A film that deals with a diffiult subject (mental retardation in children) very tastefully without pulling any punches. Burt Lancaster is very good as the director of a hospital for the youngsters. And all the youngsters (I believe played by children who really were mentally "challenged") are incredible. At first you're disturbed by the way they look and act, but you come to realize they have no choice in the way they behave, and they deserve love and respect like everyone else. The direction by John Cassavates is also impressive--I never liked his movies until I saw this one. The one bad thing about the movie is Judy Garland. Now I love her, but she looks terrible (her face is horribly bloated) and gives a one-note performance. As everyone knows now, she was heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol at that time and, sadly, it shows. Still, a powerful, moving film. A real tear-jerking ending also. Don't miss this one--it's very hard to find.
Review of A Child Is Waiting
