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IMDb > Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Children of a Lesser God
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Children of a Lesser God (1986) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
7.1/10   5,889 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 16% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Mark Medoff (play)
Mark Medoff (screenplay)
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Contact:
View company contact information for Children of a Lesser God on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
3 October 1986 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Love has a language all of its own.
Plot:
James is a new speech teacher at a school for the deaf. He falls for Sarah, a pupil who decided to stay... more | add synopsis
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 10 nominations more
User Reviews:
Beautiful and Touching more (38 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

William Hurt ... James Leeds

Marlee Matlin ... Sarah Norman
Piper Laurie ... Mrs. Norman
Philip Bosco ... Dr. Curtis Franklin
Allison Gompf ... Lydia
John F. Cleary ... Johnny
Philip Holmes ... Glen
Georgia Ann Cline ... Cheryl
William D. Byrd ... Danny
Frank Carter Jr. ... Tony
John Limnidis ... William

Bob Hiltermann ... Orin

E. Katherine Kerr ... Mary Lee Ochs
John Basinger ... Alan Jones
Barry Magnani ... Tom Schuyler
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Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
119 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ally Sheedy, Sarah Jessica Parker and Brooke Shields were all offered the role of Sarah Norman, but declined. Heather Locklear was originally offered the role of Sarah Norman, but was forced to turn down the role due to her commitment with the TV series "Dynasty" (1981). Jodie Foster reportedly turned down the offer to play Sarah Norman. more
Goofs:
Miscellaneous: The DVD back lists a main character as "John" Leeds, when the name should be "JAMES" Leeds. more
Quotes:
James Leeds: You can't start a bonfire and then say night night. more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Boomerang more

FAQ

How does it end?
***Items Below This Point Might Contain Spoilers***
Chapter Headings, an official version:
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16 out of 16 people found the following review useful.
Beautiful and Touching, 2 April 2004
Author: Spud-38 from Butler, GA

Hollywood is full of overly wrought love stories in which the conflict seems contrived merely to create drama or comedy or both. In Children of a Lesser God the love is so simple, and the conflict so believable, that it feels less like watching a movie, and more like watching friends walk through their own personal story. The attraction between Matlin and Hurt is obvious, but genuine, and is filled with the kind of "touches" that make it feel real. It is also a visually beautiful film. Each shot is set like a still photographer capturing an image. The overwhelming beauty of the New Brunswick coast creates a background for the film that leaves one with the feeling of watching a moving painting. Matlin has unfortunately not since been offered anything near this piece in which to display her amazing talent. It is a shame that a woman who could stand alongside Katherine Hepburn and Jodie Foster as all time great actresses is not having the opportunity to display that talent because of her hearing disability.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Children of a Lesser God (1986)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Film ruined by the score Allie-18
Chapter Headings, v1.00: annevejb
Is this the only movie primarily about Deaf people? Abe_Phroman
Boys on a waiting list... PathosRising
The Play vs. The Movie Tiggeritian
Climax? baybveeka-1
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