The Children's Hour

The Children's Hour

Can an ugly rumor destroy what's beautiful?

Directed by William Wyler

Produced by The Mirisch Company, United Artists

1961108 min7.7 / 10

A devastating portrait of how a false accusation destroys two women's lives and their deep bond, exploring the destructive power of rumor and societal prejudice.

An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is The Children's Hour sad? Yes, very. More sad than 99% of films.

  • Is The Children's Hour one of a kind? Yes, very. More singular than 97% of films.

  • Does The Children's Hour end with hope? No. Less hopeful than 96% of films.

  • Is The Children's Hour easy watching? No. Less comforting than 92% of films.

  • Is The Children's Hour violent? Barely. Less violent than 76% of films.

  • Is The Children's Hour scary? Not especially. Less frightening than 65% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

90/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

There is almost nothing else like this.

Rarity95

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise83

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love93

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like The Children's Hour, and what each one shares →

Like The Children's Hour

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as The Children's Hour

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like The Children's Hour, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like The Children's Hour, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like The Children's Hour, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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