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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a superb film where two teachers suspected of having a lesbian relationship loose everything, made in 1961 when censorship prevented any overt reference to the subject matter.
But that is what makes the wonderfully subtle screenplay realised in the superbly understated performances by Hepburn and MacLaine so effective, the censor restraints somehow make the plot more involving, it leaves so much to the imagination of the viewer.
Another unusual aspect of the film is the casting of children in the role of villains, 12 year old Karen Balkin gives a fine child performance as the malicious Mary Tilford whose lies are responsible for all the teachers' problems.
But as in real life nothing is exactly what it seems, and the subtle plot reveals deeper layers of suppressed emotion as it unfolds.
William Wyler filmed this controversial 1934 Hellman play twice, once in 1936 as "These Three" with Miriam Hopkins (the Aunt in this version) as Martha and Merle Oberon as Karen. In 1936 the lesbian aspects had to be replaced with a heterosexual triangle.
The 1961 version is a truly fascinating film gaining strength from the constraints of its time.
But that is what makes the wonderfully subtle screenplay realised in the superbly understated performances by Hepburn and MacLaine so effective, the censor restraints somehow make the plot more involving, it leaves so much to the imagination of the viewer.
Another unusual aspect of the film is the casting of children in the role of villains, 12 year old Karen Balkin gives a fine child performance as the malicious Mary Tilford whose lies are responsible for all the teachers' problems.
But as in real life nothing is exactly what it seems, and the subtle plot reveals deeper layers of suppressed emotion as it unfolds.
William Wyler filmed this controversial 1934 Hellman play twice, once in 1936 as "These Three" with Miriam Hopkins (the Aunt in this version) as Martha and Merle Oberon as Karen. In 1936 the lesbian aspects had to be replaced with a heterosexual triangle.
The 1961 version is a truly fascinating film gaining strength from the constraints of its time.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
William Wyler had made film version of this story in 1936, but then he had to give in to the censors in some things. In 1961, enjoying a bit more freedom he decided to keep closer to Lilian Hellman's original. Although there is an outdated prespective on homosexuality in it, there was something about this film that made me really like it and it's still a powerful testemony of how mean gossip can ruin someone's life. Two friends (Audrey Hepburn and Shirley McLaine) have a girls' school and everything seems finally to be fine, when one of the girls accuses them of being lesbians. And every parent soon starts taking their children out of the school. The two actresses are great, and so are Miriam Hopkins and Fay Bainter.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A brilliant but lesser known/talked about Hepburn movie that I decided to watch after lots of deliberation. I'm glad I did get it as I was surprised to find she was joined by James Garner as well as Shirley Mclaine. The three of them come together to make 'The Children's Hour' an interesting movie that unveils the far reaching effects of gossip, especially the malicious type.
Hepburn (Karen) and Mclaine (Martha) play two life-long friends who have started up an all girls boarding school which is just starting to find its feet. Unfortunately, one of their problem children comes up with a plan to get out of the school for good. She tells her grandmother that the two teachers have an 'unnatural' relationship and she has seen and heard things in the night. All of this is complete rubbish of course but because of half-truths, plain lies and words taken out of context the news of their affair soon travels through to all the other parents and soon the school is empty.
Karen and Martha's life falls apart compltely as they can't even leave the house without being harassed which soon takes a toll on all those involved. The ending is very sad and made me cry but also serves to highlight the point of the movie and is well chosen and filmed.
Quite different from Audrey Hepburn's most famous romantic comedy type stuff but well worth watching.
Hepburn (Karen) and Mclaine (Martha) play two life-long friends who have started up an all girls boarding school which is just starting to find its feet. Unfortunately, one of their problem children comes up with a plan to get out of the school for good. She tells her grandmother that the two teachers have an 'unnatural' relationship and she has seen and heard things in the night. All of this is complete rubbish of course but because of half-truths, plain lies and words taken out of context the news of their affair soon travels through to all the other parents and soon the school is empty.
Karen and Martha's life falls apart compltely as they can't even leave the house without being harassed which soon takes a toll on all those involved. The ending is very sad and made me cry but also serves to highlight the point of the movie and is well chosen and filmed.
Quite different from Audrey Hepburn's most famous romantic comedy type stuff but well worth watching.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
AMAZING
Didn't really know if I was going to like this film, only bought it to help with my alevel drama. However I literally fell in love with it, i've watched it about fifteen times... Read more
Published 1 month ago by KayleighBrown
the childrens hour dvd
a value for money good quality dvd, an old film but if you have never seen it before well worth watching, both shirley macclaine and audrey hepburn are acting their pants off, in... Read more
Published 3 months ago by tree
a great film
Childrens Hour [DVD]This was the era wene films were made.to put some intelligence into brain less people.its a great film
Published 6 months ago by these are the new house rules
toytown
what can i say any thing audrey hepburn makes is good this is a very enjoyable touching story that i would recommend
Published 7 months ago by toytown
Fantastic
My Thoughts: "The Children's Hour" is a thought-proking film that gives you an insight into how the simplest of lies and rumours can escalate into ruining the professional... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Dismal Angel
A very good adaptation of the theatre play.
Audrey Hepburn at her sweetest and loveliest, with beautiful expressive doe eyes, narrow fragile wrists, long aristocratic hands, a huge Victorian bun on top of a slender, graceful... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Wanderer75
FANTASTIC!
Both Actresses are Excellent by themselves but TOGETHER...they are Phenominal..What a great movie. You really feel the emotion of the characters when watching it :)
Published 19 months ago by Aly
movie rating
This film is a must due the great acting from Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine whose world are turned upside down based on a lie. Read more
Published on 19 Sep 2009 by Keith Parrish
childish behaviour
this is the type of film you need to remind you how bad predigest was,i will not stand in anyway for any racism!homophobia!or sexism! Read more
Published on 11 Sep 2009 by Ms. Rebecca J. Connelly
the childrens hour
i first saw this film on tv (well the last halfhour)and decided i had to see it from the begining it is very well acted by all. Read more
Published on 9 Jun 2008 by joanrocks
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