The Children's Hour (1961)

Director:

William Wyler

Writers:

Lillian Hellman (play)
Lillian Hellman (adaptation)

Release Date:

19 December 1961 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

One of Broadway's greatest hits...becomes powerful, adult screen drama!

Plot:

A troublemaking student at a girl's school accuses two teachers of being lesbians.

Plot Keywords:

School | Lesbian | Teacher | Girls' School | Spoiled Brat

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Audrey Hepburn	...	Karen Wright
Shirley MacLaine	...	Martha Dobie
James Garner	...	Dr. Joe Cardin
Miriam Hopkins	...	Mrs. Lily Mortar
Fay Bainter	...	Mrs. Amelia Tilford
Karen Balkin	...	Mary Tilford
Veronica Cartwright	...	Rosalie Wells
Mimi Gibson	...	Evelyn
Debbie Moldow
Diane Mountford
William Mims	...	Mr. Burton
Sally Brophy	...	Rosalie's mother (as Sallie Brophy)
Hope Summers	...	Agatha (Tilford's maid)

Also Known As:

Infamous! (USA) (working title)
The Infamous (USA) (working title)
The Loudest Whisper (UK)

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

West Germany:12 (f) (re-rated) | West Germany:16 (f) (original rating) | Australia:MA | Canada:18A | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:12 (video rating) (2004) | UK:X (original rating) | USA:Approved (certificate #20107)

Company:

Mirisch Corporation, The

Trivia:

Audrey Hepburn's final black and white film.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Mary is confronted by her grandmother, Mary's arm positions jump from outstretched, limp at her side, and clutching the staircase. She also moves up and down the staircase suddenly.

Quotes:

Mrs. Lily Mortar: God will punish you.
Martha: He's doing all right.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "St. Elsewhere: The Children's Hour (#3.12)" (1984)

Excellent and heart-breaking

When Martha Dobie and Karen Wright are accused of lesbianism, they're entire world comes crashing down. Karen loses the man she loves and so happens to have been engaged to for two long years, Joe (James Gardner). Martha loses her life, basically, and everything that she's ever had. And this is all because of a vicious little brat that anyone with common sense wants to slap when they watch this movie, Mary Tilford. To say in the least, the end in completely unexpected. It makes you think that the world is over, and it takes time to adjust to the fact that this is"just a movie". But a terrificly wonderful movie at that. Heart breaking and wonderfully filmed, the "Children's Hour" is a terrific movie with outstanding actresses. Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MaClaine light up the screen! A definite 10.