What a waste of my time!!!

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

I know, as a long time teacher, that a charge against one of us doesn't have to have a grain of truth to it. While children should always be listened to, it is a fact that they can get into situations where they can't escape gracefully, and they will flat out lie. In this one, a girl who has had experience reading about things that society considers "sordid," uses her little bit of knowledge to start rumors about a couple of teacher in a girls' school. For all practical purposes, she ruins their lives and their careers. Even though there is an admission by one at some point, the die is cast. There is no turning back, even though the adults find out this is a falsehood. This might be a good movie for more people to see.

The Children's HourThe best way to keep your lesbian relationship secret is by telling everyone you're sisters.The lovers in this drama, however, choose to deny their passions outright.When a spiteful private school student spreads rumors that her teachers, Martha (Shirley MacLaine) and Karen (Audrey Hepburn), are lesbians, she puts Karen's engagement to Joe (James Garner) as well as both women's careers in jeopardy.As the validity of the allegations is scrutinized by the faculty so too do both women explore their own feelings for each other. But the shame for one is too much to bear.One of the first, and few, Hollywood movies to discuss homosexuality, this 1961 film adaptation of the infamous play is a well-acted think piece that cunningly expounds on the dangers of gossip.Besides, the best way to tell if a female teacher is a possible lesbian is by having them teach a gym class.Yellow Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

Karen Wright (Audrey Hepburn) and Martha Dobie (Shirley MacLaine) are best friends with their own little boarding school Wright and Dobie School for Girls. Karen is engaged to Dr. Joe Cardin (James Garner) who is the nephew of Mrs. Amelia Tilford. Her granddaughter mean girl Mary Tilford goes to the school. She gets punished by Karen for telling a lie and refusing to admit it. Martha feels abandoned by Karen. Martha's argumentative aunt Lily Mortar accuses Martha of having an UNNATURAL relationship with Karen. Mary's roommates eavesdrops on the argument and tells Mary who in turn tells her grandmother Amelia. To avoid going back to school, she adds even more lies. Talkative aunt Mortar is leaving and adds even more fuel to the fire. The gossip quickly spreads to all the parents.The little girl Mary is so deliciously evil. Young Veronica Cartwright plays the other girl who stole a locket and threatened by Mary. The actors are great although the acting gets very melodramatic. It's also very intense. It doesn't let go. Everybody is just so insanely annoying. It's overwrought and proud of it.

I have never been a fan of Audrey Hepburn. Not saying I disliked her work...more I could take it or leave it, depending on the film. Not an actress that would lead me to the theater just because she was in a film.I generally dislike almost any performance by Miriam Hopkins. The one possible exception was when she starred with Bette Davis.I never cared for James Garner, either in the films or on television.Three strikes like that would typically make me simply not attend a film, or turn off the television. But I have watched this film several times, and am always fascinated with it.Audrey Hepburn is brilliant here; mostly an understated performance, and just perfect. Shirley MacLaine is not in a league with Hepburn here, but her performance is very good. James Garner is nigh on perfect in his part as the doctor and fiancé. Miriam Hopkins turns in a dead-on portrayal of a washed up actress and relative whose bitchiness precipitates the crisis.And special mention should be made of the performance by the wonderful Fay Bainter. Sometimes when this film is on TCM, I'll record it and just flip through her scenes. Possibly the best of her career, though certainly not the most lovable. Are you considering going to acting school. Don't bother. Just watch the pro steal every scene she's in...in fact, watch her steal the whole film! A lot has been made of the performances by the two key children actors here. I agree with those who feel that young Karen Balkin's performance was over the top. But, she was a young child. I'll have to criticize Willim Wyler (director) for that. On the other hand, Veronica Cartwright, was perfect as the child-victim.I don't want one to think that based on my last paragraph that William Wyler didn't direct a good film here. One error in judgment shouldn't be taken as an overall criticism. I can count an even 10 films of his that I personally revere (including this one), including his finest -- "Ben Hur".We shouldn't finish without almost praising author Lillian Hellman. Just another of Hellman's brilliant, though dark, masterpieces.This is a movie no serious film-goer should miss.