What the Deaf Man Heard
In 1945, a young boy arrives in a small Georgia town on a bus from which his mother was abducted and murdered. Alone he sits quietly and everyone becomes convinced that he is deaf and mute. Deciding that silence offers some power and protection, the boy decides to remain mute and just listens to all that is being said around him by people who think that he cannot hear.
Insights
Plot Summary
Teri is a deaf woman who gets a job as a telephone operator by pretending to be hearing. She falls in love with her supervisor, who is unaware of her deafness. However, her secret is threatened when a former lover shows up, planning to expose her.
Critical Reception
The made-for-television movie 'What the Deaf Man Heard' was generally well-received, particularly for its performances and its sensitive portrayal of a deaf protagonist navigating a hearing world. Critics often highlighted Marlee Matlin's compelling performance. Audience reception was positive, appreciating the romantic drama and the themes of honesty and overcoming obstacles.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Marlee Matlin's strong and nuanced performance.
- Appreciated for its touching portrayal of a deaf woman's challenges and triumphs.
- Considered a heartwarming romantic drama with a significant message.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not readily available for this television film.
Awards & Accolades
Marlee Matlin received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film.
Fun Fact
The film's plot draws parallels to the classic play 'Cyrano de Bergerac', where a character's physical attribute (in this case, deafness) is hidden while their true abilities (communication and love) shine through.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources