A Child is Waiting is a 1963 drama film starring Burt Lancaster, Judy Garland, Bruce Ritchey, Gena Rowlands and Stephan Hill. It was written by Abby Mann.
Dr. Clark (Lancaster) is the director of a state institution for intellectually disabled and emotionally disturbed children. He hires Jean (Garland) as a music teacher at the institution.
Jean develops a close relationship with a 12 year-old boy named Reuben (Ritchey). She believes that Dr. Clark's methods are too strict and are not helping Reuben.
Jean is very sad to learn that neither of Reuben's now divorced parents have visited him in the two years he has been at the institution. Yet, he readies himself every weekly visitation day assuming his mother will come.
Without Dr. Clark's permission, Jean writes to Reuben's mother (Rowlands) asking her to visit him. Thinking he is ill she comes, but leaves when knows the truth.
It is too painful for her to see Reuben. He sees her car speed away and he chases it.
Dr. Clark tries to explain to Jean how important it is for each of the children to develop as much self-sufficiency as possible. Also, she can't favor one child over all the others at the institution.
Reuben's father (Hill) attends the annual Thanksgiving pagaent at the institution. He is very impressed when he sees Reuben reciting a poem.
Variety said "Burt Lancaster delivers a firm, sincere and persuasive performance as the professionally objective, but understanding psychologist who heads the institution. Judy Garland gives a sympathetic portrayal of an overly involved teacher who comes to see the error of her obsession with the plight of one child."
