Children’s Hour (The)

Genre: psychological drama (in black and white)

With: Audrey Hepburn (Karen Wright), Shirley MacLaine (Martha Dobie), James Garner (Dr. Joe Cardin, Karen’s friend), Miriam Hopkins (Lily Mortar, Martha’s aunt), Fay Bainter (Amelia Tilford), Veronica Cartwright (Rosalie Wells), Karen Balkin (Mary Tilford)

Director: William Wyler

Screenplay: John Michael Hayes (adapted by Lillian Hellman from her 1934 play)

Release: 1961

Studio: The Mirisch Company

Rating: 18A

MBiS score: 8.6/10

Consider the Damage that Words Can Inflict

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Story-line: times are good for Karen and Martha, headmistresses at the Dobie-Wright boarding school for young girls, as they are finally reaping the rewards of their new calling. Sadly, it is often at such a time that adversity strikes… and it will strike very close to home.   

Pluses: stellar acting by Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, James Garner and a fine cast in psychologically nuanced roles, expert editing and direction, a realistic and well-developed screenplay that raises touchy issues and delivers a stunning ending.

Minuses: none whatsoever.

Comments: despite its age, this serious film about perceptions and relationships remains startlingly mature and quite topical in our era of private scandals and public denunciations. Upon its release, THE CHILDREN’S HOUR garnered several festival nominations but no official accolades… which is regrettable for a movie this valuable.     

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