The Children's Hour 1961

Martha Dobie, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, along with her former college roommate Karen Wright, played by Shirley MacLaine, embark on an ambitious journey to open a private boarding school exclusively for young girls. As Karen’s romance with Dr. Joe Cardin, characterized by James Garner, reaches a significant two-year anniversary, she finally agrees to set a date for their wedding. However, unbeknownst to them, a storm of deceit is brewing, orchestrated by the manipulative Mary Tilford, the pampered granddaughter of influential figure Amelia Tilford.

Mary, a bully with a tendency to spread discord, is seething with jealousy towards Martha and Karen. After a careless lie leads to her roommate overhearing a heated exchange between Martha and her Aunt Lily, a dangerous chain of events begins. Lily’s accusation that Martha harbors “unnatural” feelings ignites a firestorm of rumors among the school’s parents. Taking the gossip to heart, Amelia Tilford decides to act, unwittingly placing the couple’s future in jeopardy by revealing these tales to Joe.

Upon learning of the accusations directed at them, Karen challenges Amelia, desperate to quash the lies, but her efforts prove futile. With ruthless determination, Mary coerces Rosalie, another student who has a troubled history of theft, into backing her false narrative. This leads Martha and Karen to take a stand, filing a libel and slander lawsuit against Mrs. Tilford, but the ramifications stretch far beyond what they anticipated.

Months later, Martha and Karen find themselves alone in their once-thriving school, now empty due to the fallout from their embarrassing loss in court. Joe, shaken by the rumors, calls off his engagement to Karen, questioning her about the whispers that taint Martha’s name. In a heart-wrenching revelation, Martha confesses to Karen that her feelings run deeper than friendship, having been in love with her for years.

As Rosalie’s mother uncovers her daughter’s hidden cache of stolen items, the web of lies that Mary spun begins to unravel. The truth comes to light as a judge re-evaluates their case, overturning the previous verdict and ordering a public announcement, alongside compensating Martha and Karen for their suffering. Reassured by Karen’s steadfast loyalty, the two women contemplate the future, ready to rebuild their lives.

However, when Aunt Lily’s curiosity about Martha’s whereabouts leads her to a locked door, tension mounts. With a clever twist of her candleholder, Karen forces the door open, revealing a horrific sight that will change everything: Martha’s lifeless body, positioned in a heart-rending tableau.

At Martha’s funeral, Karen’s composure stands out amidst the sorrowful attendees, caught in a poignant moment among the mourners. Slipping away unnoticed, she leaves behind an air of mystery, as Joe, Mrs. Tilford, and the townspeople are left pondering what lies concealed behind her enigmatic demeanor.