Home / Arts and Entertainment / Teachers Defy Convention, Spark Scandal in 1810 Edinburgh
Teachers Defy Convention, Spark Scandal in 1810 Edinburgh
10 Feb
Summary
- Two female teachers opened a progressive school in 1810 Edinburgh.
- A pupil's accusation led to a public scandal and fight for livelihoods.
- The story inspired plays and films, including 'The Children's Hour'.
Set in Edinburgh in 1810, a new drama world-premiering on February 15 in the Berlin International Film Festival's Panorama section follows two courageous female teachers.
These educators defied convention to establish a progressive all-girls school, but their aspirations unraveled when a pupil's accusation of a forbidden love affair ignited a public scandal. The ensuing controversy forced the teachers to fight for their livelihoods.
The film is adapted from Lillian Faderman's non-fiction book, "Scotch Verdict: Miss Pirie and Miss Woods v. Dame Cumming Gordon." This compelling case previously inspired Lilian Hellman's 1934 play, "The Children's Hour," which was famously adapted into the 1961 film of the same name.
