The Woman Who Willed a Miracle

Part of the ABC Afterschool Specials series, The Woman Who Willed A Miracle is a powerful drama for adults as well as for children. The film centers on May and Joe Lemke, whose faith, commitment, and dedication transformed a severely retarded foster child into a musical prodigy. Cloris Leachman is superb in the title role, once again demonstrating her considerable dramatic range. Of particular distinction to the Peabody Board is the film’s effectiveness in communicating to young audiences that no handicap is insurmountable given perseverance and hope. For delivering this important message in a dramatic and entertaining way, a Peabody to ABC and to Dick Clark Productions for The Woman Who Willed A Miracle.