Silent Victory: The Kitty O'Neil Story

Stockard Channing probably doesn't remember that she was in this movie, but it's a great biopic about a deaf stuntwoman. Deaf viewers should be warned that Kitty O'Neill was an oralist! Colleen Dewhurst and Brian Dennehy are also pleasing as Kitty's parents.

Hi, I live in Virginia now but when I was 18 I moved to California to live with my sister. A friend of hers was working at the employment office and got me a job as an extra. I just wanted to say this movie should be re- released for today's audience. I played a friend of Stockard Channing. It was a great movie back then. I would love to show it again for my children to see. Is there anyone who can tel me if this is somewhere I can rent or buy? Stockard Channing was great and I think it is her best movie yet! I was only 18 when this was filmed and it left a lasting impression on me! Thanks for anyone's help. I was trying to think of what else to say to make this longer and I can't think of anything else to say. You Can email me at Buyrn@cox.net

I found this movie on YouTube and I very much enjoyed it. Fascinating story about a strong, determined, resourceful woman who achieved a great deal. Stockard Channing was excellent in the role of Kitty O'Neil.

It's a little strange, though, that while Channing is very pretty, she's not as beautiful as the real Kitty O'Neil, who was absolutely stunning. Interesting flipflop: the stunt woman is more gorgeous than the star! I love it!

Being one of the five people who missed Grease (the other four were clinically brain-dead), I was enthralled with the performance of this previously unknown (to me) actress, who I had to believe was hearing-impaired. I loved her and wondered where I could see more of her.

Unfortunately, I appeared to be one of only five people to ever see THIS movie, and the other four were also clinically brain-dead, so I couldn't ask anybody who this woman was (as I had failed to remember her name).

When I later saw Stockard Channing in some silly comedic role (and couldn't believe she wasn't actually hearing-impaired), I was disappointed. When I said so, a friend said "But she's always been a comedic actress."

"No!" I protested, "She is a wonderful dramatic actress! Did you ever see this movie about a deaf woman...."

I am glad to see Stockard doing dramatic work frequently now (including West Wing). I wish I could see this movie again, but it appears not to be available.

I agree with previous comments that Stockard Channing's portrayal of Kitty O'Neil made me just want to give her a hug, and congratulate her achievements despite all the discouragements heaped on her that she couldn't do it. It's not easy to do a credible job playing a deaf person's role, but she nailed it. Because of her acting job, I wanted to know more about the real Kitty O'Neil as an example of how much a person with a "disability" can do with "attitude". It did throw me the next time I saw her in another movie, and realize that not only was she NOT deaf, but could sing! This role made me a permanent fan. I too wish I could buy a DVD of the movie. Sure, she has been good even with some of the comic roles. But I saw a very powerful dramatic actress, and am glad she finally got to do West Wing. If anyone knows if the DVD is available, I'd love to show others how capable she is in a dramatic role.