- Length: The movie is considerably longer than the play, with a running time of just over two hours, while the play is about an hour and a half long. This allows for more character development and story details in the movie.
- Characters: The movie introduces several new characters who are not present in the play, including Keller's father, Captain Keller, and his sister, Kate Keller. These characters provide additional perspectives on Helen's life and struggles, and help to deepen the story.
- Setting: The movie takes place in a variety of settings, including the Keller home, the Perkins School for the Blind, and a hospital, while the play is set almost entirely in the Keller home. This allows the movie to explore different aspects of Helen's life and experiences, and to create a more dynamic visual experience.
- Tone: The movie is more emotionally intense and dramatic than the play, with more emphasis on the challenges and conflicts faced by Helen and those around her. The play is more focused on the character development and the relationships between the characters, and is more light-hearted in tone.
- Ending: The movie ends with Helen achieving a major breakthrough in her communication, while the play ends with her still struggling to understand the concept of language. This change in the ending provides a more uplifting and hopeful conclusion to the story, and emphasizes Helen's remarkable progress and resilience.