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Poster for A Child Is Waiting

A Child Is Waiting

Seen it?

1963 | 102 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1963: an older pace and style.

Dr. Matthew Clark is the head of a state institution for intellectually disabled children. Jean Hansen, a former music teacher anxious to give her life some meaning, joins the staff of the hospital. Jean, who tries to shelter the children with her love, suspiciously regards Dr. Clark's stern training methods. She becomes emotionally involved with 12-year-old Reuben Widdicombe, who has been abandoned by his divorced parents.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 24K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Cassavetes

  • Burt LancasterDr. Matthew Clark
  • Judy GarlandJean Hansen
  • Gena RowlandsSophie Widdicombe
  • Steven HillTed Widdicombe
  • Paul StewartGoodman
  • Gloria McGeheeMattie
  • Lawrence TierneyDouglas Benham
  • Bruce RitcheyReuben Widdicombe
  • John MarleyHolland
  • Bill MumyChild