she was 74 years old. Her background and early years are covered by newsreel clips and stills, while the camera follows her on her normal, everyday activities and workaday routine of visits, missions and social activities. The narration is spoken by Katharine Cornell, while a special sequence with U.S.A. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was shot for this production by director-writer-composer-producer Nancy Hamilton (I), one of the true triple-threat pioneer film-women of the time. This theatrical-distributed film was slightly revised and updated and shown on television in 1955 as Helen Keller: Her Life Story.

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Plot Keywords:

helen keller | brain fever | newsreel | dwight d. eisenhower | celebrity | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 June 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Helen Keller in Her Story

Company Credits

Production Co:

Albert Margolies, Nancy Hamilton Presentation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

55 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Deliverance (1919)

User Reviews

Insights into the Lives of Two Remarkable Women!

While there is nothing fancy about this Academy Award 1955 documentary, HELEN KELLER IN HER STORY is a fascinating opportunity to both hear and see Helen Keller and her remarkable teacher, Anne Sullivan. Using newsreel footage; scenes from a 1919 silent film, DELIVERANCE (that both appeared in); and newly recorded footage, this documentary will give the viewer a rare opportunity to better understand the achievements of two very remarkable women. This is the perfect companion to the 1962 feature film, THE MIRACLE WORKER with Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft. These two films, along with Helen Keller's own book, THE STORY OF MY LIFE, will give you a marvelous insight into one of the most inspiring true stories ever recorded. HELEN KELLER IN HER STORY also give you a chance to walk with Helen Keller at her own home and meet some of the world famous people that she influenced. A VERY VALUABLE RECORD!