I love this film. It shows how much ignorance can hurt. I myself have faced rumors, that were true, yet hurtful. I would love to see this remade (although I am tired of the remake phase Hollywood is going through right now). I think it should have a modern take on the situation.
Also, I would like to see Jennifer Connelly play the part of Karen but I don't have a clue on who should play Martha.
What do you think?
I thought about a remake... Some complain this movie is too dated but the anti-homosexuality sentiment is still prevalent. I'd like to see a happy ending for all, though! ;)
sometimes you make me feel like i'm living at the edge of the world...share
Are you serious? A happy ending? You can't be serious.
sharethe funny thing about ppl saying no remake is that this is a remake the original was in 1913
share-These Tree (from 1936) is first movie based on Lillian Hellman’s Broadway play The Children’s Hour.
As none of the movies are truly faithful to the stage play so there could be a point to do a remake that is ...
Are you serious? A happy ending? You can't be serious.
I love the original. Great casting but this movie could be remade. Let's see.
sharei will kill them if they ever thought of doing a remake
shareI can't understand the logic of choosing Renne Zellweger to play Shirley's part, because they "look alike"... This is a play with characters and not people who look like other people. It is like telling me to put two drag queens dressed as Audrey and Shirley to remake the film...
shareI can't understand the logic of choosing Renne Zellweger to play Shirley's part, because they "look alike"... This is a play with characters and not people who look like other people. It is like telling me to put two drug queens dressed as Audrey and Shirley to remake the film...
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I agree with what ForAnAngel said. Of course, they could always set the film back in the 60s, but... I don't know, I still don't think the film would make the same kind of impact.
If truth is stranger than fiction, where are the flying monkeys?
I think Renne Zelwegger would do a good job actually, i'm not even a fan of her actually but i was impressed by her in Cold Mountain.
shareIt couldn't possibly be a remake of the 1913 movie with the same title, seeing as how the play by Lillian Hellman was written in 1934.
shareEvery time I see a Shirley Maclain movie now, I picture Rene Zelwegger in the role. She's a fine actress, and is similar in style to Ms. MacLain, as well as looks. The first time I noticed it was while watching 'The Apartment' with Shirley MacLain, Jack Lemon , and Fred MacMurray. I also could see Kevin Spacey in the Jack Lemon role, but I'm stumped as to who should have the Fred MacMurray role. Maybe Vince Vaughn? He can play smarmy.
shareI don't think a remake is particularly called for. The acting was great in this version, and if it was set in modern times much of the "shock value" would be missing. An alleged lesbian affair? In 1961, shocking; in 2007, ho hum.
shareI always thought Jennifer Connelly could be Karen! As for Martha, Cate Blanchett. Vanessa Redgrave as the grandmother and Helen Mirren as the Aunt with possibly Ewan McGreggor as Joe.
shareI think there could be a remake set in 2007. Sure, it's not AS taboo now but like it or not 2 women running a children's school accused of being lovers would still make waves I think.
I think I agree with all of Louisville88's recommendations! As I read that, I thought YEs Yes Yes and Yes! Vanessa Redgrave as some character would just be neat because she was in this version. I could also see Maggie Smith or Judi Dench--someone very respectable and regal ;) If not Ewan McGregor as Joe then maybe Jude Law? Ewan would be fabulous though. Although I'm not necessarily a big fan of most of her work, I do think CAte Blanchett would be great as Martha. Jennifer Connelly or maybe Kristin Davis as Karen--it's a stretch but she definately has that "properness" about her that Hepburn had--not that she's comparable to Hepburn (I'm sure as I write this that some Hepburn fan is scoffing at the comparision!
If filmakers are reading this, I would definately attend a showing of a remake of this movie! Although I do like the title of the Loudest Whisper or something else better since The Children's Hour sounds like a variety kid's show!
I think there could be an effective remake too - and your choice of actors isn't half bad (except for the Joe part - it needs someone dark and brooding I think, they would play the part differently today).
The trouble with the 1961 version is that it's laughably melodramatic in places - where the old lady falls over and the kid is gurning away on the stairs, I'm afraid I burst out laughing - it was so soap-like (as in Peyton Place kind of soap). Having said that however, when the old lady turns up on the teachers' doorstep to apologise, something utterly incredible has happened to her face - she seems to have physically rearranged her features to reflect the desperate tragedy of what she has to impart. This is acting of the absolute highest order, and of all the actresses alive today, probably only Judi Dench would be able to even get near that. (The original actress had been in films since the mid-30s, experience does count!)
I did feel too, that poor old Karen just didn't get it. When she was walking down the drive, she was shutting her eyes and swallowing in a disgusted kind of way - it was only when she realised what Martha had done that I think she realised the truth, and then of course it was all too late. I also think she underestimates Joe - she can stomp off all she likes, I feel that he will be hanging around whether she likes it or not. (He's sold his house and lost his job, for goodness' sake - I think his love is genuine.) I think the 1961 film places a question-mark over Karen's sexuality (after all, lesbianism was a huge item on its own - I don't think the poor devils could cope with bisexuality as well) - a modern film would highlight this much more.
And just to sign off, I don't know if it's just me, but I'm sure that Audrey Hepburn has the most perfect jawline ever seen on film, and it looks better in this film than I've ever seen it! (And she suits black & white so much better than colour imho.)
Not to mention that Zellweger is a terrible actress whose undeserved celebrity has gone to her fat head; just to see her fake modesty and calculated, smarmy smiles on the red carpet makes me want to throw up every time. She's the dork from the execrable remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If anyone cast her in The Children's Hour, they'd deserve to be shot.
shareMy dream cast- Laura Linney and Julianne Moore
shareAs much as I LOVE the original version and Audrey ;), I could definitely see this remade into a great film with Oscar potential. (McClaine's performance has to be one the most underrated performances of all time, along with Anne Bancroft in The Miracle Worker)...My choices would be...
Catherine Keener or Sandra Bullock: Karen
Charlize Theron or Jodie Foster: Martha
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"we're ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas." N.M.
Yeah. Typically, I get really annoyed by movie remakes because it almost gives the feeling that there's little originality left in Hollywood, but I think it would actually be great to remake this, as good as it is. The issues it raises are still relevant today. I feel like it's one of those stories that is really, truly timeless. Because no matter how accustomed people get to homosexuality, there will always be people who disagree with it, or can't handle it, & would react much like some of the minor characters do. Especially in a boarding school.
I'm a big Kate Winslett fan, I feel like she could carry either role well. I'm leaning more towards Martha for her.
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My picks:
Jennifer Lopez: Karen
Katherine Heigl: Martha
But change the end, please! No dying, please. Gay pride parade!
For the movie to be re-made, it couldn't possibly be done the way it was in 1961. Then, just the implication of homosexuality was shocking. Even the only gay male activist group at that time, Mattachine, thought homosexuals were sick.
Now, and rightfully so, a film wouldn't insult homosexuals by having Martha end the same way.