Dr. Matthew Clark is the head of a state institution for intellectually disabled children. Jean Hansen, a former music teacher anxious to give her life some meaning, joins the staff of the hospital. Jean, who tries to shelter the children with her love, suspiciously regards Dr. Clark's stern training methods. She becomes emotionally involved with 12-year-old Reuben Widdicombe, who has been abandoned by his divorced parents.
Burt Lancaster
as Matthew Clark
Judy Garland
as Jean Hansen
Gena Rowlands
as Sophie Widdicombe Benham
Steven Hill
as Ted Widdicombe
Paul Stewart
as Goodman
Gloria McGehee
as Mattie
Lawrence Tierney
as Douglas Benham
Bruce Ritchey
as Reuben Widdicombe
John Marley
as Holland
Bill Mumy
as Child
Elizabeth Wilson
as Miss Fogarty
Barbara Pepper
as Miss Brown (uncredited)
