The Children's Hour (Hellman)
by Lillian Hellman

One of the great successes of distinguished writer Lillian Hellman, this serious play about two women who run a school for girls highlights the real-life consequences of a lie told by a disgruntled student.

After the malicious youngster starts a rumor about the two women, it soon turns to scandal.

As the young girl comes to understand the power she wields, she sticks by her story, which precipitates tragedy for both women.

It is later discovered that the gossip was pure invention, but it is too late.

Irreparable damage has been done.

The Children's Hour holds historical significance from the era during which it premiered; the play was banned in Boston, Chicago and London due to its lesbian content, which was considered indecent and illegal for the stage at the time.

The ban in Boston in December 1935 was challenged by the playwright and the ACLU, marking one of the early instances of challenging censorship laws related to gay and lesbian themes.

While the ban in Boston was not overturned, the legal action brought the issue into public discussion.