Directed by:
William WylerCinematography:
Franz PlanerComposer:
Alex NorthCast:
Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, James Garner, Miriam Hopkins, Fay Bainter, Veronica Cartwright, Harold Miller, Karen Balkin, William Mims, Hope Summers (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Based on Lillian Hellman's ground-breaking 1934 play and nominated for 5 Academy Awards. The Children's Hour is set at an exclusive girl's school managed by best friends Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine. When a badly behaved student starts rumours that her teachers are in a lesbian relationship, there are serious and tragic repercussions for everyone. Directed by William Wyler and co-starring James Garner as Hepburn's boyfriend, The Children's Hour is a forceful examination of the power of malice and rumour in an intolerant society. (British Film Institute (BFI))
(more)Reviews (1)
A really powerful and chilling film that was many years ahead of many films when it comes to the issue of sexual orientation. Two old girlfriends run a school quietly, but they have no idea what one vindictive girl can be capable of (let's face it, the little brat was a real bitch who deserved a shovel to the head). Their lives will be changed by one (not so) false accusation and nothing will ever be the same. Returning to the original reality won't be easy at all. Great performances by Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine and the young Karen Balkin (Mary). I felt anger while watching because I was incredibly annoyed at how everyone believed the little *****, and then how the fates of the two main characters unfolded. A thought-provoking film that highlights a problem that has persisted to this day - intolerance towards sexual orientation.
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