The Children’s Hour is a 1961 American psychological drama produced and directed by William Wyler from a screenplay by John Michael Hayes, based on the 1934 play of the same title by Lillian Hellman. The film stars Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, and James Garner, with Miriam Hopkins, Fay Bainter (in her final film role), and Karen Balkin.
During the filming of The Children’s Hour, MacLaine portrayed Martha Dobie, a role that remains one of the most emotionally raw performances of her career. On set, she and her co-star Audrey Hepburn shared a close camaraderie and mutual respect that was noted by the production crew.
MacLaine later recalled that director William Wyler, “trepidatious” about the film’s controversial subject matter, cut several intimate scenes, such as her character lovingly brushing Hepburn’s hair, fearing they would be too much for audiences at the time.
MacLaine deeply admired Hepburn, describing her as a “healer” who tried to take on others’ pain. Despite the heavy themes of the film, they reportedly never explicitly discussed the underlying subtext of their characters’ sexualities while filming.
The set was a hub for Hollywood elite; notable figures like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin visited the cast and crew at Paramount Studios during production.
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