The movie is based on the reminisces of a real-life person, Lena Canada, a therapist in charge of handicapped girl named Karen played by future star, Diane Lane. The acting is first-rate, particularly Diane Lane, whose portrayal (and transformation) of Karen from a lifeless body in her wheelchair to an animated and vibrant, talkative young girl is exceptional. A wheelchair-bound cerebral palsy victim, Karen also shows signs of autism. Determined to bring Karen back into the world, Ms. Canada suggests that the girl start a pen-pal relationship with her favorite celebrity, Elvis Presley. A the low-key but emotionally supercharged movie also included in the cast are sixteen genuine 'special' children from a school in Calgary, Alberta.
The movie features performances by Elvis, Love Me Tender and Ready Teddy. Taken from a VHS video recording from TV, as such it is not perfect, however [again] as such it is actually in amazing quality given its age and source, I would give the picture quality 8/10 lacking only some sharpness but this is quickly accustomed to.
Amazing portrayal
When I first saw this movie, I had never heard of Diane Lane, but I had worked in institutions just like the one in this movie for years. Diane did a splendid job portraying a handicapped child. As a matter of fact, I was quite surprised to see her walking and healthy in her next few films. This film is very touching and shows the progress we have made in the past few decades in the way we treat people with special needs.
Complete Cast Of Touched By Love
Deborah Raffin : Lena Canada
Michael Learned : Dr. Bell
Cristina Raines : Amy
Clu Gulager : Don Fielder
Diane Lane : Karen
John Amos : Tony
Mary Wickes : Margaret
Twyla Volkins : Monica