Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Have you seen the previews for this movie (Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story) that will be airing on Turner Classic Movies in conjuction with under the JOHNSON & JOHNSON SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION® movie banner? It’s the story of a young boy who has so many obstacles in his life, but somehow overcomes them all to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. It stars one of my favorite actors, Cuba Gooding Jr. and also actress Kimberly Elise.

Ben Carson became even more than the pediatric neurosurgeon. He also became a famous author and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. According to the press release,

The film opens with Carson’s childhood in Detroit. The young Bennie struggles in school after his father abandons the family and his mother, who suffers from bouts of depression, is forced to be the family’s sole provider, despite the fact that she can’t read and has only a third-grade education.

Seeing that her son is having problems in school, Sonya soon realizes it is because he has troubles seeing. With a new pair of glasses and encouragement to spend time at a library, Bennie dives into the world of books. The joy Bennie gets from reading and the undying love and support he receives from his mother pave the way for him to overcome his impoverished background and graduate from high school, college and medical school. To fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, he also must face down racial prejudice and other obstacles that threaten to derail him.

Along the way, Carson gets married and starts a family. But his home life becomes strained when his work starts to consume his every waking hour, especially as he faces the challenge of becoming the first doctor ever to successfully separate conjoined twins joined at the back of the head. In the end, however, Carson’s family comes to understand that his work is vital in helping other families, including a young couple whose twins’ lives are saved thanks to Carson’s remarkable skills, knowledge and courage.

I have my DVR set to record this Saturday so that I can make sure to watch it (maybe more than once if it turns out to be classroom appropriate). If you’d like, watch the preview below:

Gifted Hands will premier on Turner Classic Movies on February 7th at 8PM EST.

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