William Wyler directs Lillian Hellman's provocative adapted play. A sensational story that exhausts emotions. The sensors must have really been put to task considering the early 1960's mores. Shirley McClaine and Audrey Hepburn, friends since high school, have partnered in running a private school for girls. Its been several years of operating without profit; but good news...the school has finally made some money and Hepburn becomes engaged to her doctor boyfriend James Garner. Things are all of the sudden no longer roses and wine, but poison ivy. Spoiled schoolgirl Karen Balkin decides to get back at her two teachers by spreading rumors that they are lesbians. The aggravating girl's grandmother Fay Bainter spreads the falsehood and all of the students are taken out of the school. Suspicion, tension and anxiety. Just how do you defend yourself against such sensational accusations? McClaine is flawless and Balkin is so real you want to reach out and grab her by the throat. Also in the cast: Miriam Hopkins, Veronica Cartwright, William Mims and Hope Summers.
Review of The Children's Hour
