"Can an ugly rumor destroy what's beautiful?"
Director: William Wyler
Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Audrey Hepburn, James Garner, Miriam Hopkins, Fay Bainter
The Children's Hour — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I've been telling myself that since the night I heard the child say it... But I know about it now. It's there. I don't know how, I don't know why. But I did love you! I do love you!
Context
Spoken to Karen when the two women are alone in the empty school after losing their libel suit and their livelihoods.
Meaning
This is the heartbreaking climax where Martha finally confesses her repressed feelings, realizing that the child's malicious lie actually contained a psychological truth she had hidden from herself.
Oh, I feel so damn sick and dirty I can't stand it anymore!
Context
Part of Martha's emotional breakdown right before she retreats to her room to commit suicide.
Meaning
A raw reflection of the intense internalized homophobia and shame dictated by the society of the era, showing how the world's hatred has poisoned Martha's view of her own soul.
You're guilty of nothing!
Context
Karen's immediate, frantic reaction to Martha confessing her romantic love and feeling of guilt.
Meaning
Demonstrates Karen's desperate attempt to absolve her friend and maintain their platonic bond. It shows her enduring loyalty, but also her tragic inability to fully grasp the depth of Martha's internal torment.
Tomorrow? That's a funny word. Karen, we would have had to invent a new language, as children do, without words like tomorrow.
Context
Spoken after Karen tries to comfort a distraught Martha by telling her they will forget all of this by "tomorrow."
Meaning
Shows Martha's utter hopelessness and absolute realization that they have no future, foreshadowing her imminent decision to end her life.
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