These Three

Director: William Wyler William Wyler

Overview

In this film, lifelong friends Martha Dobie and Karen Wright manage an exclusive girl's boarding school. Student Mary Tilford spreads a rumor that Martha has been carrying on an illicit affair with doctor Joseph Cardin, the boyfriend of Karen.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/09/2016
UPC:	0888574378707
Original Release:	1936
Rating:	NR
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[B&W]
Language:	English
Time:	1:33:00
Sales rank:	32,271

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Merle Oberon	Karen Wright
Miriam Hopkins	Martha Dobie
Joel McCrea	Dr. Joseph Cardin
Bonita Granville	Mary Tilford
Alma Kruger	Mrs. Tilford
Catherine Doucet	Mrs. Lily Mortar
Marcia Mae Jones	Rosalie Wells
Carmencita Johnson	Evelyn
Mary Anne Durkin	Joyce Walton,Actor
Margaret Hamilton	Agatha
Walter Brennan	Taxi Driver
Mary Louise Cooper	Helen Burton
Frank McGlynn Sr.	Judge (uncredited)
Anya Taranda	Undetermined Minor Role (uncredited)
Jerry Larkin	Minor Role (uncredited)
Marie Louise Cooper	Helen Bution
Alfred Newman	Composer

Technical Credits

Lillian Hellman

William Wyler	Director
Lillian Hellman	Screenwriter
Samuel Goldwyn	Producer

Editorial Reviews

These Three is a surprisingly powerful adaptation of Lillian Hellman's acclaimed The Children's Hour -- surprisingly, because the Production Code of the time demanded significant changes (deleting the central lesbian element, eliminating the suicide of a major character, etc.) that would seem sure to destroy the piece. It's a credit to both Hellman and director William Wyler that they were able to make these changes and still retain the force and impact of the original. These Three boasts an exceptionally well-made screenplay, one in which all of the pieces fit logically and inevitably without seeming mechanical. Hellman's adaptation also does a marvelous job of opening up the stage play in a way that feels totally natural. And, of course, it features a number of well-written roles that provide its cast with opportunities to shine. Merle Oberon turns in one of her finest performances as Karen Wright; and if Joel McCrea is a trifle restrained, that's in keeping with the character he portrays, Dr. Joseph Cardin. Of the three leads, Miriam Hopkins has the juiciest part as Martha Dobie, and this uniquely talented actress plays it for all it's worth. She's given a run for her money by Bonita Granville's intensely evil Mary, but there's also tremendous supporting work from Marcia Mae Jones and Catherine Doucet. They're all guided by Wyler's smooth and assured direction, which keeps the production always on track and heightens all the important points in the work without overdoing them. All in all, These Three is an impressive and memorable film.