Young Helen Keller, blind, deaf, and mute since infancy because of a severe case of scarlet fever, is in danger of being sent to an institution. Her inability to communicate has left her frustrated and violent. Unable to communicate her desires, the isolated Helen flew into uncontrollable rages that terrified her helpless family. In desperation, her parents seek help from the Perkins Institute, which sends them a "half-blind Yankee schoolgirl" named Annie Sullivan to tutor their daughter. Through persistence and love, and sheer stubbornness, Annie breaks through Helen's walls of silence and darkness and teaches her to communicate.