This documentary chronicles the life of Helen Keller, who was struck by an illness as a young child that left her both blind and deaf. Aided by her devoted teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller is able to develop ways to communicate and becomes an author and advocate. Made when Keller was 72 years old, this film, directed by Nancy Hamilton and narrated by actress Katharine Cornell, features old and recent footage of Keller as her remarkable journey leads her to meet President Dwight D. Eisenhower.—Jwelch5742

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, 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.—Les Adams <[email protected]>