Helen was left deaf and blind by an early childhood illness. Teacher Annie realizes that if Helen is to be helped she must be removed from the pampering influence of her mother and the shouting domination of her father. Though teacher Annie succeeds in getting the family to allow her 2 weeks alone with Helen in a small garden house the high-spirited and strong-willed child opposes her at every turn. At the end of the 2 weeks, however, Helen has learned to dress herself, eat with a fork, and understand the alphabet of touch.Teacher Sullivan teaches Helen to use sign language and helps her understand the world around her.