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 | Teacher | Lesbian | Girls' School | Homosexual

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:

William Wyler cut several scenes hinting at Martha's homosexuality for fear of not receiving the seal of approval from the Motion Picture Production Code. At the time, any story about homosexuality was forbidden by the production code.

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:

Martha: There's always been something wrong. Always, just as long as I can remember. But I never knew what it was until all this happened.
Karen: Stop it Martha! Stop this crazy talk!
Martha: You're afraid of hearing it, but I'm more afraid that you.
Karen: I won't listen to you!
Martha: No! You've got to know. I've got to tell you. I can't keep it to myself any longer. I'm guilty!
Karen: You're guilty of nothing!
Martha: I've been telling myself that since the night I heard the child say it. I lie in bed night after night praying that it isn't true. But I know about it now. It's there. I don't know how, I don't know why. But I did love you! I do love you! I resented your plans to marry. Maybe because I wanted you. Maybe I've wanted you all these years. I couldn't call it by name before, but maybe it's been there since I first knew you.
Karen: But it's not the truth, not a word of it is true! We've never thought of each other that way.
Martha: No, of course you didn't. But who's to say I didn't. I'd never felt that way about anybody before you. I've never loved a man. I never knew why before, maybe it's that.
Karen: You're tired and worn out.
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Rec: Uwasa no futari (#1.6)" (2006)

WOW

Audrey Hepburn, Shirley Mclaine, James Garner... WOW! What else can I say!!! Typically it seems to me that Audrey carries the film... in this one, it is really hard to say who has the best performance. I saw this film due only in part to Audrey Hepburn's starring role in it. However, man did I get into this movie. This film was extremely controversial when it came out in the early 60's and has to do with gay rights. Definitely ahead of it's time.