Review of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) by Daniel A — 18 Oct 2011

A tyrannical but occasionally charming teacher indoctrinates her students at a boarding school.

This is a profoundly interesting film. The educator initially appears to be of the "nurturing love" variety, but as we get to know Jean Brodie, we realize that her support of Mussolini and Franco isn't just the absent mutterings of a naive teacher but the cornerstone of her pedagogy. As my colleague explained, after we watch films like Dead Poets Society we think, "If only those stuffy administrators would leave geniuses alone to genius-ify their students ..." But after we watch films like The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, we think, "For God's sake, don't leave teachers alone with students." Maggie Smith's almost irresistible charm makes our introduction to Brodie smooth, but her phenomenal characterization make Brodie more interesting, more tragic, and more frightening as we get to know her. If ever there was a performance that deserved an Oscar, this is it. The supporting performance by Pamela Franklin as Brodie's one disloyal charge is also excellent, but the supporting work by the male actors leaves something to be desired as they are often stale cliches.

Overall, this is a must-see in the genre of educator films, and Maggie Smith makes it quite an enjoyable time.