Is The Children's Hour Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Children's Hour is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Children's Hour Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1961, The Children's Hour enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship. Under the direction of William Wyler, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Shirley MacLaine, Audrey Hepburn, James Garner. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The Children's Hour offers a visually stunning presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The Children's Hour is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7.7/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
The Children's Hour Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3,600,000 |
| Worldwide Gross | $3,000,000 |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Children's Hour Budget
The estimated production budget for The Children's Hour is $3,600,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Cast of The Children's Hour
- Shirley MacLaine – Martha Dobie
- Audrey Hepburn – Karen Wright
- James Garner – Joe Cardin
- Miriam Hopkins – Lily Mortar
- Fay Bainter – Amelia Tilford
Top Highlights
Shirley MacLaineMartha Dobie
Audrey HepburnKaren Wright
James GarnerJoe Cardin
Miriam HopkinsLily Mortar
Fay BainterAmelia Tilford
Karen BalkinMary Tilford
Veronica CartwrightRosalie Wells
Sally BrophyMrs. Wells
Mimi GibsonEvelyn
William MimsMr. Burton
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Children's Hour stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1961 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Children's Hour movie hit or flop?
The Children's Hour is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is The Children's Hour worth watching?
Yes, The Children's Hour is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
What genre is The Children's Hour?
The Children's Hour is a Drama movie that An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship....
