Review of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) by Susan W — 12 Jan 2005

I watched this film because Maggie Smith won an Oscar and it is a legendary film. I don't remember watching it as a teenager, but I do remember the buzz about the film and certainly the title song. It was a good weekend film to have in the background. Maggie Smith's voice is quite distinct - it was fun to hear her 30plus years ago and see Madame P... from Harry Potter ordering the kids from Hogwarts.

About the film - well it's a simple story and the film quality makes it seem dated. Although the setting is 1932, the film feels like something a couple decades old. Yet the character of Jean Brodie is an excellent one (and obviously very well) - very strong, proud, innocent in her actions, flamboyant and of course that voice. "Come, young gaaarrrls. You are Brrrrodie gaarls. You will be the creme de la creme." Too bad she favored Mussolini and Franco.