A spiteful child's lie has life-shattering consequences in this daring adaptation of Lillian Hellman's celebrated play. Karen (Hepburn) and Martha (MacLaine) are the headmistresses of an exclusive school for girls. When they discipline a malicious little girl, the vindictive child twists an overheard comment into slander and accuses her teachers of having a lesbian relationship. Soon the scandalous gossip engulfs the school's community, with repercussions that are heart-wrenchingly tragic.