Children of a Lesser God

Love has a language all of its own.

James Leeds (William Hurt) is hired as a teacher at a New England school for the deaf and becomes intrigued with a young woman who works there as a cleaner and refuses to let anyone teach her how to use her voice. The first major release since the silent era to feature a deaf person in a lead role, a romantic drama that portrays two people who try to make a relationship work in spite of a fundamental conflict – the art of communication is fraught with controversy. Clichéd at times but buoyed by Hurt and Marlee Matlin’s performances and the director’s romantic yet realistic treatment of the subject matter in her feature film debut.

The YouTube clip shows a scene between Hurt and Matlin.

1986-U.S. 110 min. Color. Produced by Patrick Palmer, Burt Sugarman. Directed by Randa Haines. Screenplay: Mark Medoff, Hesper Anderson. Play: Mark Medoff. Cast: William Hurt (James Leeds), Marlee Matlin (Sarah Norman), Piper Laurie (Mrs. Norman), Philip Bosco, Alison Gompf, John F. Cleary.

Oscar: Best Actress (Matlin). Golden Globe: Best Actress (Matlin).