The Children's Hour Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: William Wyler
Genre: Drama, Romance, Tragedy
Release year: 1961
Runtime (length): 1h 48min
IMDb rating: 7.8/10 (19K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A spoiled brat lies about her teachers being gay, and everyone believes her because, apparently, adults have never met a child before.

🍿 The Children’s Hour: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Establishing the School and Relationships

Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, close friends since college, co-found a girls’ boarding school in New England. They strive to make it successful. Karen is engaged to Dr. Joe Cardin, whose aunt, Mrs. Amelia Tilford, is a prominent figure in the community and has a granddaughter, Mary, enrolled at the school. This sets the stage for intertwined relationships and burgeoning tensions.

The Lie and its Spread

Mary, a manipulative and spiteful student, is punished by Karen for lying. In retaliation, Mary fabricates a story accusing Karen and Martha of having a lesbian relationship. This lie spreads rapidly through Mrs. Tilford, fueled by societal prejudices of the time, causing parents to withdraw their daughters from the school. The two teachers’ lives are irrevocably altered by the malicious rumor.

Aftermath and Fallout

Karen and Martha attempt to fight back by suing Mrs. Tilford for libel and slander, but they lose the case, further damaging their reputations and financial stability. The accusation strains Karen’s engagement with Joe, who begins to question the truth of the rumor. Ultimately, Karen breaks off the engagement, recognizing the irreparable damage the lie has caused.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

Martha’s Confession and Tragic End

Following the broken engagement, Martha confesses to Karen that she has always harbored romantic feelings for her, a realization brought to the surface by the false accusation. Overwhelmed by guilt and shame, Martha feels unable to cope with the societal implications of her feelings and the damage done to Karen’s life.

The Aftermath and Karen’s Departure

After learning the truth about Mary’s lies, Mrs. Tilford attempts to apologize and offer financial restitution, but Karen refuses, stating that the damage is irreversible. Martha, unable to bear the weight of her feelings and the scandal, takes her own life. The film concludes with Karen walking away from Martha’s funeral, leaving behind her shattered life and uncertain future.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Karen Wright (Audrey Hepburn): A headmistress of Wright and Dobie School for Girls, she faces false accusations that threaten her reputation and engagement.
Martha Dobie (Shirley MacLaine): The co-headmistress of the school, she struggles with repressed feelings and the devastating consequences of a malicious lie.
Mary Tilford (Karen Balkin): A spiteful and manipulative student whose false accusations trigger a tragic chain of events.
Mrs. Amelia Tilford (Fay Bainter): Mary’s influential grandmother whose belief in the lie leads to the destruction of the school and the women’s lives.
Dr. Joe Cardin (James Garner): Karen’s fiancé, whose trust is tested by the rumors, ultimately leading to the end of their engagement.
Mrs. Lily Mortar (Miriam Hopkins): Martha’s meddling aunt, whose actions and words contribute to the spread of the damaging accusations.
Rosalie Wells (Veronica Cartwright): Mary’s roommate, who is blackmailed into supporting Mary’s false claims.

💬 Memorable 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.” – Martha confesses her long-repressed feelings, realizing the truth about herself.
Martha: “I’m guilty!” – Martha admits to Karen that the accusations may have had a grain of truth, confessing her feelings.
Karen: “It’s a lie. But it’s a lie that will be believed.” – Karen expresses her frustration that even though the accusation is false, its impact will be devastating.
Mrs. Tilford: “I’ve ruined your life.” – Mrs. Tilford, after discovering Mary’s lies, acknowledges the devastating consequences of her actions.

