Rating: 
Summary: Audrey's most underrated film
Review: I was totally touched to the core by Audrey's as well as Shirley's and James Garner's performances. Some describe the movie as "dark" and "depressing," but I didn't, I found it in every aspect totally courageous. More than any Hepburn film I have seen, I was forced to think. For instance, when Audrey's character Karen finally leaves James Garner's character, I was blown away. I don't think I've ever seen anything like that in film. After I thought about it, I felt it was totally consistent and in character. Through this dramatic conclusion a precisely crafted story achieves a kind of wrenching catharsis, as Karen determines to rise from the devastation and start a new life. For anyone who has experienced intolerance and had to start again, watching Audrey's Karen is a redeeming and uplifting moment.
Rating:
Summary: A great controversial film for its time! :-)
Review: In 1961 this movie was very controversial & I applaud Audrey and Shirley!In the beginning this movie shows you a picture of two best friend's doing what they love: Teaching young girls. But, later on you will see what a spoiled little rich girl can do to make their whole lives turn upside-down. What's really interesting, is that even though the girls start out happy and content with where they are in life, in the end, they see that they really wanted something different. Have you ever had that feeling when something really bad happens to you and it seems you're life will never ever be truly happy again? This movie will let you know what that feels like. For Audrey Hepburn fans, like myself, you're collection will not be complete without it. :-)
Rating:
Summary: A Great Suspense Movie
Review: It is a very good movie that deals with a very difficult social issue in a very believable plot. It will keep you in suspense all the time. I felt a great deal of empathy for the leading ladies as they were falsely accused based on the lies of a wicked child. Lesbianism was the issue but, the way it was handled in the film, it would apply to any other delicate matter. Just imagine how difficult would be to prove wrong or attack the credibility of a child. Excellent performances by all the actors, especially Ms. Hepburn who portrays one of her most dramatical roles. Pay special attention to the last scenes, the conclusion is superb, both in plot resolution and in cinematography. Observe Ms. Hepburn in the final shots, she is as graceful as ever with a black coat and a black beret, just in simple clothes. William Wyler was excellent in directing this movie and he is able to show his special touch with a surprising ending as he did with Roman Holiday. Viewers are left with a wistful yearning. He is successful in portraying that unhappy endings are sometimes much better in regards to the story and cinematically, and also better reflect reality.
Rating:
Summary: relfection
Review: just because time has passed and (we hope)they've changed doesn't mean that we are any more comfortable or open to the issues this play/movie deals with. not only does it force us to look at society and how it can be swept up in a lie. we must examine how ferocious a spoiled child can be when he or she gets mad or bored or needs to 'feel loved'. in this movie we also must hold a mirror up to ourselves and look at certain issues with which we may not be comfortable with, but we must understand that this does not change them or alter their existence. they are there and we can take them how we will. they are a blessing and a curse. for this feeling to come across the screen in such a poignant way is rare and beautiful. my hat off to lillian helman, audrey hepburn, and shirley maclaine.
Rating:
Summary: AHEAD OF ITS TIME
Review: Lillian Hellman's play is brought to the screen a second time here. (The first time in a retitled "These Three," which did not even approach the real subject matter of the play. Hays office intimidation, I presume.) Hepburn and MacLaine play beautifully off one another, and Miriam Hopkins is simply amazing. James Garner is wooden, as he often tends to be, but this does not diminish the impact of the film. Groundbreaking in its sympathetic portrayal of a gay character, it explores the damage people can do to one another and to themselves when a simple child's lie is told, and layer after layer of human decency is peeled back, exposing something raw and dreadful. It's uncomfortable to watch, and devastatingly sad; but if only for the three astounding performances (MacLaine, Hepburn and Hopkins) it's worth seeing. Shirley MacLaine has since remarked that she and Hepburn never even really discussed the gay angle of the script, which seems incredible, considering how straightforwardly (for its time) it is handled here.
Rating:
Summary: AHEAD OF ITS TIME
Review: Lillian Hellman's play is brought to the screen a second time here. (The first time in a retitled "These Three," which did not even approach the real subject matter of the play. Hays office intimidation, I presume.) Hepburn and MacLaine play beautifully off one another, and Miriam Hopkins is simply amazing. James Garner is wooden, as he often tends to be, but this does not diminish the impact of the film. Groundbreaking in its sympathetic portrayal of a gay character, it explores the damage people can do to one another and to themselves when a simple child's lie is told, and layer after layer of human decency is peeled back, exposing something raw and dreadful. It's uncomfortable to watch, and devastatingly sad; but if only for the three astounding performances (MacLaine, Hepburn and Hopkins) it's worth seeing. Shirley MacLaine has since remarked that she and Hepburn never even really discussed the gay angle of the script, which seems incredible, considering how straightforwardly (for its time) it is handled here.
Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece Movie
Review: Once upon a time, when I was a teenager filled with angst and rebellion, I decided to skip school one day and mope around the house contemplating my life's direction... or lack of. It was snowing outside and I knew sooner or later there would be school closings announced, so I turned on the tv and flipped thru the channels.... an advertisement came on announcing that an old Shirley MacClaine movie was comming up next, so I popped in a blank videotape and started taping what would turn out to be my absolute favorite B&W movie of all time- "The Children's Hour". I still have that old tape and every now and then I watch it... complete with a total of EIGHT weather alert interruptions, and SIX continuous running banners on the bottom of the screen announcing multiple local school closings due to the sudden unbearable snow storms.... and I'm talking the loud BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! LOOKEY HERE! LOOKEY HERE! WE'RE GONNA RUIN YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE WITH THESE TOTALLY OBNOXIOUS INTERRUPTIONS!! HA! HA! YOU SHOULD HAVE WENT TO SCHOOL TODAY BONEHEAD!, kind of messages. SO, it was a wonderful experience to watch this masterpiece on dvd and see the absolutely brilliant clarity and charm that only a B&W movie can show. I got the dvd version off ebay from a seller in Cheshire, United Kingdom and so I beat y'all to the U.S. December 3rd, 2002 release. Ahhh.... I think I'll call in sick to work tomorrow and watch this movie in bed... I heard there's suppose to a snow storm tomorrow. : )
Rating: 
Summary: For MacLaine and Hepburn fans
Review: One must begin by understanding that this film premiered when hardly anyone used the word "lesbian" with any degree of comfort. The film does offer a vivid view of the horror that it must have meant to be thought of as "bent" in the 1950's. The whispers and the looks following comments from a young student who assumes an illicit affair between two female teachers, tell the whole story rather eloquently. Sterling performances by a very young Hepburn and and a very innocent MacLaine redeem a tortuous script where too much is left unsaid.
Rating: 
Summary: Whispers, murmurs and lies ....
Review: ORIGINALLY released as "The Loudest Whisper" this one neatly counterpoints the 'hinted' relationships of "The Haunting" .... although this fairly timely warhorse by Lillian Hellman still works very well on stage. Originally filmed in the thirties with Mirian Hopkins ~ there was no hint of the lesbian implied romance, this one is somewhat bold for 1961 and provides excellent acting chops from both Miss Hepburn and Miss MacLaine - both performances are quite timeless - especially Maclaine's gradual and shatering breakdown - and the wordless conclusion between Miss Hepburn and fiancee ....... Touching, sad and unforgettable....
Rating:
Summary: A great movie.
Review: The Children's Hour is a very well directed, well written film. The subject matter is touched upon in a very tasteful, mature manner. There is much insight given into the world of scorned individuals and you are able to understand more fully just what it means to be an outcast. It also gives great insight into the consequences of actions taken. If you're in the mood for a good film that will make you think, I highly recommend this one.
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