Review of The Children's Hour (1961) by Jack C — 14 Jan 2009

If you were walking down the street in Middle America circa 1961 and you stopped someone on the street to talk about lesbians, they'd probably call the police. Yes back then homosexuality was a little more than frowned upon and to make a mainstream film with big stars about said topic, well that was a risky move.

William Wyler (remaking his own film "These Three" from 1936) directs this adaptation of Lillian Hellman's play and though the homosexuality at the heart of the story is played down, it's implications are still there.

It's a powerful story of how rumours can have dangerous effects on people and how a simple lie can spin out of control. Audrey Hepburn is great as one of the headmasters accused of being a lesbian, playing her role with subtlety and reserve.

Shirley MacLaine as her counterpart is also wonderful, securing herself an Oscar nomination for the role. With these two anchors the film has a steady ground upon which the story unfolds. It's great to watch and the ending is unexpected if you haven't already been told it by your girlfriend.

Thanks Jen. "The Children's Hour" is most certainly for adults only.