The Children’s Hour was one of the few sympathetic depictions of a lesbian character at a time when same-sex relationships were illegal. That being said, the film doesn’t really focus on forming a couple. It’s also about how destructive the rumor mill can be, but really, the film is mostly an indictment of how terrible society treated queerness back then, ending people’s livelihoods, reputations, safety, and yes, even their lives all in the name of propriety. Director William Wyler adapts this play with the gravity it deserves, through shots that frame the dynamics between every performance and a camera that scrutinizes its casts’ faces. Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine delivered their anguish through excellent performances.
Synopsis
An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship.
Storyline
Longtime friends Martha and Karen run a boarding school for girls, but a lie from one of their students threatens to ruin everything they’ve worked for.
TLDR
Yes, LGBTQ representation deserves more joy, but this film had to be tragic in reflection of the real case the play and the film was inspired by.
What stands out
The performances were really good.
