Movie spotlight
The Children's Hour
A married couple entrusts the care of their young son to a strange clown. The film focuses on the relationship between the clown and the child, to whom he reluctantly tells stories and tries to keep entertained while waiting for his fee to be paid.
Insights
Plot Summary
Two women run a boarding school for girls. Their lives are disrupted when one of the students falsely accuses them of lesbianism, leading to social ostracization and tragic consequences. The film explores themes of prejudice, rumor, and the devastating impact of unfounded accusations.
Critical Reception
The film received generally positive reviews, with praise directed at the performances of its lead actresses and the sensitive handling of its controversial subject matter for the time. However, some critics noted that the film softened the original play's more explicit themes.
What Reviewers Say
Powerful performances from Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine anchor this sensitive drama.
Explores difficult themes of prejudice and rumor with emotional depth.
A compelling, albeit somewhat dated, adaptation of Lillian Hellman's play.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the strong acting and the film's emotional weight, finding it a thought-provoking and moving drama. Some viewers felt it was a bit melodramatic but generally praised its handling of sensitive themes.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Best Actress for Shirley MacLaine. Nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
Fun Fact
The film's source material, Lillian Hellman's 1934 play 'The Children's Hour,' was based on the alleged experience of a student at a Scottish school run by two sisters.
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