Awakenings

Drama

Max von Sydow
John Heard	Dr. Kaufman
Penelope Ann Miller	Paula
Julie Kavner	Eleanor Costello
Ruth Nelson	Mrs. Lowe
Robert De Niro	Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams	Dr. Malcolm Sayer
Alice Drummond	Lucy
Judith Malina	Rose
Barton Heyman	Bert
George Martin	Frank
Dexter Gordon
Alice Drumond
Anne Meara

Director	Penny Marshall
Producer	Walter Parkes; Lawrence Lasker; Amy Lemisch
Writer	Steven Zaillian; Oliver Sacks
Cinematography	Miroslav Ondricek
Musician	Randy Newman

There is no such thing as a simple miracle.

Williams plays Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician who uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. DeNiro co-stars as Leonard, the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer, too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple--but unutterably sweet--pleasures to the introverted doctor. Encouraged by Leonard's stunning recovery, Sayer administers the drug to other patients. The story of their friendship during this emotional journey is a testament to both the tenderness of the human heart and the strength of the human soul.