Fresh from their blockbuster pairing in Judgement at Nuremburg, Burt Lancaster and Judy Garland reunite in this affecting drama, an unflinching look at the dynamics of working with mentally challenged children. Garland (A Star is Born) plays Jean Hansen, a thirty-something pianist uncertain of her future. Looking for some purpose she applies to be music teacher at the institution run by Dr Matthew Clarke (Burt Lancaster, From Here To Eternity). There she finds 12-year-old Reuben (Bruce Ritchey) an autistic boy struggling to cope with his emotional isolation. Reuben has been abandoned there by his father, Ted, who cannot accept his condition, and his mother Sophie (Rowlands) who can’t accept her love isn’t cure enough. As a deep bond forms between Reuben and Jean that runs contrary to Dr Clarke’s policy of rules and firm discipline guiding the children towards independence, a battle of wills begins. As the pair clash Reuben becomes more confused and threatens to slide further backwards into dysfunction.

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