A good example of the types of films that were now possible after the relaxation of the Hays Code. Very well acted, especially MacLaine, and it really held an emotional resonance with me. I've never hated a child as much as I hated Mary. I'd like to see this film get a resurgence in the public eye, as it illustrates how bigotry and paranoia ruins lives, even though it focuses a bit too much on disproving the lies instead of confronting the truths.

SUCH A "PLAY"

Never before have I seen such a clear example of a perfectly fine movie being derailed by one shitty, shitty performance. CHILDREN. UGH.

Given the copyright dates of the film and its source material, a certain dearth of enlightenment is to be expected in the subtext, but the basic point of the work is noble and it's delivered with commendable restraint. Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine deliver fine work in the leading roles. As the paramour of Hepburn's character, James Garner is less distinguished, playing most scenes with the same tone of agitated exasperation.

The acting is alright but what keep me lukewarm about this otherwise solid film adaptation from a stage play are its too highly pitched moments of hysterical over-emotional outburts, typical of old dramas. I find that almost intolerable. The subject matter was probably daring back then and, keeping in mind when it was made, it's treated as well as one could hope for.

It's not hard to see that this is based on a play. Just as this movie has a lot of the faults of a play, however, it also has a lot of the virtues. However unrealistic (perhaps the word is "antirealistic") some of it may be, the cast pulls it off with aplomb... and there's a lot of highly recognizable emotion on display, here. The humanity feels true, even if the way it is presented is not. It's also a good story of the awesome power of gossip

Great acting, but nothing innovative, and very theatrical, not taking advantage of the cinematic medium, and with themes that are less relevant now than in 1961.

It gets over-dramatic sometimes, but I find it envolving. Maybe it's only because of Audrey, but what difference does it make anyhow...

Rather dull drama, too old-fashioned to be controversial--even at the time of this remake. Talky, stage-bound. . . and the little girl is too evil to be believed.

You can see that this movie is based on a play. Which isn't a bad thing. Excellent acting.

a beautiful heartwrenching story

Plodding little story of women being accused of 'lesbianism' which struggles to break free of the fifties mentality. Probably a stronger vehicle for Shirley MacLaine than Audrey Hepburn.