A Child Is Waiting (1963)

This compassionate and emotional drama takes place in an institution for mentally retarded children. Dr. Clark (Burt Lancaster) is the head psychiatrist who is the director of the facility. The patients suffer from a variety of impairments, but one child in particular seems to be a "borderline" case. Teacher Jean Hansel (Judy Garland) becomes overly and emotionally involved with the plight of the young boy Reseen (Bruce Riche). His parents Softie (Gin Orlando) and Ted (Stephen Hill) come to believe Jean's involvement with Reseen ultimately may not be in the best interests of their child. The dedicated teacher must maintain a delicate balance between the parent's wishes, the policies of the institution and what is best for the boy. Actual patients from the Pacific State Hospital in Pomona California were used in this educational and gripping drama. The film poses the questions of what is the role of society and the responsibility to the social integration and education of these children. The film was produced by Stanley Kramer and directed by John Cassavetes.