Directed by Anthony Harvey and Anthony Page this underrated film from 1981 tells the true story of American actress Patricia Neal's recovery from a devastating stroke during the 60's.After suffering a stroke at home one night,Patricia Neal is taken to hospital where she remains in a coma for several weeks.Her husband the successful British author Roald Dahl(Dirk Bogarde)never leaves her bedside.She eventually wakes up but is very disabled and cannot speak. Roald starts his own therapy which includes making Pat sound out and say an object(cup,box etc)that she want's rather than point to it.This he finds forces her to speak and excercise her brain at the same time keeping her active.Although some of their friends think it's cruel,he continues and along with Pat's strength of will and his determination and love she recovers.Glenda doesn't fully convince as Patricia but never the less gives a very good performance and makes you feel Patricia's frustration and anger at her condition.Dirk is equally superb as Roald,he is the heart of the story and many of his scenes are very moving.This is a tribute to Roald's deep love for Pat and his drive to make her well again.Many of his therapies that he used with Pat are now standard practice for stroke victims. Featuring powerful performances from Dirk and Glenda,this is a film not to be missed.

Twenty-two years after seeing this film, I suffered a stroke subsequent to brain surgery. after 3 1/2 years, even though my mobility is much improved, I still have paralysis in left hand and arm. Unfortunately Blue Cross Blue Shield only paid for rehabilitation for several months or I might have progressed more than I have. I am still hopeful for the 100% recovery which doctors told me I could "probably" expect back in 2003.I have nothing but admiration for Patricia Neal & her fight for recovery. The progress I have made is the result of work and the support of loved ones and friends. Paralysis is baffling. Sometimes I feel like I'm grasping with my hand, I suppose in a phenomenon similar to an amputee who still feels the missing limb. Dale Hix

I'm not usually a fan of true-life heartwarming stories, but I happened to catch this on TV today and I was impressed.It tells the story of the actress Patricia Neal, who has a massive stroke while still in her thirties and pregnant. She nearly dies but manages to pull through. Gradually, through speech therapy, physiotherapy, etc. and with the help of her husband, Roald Dahl, and her friends, she recovers and returns to her career as an actress.The film is not overly slushy and sentimental, unlike many TV movies. This is mainly due to the excellent performances of the two leads, Glenda Jackson as Neal, and Dirk Bogarde as Dahl. They both portray the characters in a very convincing way, as real people with a believable relationship. Bogarde in particular gives an understated but really excellent performance. Although the film focuses mainly on the two of them, the rest of the cast provide fine support.The direction and cinematography is also very good and understated. The realistic and stripped-down style of the film works well with the personalities of Neal and Dahl, who both come across as resilient and intelligent. The film benefits from the lack of sentimentality and overblown melodrama - it makes the situations and the people seem much more real.This isn't a real tear-jerker, but the story is fascinating. The methods used by Dahl and the other therapists have been adopted as mainstream treatment for stroke victims, since they were so successful. The end of the film shows some contemporary (1981) footage of the real Patricia Neal helping in the rehabilitation process.In short, while I would not necessarily bother to get this on DVD, it's well worth watching. As a TV movie, it's considerably above average, Bogarde's performance is outstanding, and the true story is very interesting.

For the most part the techniques used to recover was good. Better methods are available now but the "fight" is still needed. And to reinvent your own therapy is still too much needed. I encourage all strokees to view this movie!. Love, Light, and Rainbows Ma