X
- 1961
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 48 m
- 1961
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 48 m
Summary A troublemaking student at a girls' school accuses two teachers of being lesbians.
Directed By: William Wyler
Written By: Lillian Hellman, John Michael Hayes
- 1961
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 48 m
- 1961
- Approved
- United Artists
- 1 h 48 m
The Children's Hour
49
7.5
Where to Watch
Summary A troublemaking student at a girls' school accuses two teachers of being lesbians.
Directed By: William Wyler
Written By: Lillian Hellman, John Michael Hayes
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
49
29% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
71% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 7 Critic Reviews
49
29% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
71% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine, in the leading roles, beautifully complement each other. Hepburn’s soft sensitivity, mar- velous projection and emotional understatement result in a memorable portrayal. MacLaine’s enactment is almost equally rich in depth and substance.
The performances range from adequate (Balkin's) to exquisite (MacLaine's), and the movie broke new ground for 1961. These days the story wouldn't be all that controversial, but in 1934, when the play was first presented, it dealt with a different set of mores.
Miriam Hopkins, of the original cast, is around to lend a sense of continuity to the remake, but Wyler still seems unable to confront the material. This is Mature, Adult drama, and hence something of a bore.
We never get the scenes we really want to see, like the teacher-initiated slander trial or their snotty accuser's comeuppance. Instead, we get too many strained conversations. [21 Dec 1990, p.3D]
Too self-conscious, though; the cinematography, by Franz Planer, may sometimes evoke Balthus, but the atmosphere is heavy and lugubrious.
Despite wonderful performances from all the actors, Wyler’s attempt to retell the story in a more forthright manner still seems to pussyfoot timidly around the issues.
It is hard to believe that Lillian Hellman's famous stage play, The Children's Hour, could have aged into such a cultural antique in the course of three decades as it looks in the new film version.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 10 User Ratings
7.5
80% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
20% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 10 User Ratings
7.5
80% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
20% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 5 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 3 Nominations
Laurel Awards
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
