MovieChat Forums > The Children's Hour (1961) Discussion > Who thought Shirley deserved the OSCAR f...

Who thought Shirley deserved the OSCAR for this movie....???

posted 15 years ago by Moon_and_New_York_City
7 replies | jump to latest

.... and I mean "OSCAR" as in "Overacting Self Conscious Annoying Role"!!! I swear by the end of the movie when she has her confessional breakdown, I nearly vomited. How about some mayo with that HAM, Shirley?!? I really think that was why she wasn't nominated for this perf, even though by 1961 she already had like two Best Actress nods. She couldn't fool the Academy into thinking this was a credible work. It was a blatantly self-conscious piece of artistic drivel. A stain on the otherwise flawless career of one of the silver screen's most prolific and talented actresses.

[–] noveltylibrary 15 years ago

I don't fault her too much...that Bette Davis sort of theatrical acting. But yeah, it would've been nice to see a more realistic approach.

[–] King_Of_Fuh 10 years ago

She was nominated for a Golden Globe for this but did not win.

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[–] shandy8 10 years ago

I agre that Shirley MacLaine did a bit of scenery chewing, but, on the other hand, she needed to convey without using the words what she was (if I am correct about the scene you are citing). I think Fay Bainter deserved a nod for playing a role unlike any other she had played in her long career, and Miriam Hopkins was fantastic.

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[–] ThereWillBeBeer 10 years ago

Yes Shirley went a bit over the top. Audrey was better.

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[–] Moon_and_New_York_City 10 years ago

Now five years later - watching it again tonight on TCM - I want to rescind that post. Oh sure, she chews the scenery a bit; but it is still an impressive performance. The whole cast is really quite good. I am upgrading my rating too - from six to seven stars.

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[–] blue-7 10 years ago

Just watched the Blu-ray release of the film which I saw originally in a theatre when it played first-run and again on Laser Disc. I thought as I watched the film that Shirley was excellent and was deserving of a Oscar nomination. Then I looked up to see who was actually nominated and who had won and found myself thinking that the nominations were all good ones. So some years there are a number of Oscar worthy performances. Still think that this is one of Shirley's best dramatic performances. Audrey Hepburn was very effective but Shirley's part had the material for Oscar consideration.

[–] MrsJove 9 years ago

Just saw it last night on MGM after a few years, all though it always stuck to me. I agree with you. I.love Audrey Hepburns performances in many things, if not all that I've seen her in, but Shirley M's performance captivated me always in this film, her confliction withit all. Just think how the LGBTQ community must've felt? it must've been frightnening, to themselves more than anything though. Not really nderstanding why they had those feelings and knowing how "wrong" they are,especially within a community. When she said she realized what she is, and how and why and all that, it was really great and moving. The ending is so sad. Suicvide makes me sad. Well great movie. Any other movies you guys recommend watching?

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