The Children's Hour with Audrey Hepburn: DVD Cover

    The Children's Hour
    a.k.a. Loudest Whisper Director: William Wyler Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, James Garner, Miriam Hopkins

    DVD - Wide Screen / Black & White Learn more

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    • DVD Release Date: 12/03/2002
    • Original Release: 1961
    • Rating: Not Rated
    • Sales Rank: 12,727

    Viewer Rating: (3 ratings)

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    • Overview
    • Editorial Reviews
    • Scenes
    • Customer Reviews
    • Cast & Crew
    • Full Product Details

    Scenes

    Features

    Closed Caption; Original theatrical trailer; English mono, French mono; English, French & Spanish subtitles

    Full Product Details

    Scene Index

    Side #1 --
    1. Main Title/School Days [4:56]
    2. Maids of Honor [6:03]
    3. The Lonely One [3:16]
    4. Only the Best [4:00]
    5. Playing for Keeps [11:39]
    6. Secrets and Lies [8:01]
    7. Better Left Unsaid [4:18]
    8. Pledging Allegiance [7:19]
    9. The Rumor Mill [7:26]
    10. To Be or Not to Be [8:48]
    11. Promenade [6:04]
    12. Wicked Old [12:06]
    13. Lost and Found [2:45]
    14. With Apologies [11:09]
    15. Well Enough Alone [7:03]
    16. Till Tomorrow/End Credits [3:04]

    Scene Index

    Editorial Reviews

    Based on the 1934 play by Lillian Hellman, The Children's Hour is set at an exclusive girl's school managed by best friends Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine. When student Karen Balkin is punished for one of her many misdeeds, the mean-spirited youngster rushes to her wealthy aunt Fay Bainter, and, randomly choosing a phrase she has undoubtedly read in some magazine, accuses Hepburn and MacLaine of having an "unnatural relationship." As Balkin's lies grow in viciousness, the student's parents withdraw their children from the school. Hepburn and MacLaine sue Bainter for libel, only to lose their case when MacLaine's aunt Miriam Hopkins refuses to testify as a character witness. The trial takes its toll on the relationship between Hepburn and her boyfriend James Garner. When Bainter discovers that her niece has been lying, she tries to make amends, but it is too late. Director William Wyler had also helmed the first film version of Children's Hour, 1936's These Three, which due to censorship restrictions of the time did without the lesbian angle (the little girl's accusations involved a supposed romantic triangle between the two ladies and a male friend). Miriam Hopkins, who plays a supporting role in The Children's Hour, originally essayed the Shirley MacLaine role in These Three. Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

    Customer Reviews

    • Viewer Rating:
    • Ratings: 3Reviews: 2

    Children's Hourby Anonymous

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    April 15, 2004: Veronica Cartwright made a career for herself with her portrayal of Rosalie in this film. No one before or since has done screen hysteria quite as genuinely as she, and she has been doing variations on it for the last 40 years. That said, 'The Children's Hour' holds up remarkably well for a film. The times may have changed, but the issues are still out there, and those who do not think so are fooling themselves. I first discovered this film at 12, latching onto it for its demonstration of the power children can sometimes have over adults; nearly 40 years later I now understand how consequential that power can be if used destructively. Which is what 'The Children's Hour' is actually about, its labeling today as a 'lesbian play' to the contrary. For years one thing has always bothered me about the film--and that is Karen Balkin, who plays Mary. Now I can understand her casting. There are several moments early on where Mary comes off as appealing, like when she first sees her Grandmother on visitor's day. She has an innocent visage which as her viciousness becomes more and more apparent makes her appear even more frightening. Contrast this with Bonita Granville in 'These Three,' who the minute she came on screen scared the viewer to death. Mary should not be scary--at first. That she turns out to be is what makes 'The Children's Hour' work and Miss Balkin does achieve this effect. Hepburn and Maclaine give two of their strongest performances ever; watch the latter in her speech about 'the lie with the oucne of truth.' Hepburn's walk at the end is the most elegant snub in screen history. Miriam Hopkins is a hoot as Mrs. Mortar, yet manages to make the character human in both positive and negative terms. Faye Bainter is simply magnificent as Mrs. Tilford, who despite her righteousness is a tragic and sympathetic figure. The cinematography won as Oscar and adds some wonderful atmosphere, as does Alex North's music score. If like me you have been away from 'The Children's Hour' too long, give it another look. You will be remarkably surprised.

    Children's Hourby Anonymous

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    December 30, 2003: The Childrens Hour was an excellent movie! The acting was superb. It is amazing how the times have changed when it comes to certain subjects. I recommend this movie to everyone, especially if you are an old movie watcher.