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THE REVIEW
"The Children's Hour" presents itself in the history of cinematographic art as one of the first works hinting at a true taboo for the world of celluloid and beyond: homosexuality. William Wyler ("Roman Holiday", "The Big Country") brings to the big screen a story already previously told by himself in the film "These Three" of '36, based on the play by Lillian Hellman. This decision is primarily due to the fact that the first version of the film was heavily toned down because of the directives of the Production Code that regulated the world of American cinema. In '61, things had slightly changed, and Wyler could try to make a new version that was more free to talk about hot topics, even though the language still had to respect the moral guidelines for creating a mass-consumption product.
"The Children's Hour", in Italy "Quelle Due", tells the story of two teachers, Karen Wright (Audrey Hepburn) and Martha Dobie (Shirley MacLaine), who are accused by a group of their students of having a homosexual relationship. This will lead to the closure of their school and a painful inner journey for the two protagonists as they try to reaffirm themselves against insults and slanders; but for one of them, the only way out will be marked by tragedy.
The film, shot in black and white, has the merit of bringing to light social themes never before explicitly addressed by the world of cinema, even though Wyler is forced to never name the word "homosexuality" and therefore works a lot with allusions, even though the final confrontation between the two protagonists is intense and clarifying. This in fact excessively limits the cinematic language, forcing the director into genuine exercises of style to be able to communicate the main theme of the film to the audience. Unfortunately, the two protagonists are limited by these expedients, both Hepburn and MacLaine struggle, and perhaps their immense talent spins a bit in circles. Nevertheless, a brave choice by both actresses to have accepted their respective roles.
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Summary by Bot
William Wyler’s 1961 film The Children’s Hour courageously addresses the taboo topic of homosexuality in American cinema, revisiting a previous censored version. Despite restrictive Production Code constraints, the film uses stylistic subtlety to convey its social message. Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine deliver strong performances hampered somewhat by the limitations of the era. The film remains an important cinematic exploration of social stigma and tragedy.
William Wyler
William Wyler was an American film director celebrated for rigorous craftsmanship and emotionally resonant storytelling. He directed classics across genres, from Roman Holiday to Ben-Hur, and won three Academy Awards for Best Director.03 Reviews