💰Box Office

Budget: $3,600,000
Domestic Gross: N/A
Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Children’s Hour Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘The Children’s Hour’ messed me up, big time! It’s hard to watch, but so worth it. Seeing Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine’s characters struggle against those awful accusations just broke my heart. That bratty kid, Mary, made me want to reach into the screen and shake her! And the ending? Seriously, I needed a box of tissues. It really hit home how easily lies can ruin lives, even today.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic dramas”
- “Those interested in LGBTQ+ history in film”
- “Viewers who appreciate strong female leads”
- “Those who enjoy films that tackle social issues”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suicide”
- “Homophobia”
- “Slander”
- “Emotional distress”

Professional Reviews

Variety: “Wyler masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere, exploring the destructive power of lies and societal bigotry. Hepburn and MacLaine deliver compelling performances, navigating the complexities of their characters with sensitivity and depth.
The New York Times: “Though dealing with then-taboo subject matter, the film feels somewhat dated. The performances are solid, but the script’s staginess and the tragic ending hinder its impact. A thought-provoking, if uneven, exploration of prejudice.
AllMovie: “A powerful drama that fearlessly tackles controversial themes with compelling performances, making it a classic worth revisiting. A scathing indictment of the destructive power of homophobia and the importance of standing up for truth and justice.

Audience Reactions

Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine deliver powerful, emotional performances that resonate with viewers.: The acting is praised for its emotional depth and sensitivity.

The film powerfully illustrates the destructive impact of gossip and false accusations, leaving a lasting impact.: Many viewers feel the film highlights the power of a child’s lie.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and emotionally powerful drama that explores the destructive impact of lies and societal prejudice, though its dated aspects may not resonate with all modern audiences.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“The film is based on Lillian Hellman’s 1934 play of the same name, which was inspired by an 1809 Scottish court case.”
“William Wyler previously directed a sanitized 1936 version of the play called ‘These Three’, where the accusation was changed to a heterosexual affair to comply with the Hays Code.”
“The word ‘lesbian’ is never explicitly used in the film, reflecting the taboo nature of the subject matter in the early 1960s.”
“Miriam Hopkins, who plays Lily Mortar in ‘The Children’s Hour,’ played Martha Dobie in the 1936 version, ‘These Three’.”
“A crucial trial sequence was cut by the studio before the film was released.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Children’s Hour?

As a classic film, ‘The Children’s Hour’ isn’t always readily available on major streaming services. Check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability can vary by region, so be sure to confirm before making a selection. You may also find it available for purchase on DVD or Blu-ray through online retailers such as Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Children’s Hour, you might like these similar films:

These Three (1936): The original, sanitized adaptation of Lillian Hellman’s play, directed by William Wyler.
Brokeback Mountain (2005): Explores similar themes of repressed homosexuality and societal pressures in a different time and context.
Personal Best (1982): Explores the relationship between two female athletes and hints at a lesbian relationship.
The Crucible (1996): Highlights the destructive power of false accusations and mass hysteria in a community.

🛒 The Children’s Hour Related Products

Audrey Hepburn: A Life in Pictures: A beautifully illustrated biography showcasing Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style and remarkable career, filled with rare photographs and intimate stories.
Shirley MacLaine: My Lucky Stars: An engaging autobiography of Shirley MacLaine, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her life and career, from Hollywood to spirituality.
The Children’s Hour (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition restoration of The Children’s Hour featuring special features and insightful commentary for collectors.
Lillian Hellman: Collected Plays: A comprehensive collection of Lillian Hellman’s plays, including ‘The Children’s Hour,’ offering a deeper understanding of her groundbreaking works.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Children’s Hour features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

What is The Children’s Hour about?

The Children’s Hour explores the destructive power of lies and societal prejudice. It tells the story of two women whose lives are ruined by a false accusation of lesbianism, highlighting the devastating impact of rumor and the internalized homophobia of the time.

Is The Children’s Hour based on a true story?

The Children’s Hour is based on Lillian Hellman’s play of the same name, which was inspired by an 1809 Scottish case where a student accused two teachers of lesbianism.

Why is The Children’s Hour considered controversial?

At the time of its release in 1961, The Children’s Hour was considered controversial for addressing the topic of lesbianism, which was heavily stigmatized and rarely depicted in mainstream films. The film’s exploration of societal prejudice and internalized homophobia was groundbreaking for its time.