The Children's Hour (1961)
Kernel Score: 87% · 393 ratings · Rated NR
Genres: Drama
Released: 1961-12-19
Runtime: 108 minutes
Where to watch The Children's Hour
- Stream: Fubo, Philo, MGM+
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free, Tubi
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
An unruly student at a private all-girls boarding school scandalously accuses the two women who run it of having a romantic relationship.
The Children's Hour parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Children's Hour is a classic drama about a devastating rumor that destroys two women's lives and careers.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — The plot includes a false accusation that leads to a libel suit and a character's suicide.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Children's Hour
If you liked The Children's Hour, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Detachment (2011) — 85%
- The Miracle Worker (1962) — 87%
- Giant Little Ones (2019) — 78%
- Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) — 80%
- Doubt (2008) — 82%
- Boy Erased (2018) — 78%
- Le Corbeau (1943) — 84%
- Before I Fall (2017) — 75%
Director
Cast
- Shirley MacLaine as Martha Dobie
- Audrey Hepburn as Karen Wright
- James Garner as Joe Cardin
- Miriam Hopkins as Lily Mortar
- Fay Bainter as Amelia Tilford
- Karen Balkin as Mary Tilford
- Veronica Cartwright as Rosalie Wells
- Sally Brophy as Mrs. Wells
- Mimi Gibson as Evelyn
- William Mims as Mr. Burton
The Children's Hour FAQ
Is The Children's Hour good?
The Children's Hour has an 87% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 393 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Children's Hour?
In the US you can stream The Children's Hour on Fubo, Philo and MGM+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Children's Hour OK for kids?
The Children's Hour is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Children's Hour is a classic drama about a devastating rumor that destroys two women's lives and careers.
What movies are like The Children's Hour?
If you liked The Children's Hour, try Detachment, The Miracle Worker, Giant Little Ones and Picnic at Hanging Rock.