Chapter 7, Acting It Out Summary and Analysis

After Patty Duke wrote her autobiography, Call Me Anna, she signed on to produce, write, and act in a docudrama of the book. It was difficult for Patty to play herself screaming through a panic attack, but not nearly as embarrassing as she had imagined it might be. Making the movie was very therapeutic for Patty, allowing her to face the darkness of her past and move beyond it. The movie, and her other roles, also allowed Patty to see how being manic depressive helped, as well as harmed, her ability to be a talented actress. Patty recognized that the incredible performance she gave in The Miracle Worker that earned her an Oscar was a performance she could not explain nor repeat. However, Patty also recognized that she was still a talented actor, even without...