The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter (1968)

A deaf mute (Alan Arkin in an Oscar nominated performance) works as a silver engraver in a small Southern town. When his only friend, a mentally challenged and physically large mute (Chuck McCann) is sent to a mental institution, the engraver moves to be closer to his friend. Based on the novel by Carson McCullers (MEMBER OF THE WEDDING) and directed by Robert Ellis Miller (ANY WEDNESDAY). Much has been left out of McCuller's 1940 novel in order to fit the narrative into the two hour time slot. But the film captures the spirit of McCullers' book, especially the aching loneliness of Arkin's deaf mute, a linchpin to the other characters in the movie but with no one there for him. Arkin's performance is simply superb and Sondra Locke (in her film debut) as the gawky teenager is wonderful but never again got a role which utilized her as well. The lovely underscore is by David Grusin. If you've read the novel, you might be unhappy with the changes but if you haven't, this should prove a moving experience. With Cicely Tyson, Stacy Keach, Percy Rodriguez, Biff McGuire and Laurinda Barrett.