The recovery of speech is a dramatic event. Retelling the story of a person who regains the ability to communicate verbally is both fascinating and heartwarming. The following movies have become classics because of the excellence with which they are made and because they have interesting stories at their heart. They have held up over the test of time and won a variety of Oscar Awards. We hope you find a new favorite from our list.
The Miracle Worker (1962)
A compelling true story about the famous Helen Keller. Anne Sullivan acts as her teacher or “Speech Therapist” and companion.
The Miracle Worker won two Oscars, both for acting.
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056241/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The Wild Child (1970)
The Wild Child is a French foreign film that explores the true story of one of the first cases of Speech Therapy. Victor is a small boy who is found abandoned in the woods and cannot speak. Dr. Itard takes in the boy because he doesn’t trust the Institute’s way of handling kids like him, and teaches him with kindness and compassion, helping him to grow.
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064285/?ref_=nv_sr_1
My Left Foot (1989)
My Left Foot is about a man who suffers from cerebral palsy, who is portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis. He can only move his left foot and he finds it hard to speak, until a woman comes along and helps him communicate through Speech Therapy. My Left Foot won two Oscars, both for acting.
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097937/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Regarding Henry (1991)
Harrison Ford stars in this story about a lawyer who lives a Scrooge-like life, often eschewing his family. That all changes when he gets shot twice in a robbery, causing serious brain damage and creating a paradigm shift in his world.
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102768/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Sound and Fury (2000)
A documentary about the deaf people of this world. I think Rotten Tomatoes said it best: “This documentary presents its opposing views in an even-handed yet emotionally engaging manner. Critics say it will provoke much thought, as well as emotions, in the audience.”
Sound and Fury was nominated for the “Best Documentary” Oscar
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240912/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
The King’s Speech (2010)
For many, this is a movie that gets everything right. All the elements that make a good movie seemingly come together in this 2010 Best Picture winner. Acting, Directing, Writing, Costumes, etc. all form to make a very satisfying movie. Colin Firth plays George VI and unexpectedly becomes King. The only problem is that he has a severe stutter and also has to speak in front of millions. He seeks help from Geoffry Rush’s character, who plays a Speech Therapist. This is an exceptional movie about their budding relationship.
The King’s Speech won four Oscars for Writing, Directing, Best Actor, and Best Picture
IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Did we miss one?
Please comment and let us know of other movies that feature speech language pathologists. Thanks!
