The Children's Hour

Shirley MacLaine and Audrey Hepburn give A+ performances in this hard hitting drama. They have really great chemistry with each other. Fay Bainter, Karen Balkin, James Garner and the rest of the supporting cast do a good job in their roles as well. And William Wyler is an all time great director who does a subtle, but excellent job as well. I could not recommend this movie highly enough.

Originally written in 1934 by Lillian Hellman (who has been accussed of bisexuality). Though the material seems dated by today's standards, both MacLain and Hepburn turn in stellar and underated performances. A great supporting cast including Academy Award winners Fay Bainter and James Garner round out the all star cast. It must be said that this is one of the first films to use "the lesbian tragedy" storyline to wrap up the plot. In it's defence, the movie was considered very progressive for it's time...addressing a homosexual theme in a semi-supporting fashion. Witness Audrey Hepburn's lack of denial or rejection when Shirley MacLean's character admits feelings for her and her head held high at the end of the movie rather than slinking away in shame. Keep in mind that in 1961 when this film was released queer themes were not portrayed as normal lifestyles. Throw out some of the more non-sympathetic dialog (i.e. the "sick" comments) and watch Hepburn and MacLain's subtle glances at one another. If the dialog could be edited or revised and a possible kiss or hookup scene added this could be a modern day themed story about a love triangle between a lesbian, a bi-sexual woman and a straight man. Hmmm...reboot anyone ?

Amazing performances by Shirley and Audrey! A great film that will make anyone who hates injustices upset. But worth watching!