Like a gentle breeze under the shade of a full, oak tree to dispel the summer heat, this little gem of a movie is a fairy tale, surely pure escapism from a harsh and scorching world. Newly released on July 15, this is a delightful watch not just for the summer.
Mrs. Ada Harris (Lesley Manville) is a cleaning lady and war widow in 1957 London, scraping by counting pennies cleaning people’s homes and offering to do invisible mending in her spare time. One day, seeing a Christian Dior dress while cleaning the home of Lady Dant (Anna Chancellor) sets off an adventure of a lifetime. Mrs. Harris wants to save enough money to go to Paris and buy one for herself. Dreams are for everyone; Mrs. Harris has the will, and she’ll find the way somehow.
Adapted from Paul Gallico’s novella, director Anthony Fabian brings to the screen a fairy tale for adult viewers, and with the cooperation of Christian Dior in Paris, turns the haute couture of fashion into a down-to-earth story of the ordinary people. Mrs. Harris is as invisible as her mending, but her heart and personality stand out to be noticed and exude her vibes in gentle persuasion.
Paul Gallico (1876-1976) is a wonderful weaver of tales. The Snow Goose is the most memorable read from my growing up years. I have not read his Mrs. Harris Goes to... series, but after watching this movie, it’s on my TBR list. Not as soul stirring as The Snow Goose or dramatic as The Poseidon Adventure (1972 movie adaptation), Mrs. Harris nonetheless reaffirms kindness, beauty and hope still exist and are much needed to dispel the harshness of our times.
Lesley Manville is the driving force in this movie. The versatile actor first caught my admiration in Mike Leigh’s Another Year (2010) playing the vulnerable and lonely character Mary, for which she was nominated and had won several acting awards. Manville can also be brutal and violent, like the powerful matriarch in Let Him Go (2020), and then turn into Princess Margaret in The Crown (S5, 2022). But to be more in line with this current film is her role in Phantom Thread (2017) playing Daniel Day-Lewis’ co-dependent sister, a role for which she received an Oscar nom.
Supporting cast is strong. Isabelle Huppert (Things to Come, 2016; Gabrielle, 2005) plays the manager and gatekeeper of the Dior fashion house, Mrs. Colbert, a character that reminds me of Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada (2006). In a scene towards the end of the movie, we see a different Mrs. Colbert in her humble home, stripped down, ordinary and vulnerable. A poignant moment. Other supporting roles are also effective, like Mrs. Harris’ loyal friend Vi (Ellen Thomas), the gentle and caring Archie (Jason Isaacs), and the young pair of fresh faces, Alba Baptista playing Natasha, the model with a deeper aspiration and her secret admirer André (Lucas Bravo, Emily in Paris).
What caught my attention from the start was the original soundtrack composed by Rael Jones (Suite Française, 2014). The music corresponds perfectly with the lighthearted mood, flowing by smoothly like a whimsical character. At the end as the credits roll, there’s a piece with a waltz styling. I noticed as the audience exited, what looked like a mother and her adult daughter dancing to the tune, the first time I saw such a spontaneous ripple effect in a movie theatre.
There are some down period in the middle of the film, however, the cast and the camera make up for such moments. Overall, a delightful two-hour respite from the summer heat, or any season.
~ ~ ~ Ripples
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A Paris in July 2022 post, event hosted by Thyme for Tea and Readerbuzz.
Ripple Effects 
I’ve seen the trailer for this and it looks absolutely delightful. I’m glad it really is. Looking forward to seeing it eventually.
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Yes, I think you’ll enjoy this one. Further, Paul Gallico is a good storyteller. I’d like to check out this series of books. There’s a Mrs. Harris Goes to New York too. 🙂
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Ooh, a series 🙂
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Arti,
Sounds like a perfect movie to watch, “….. a delightful two-hour respite from the summer heat, or any season”, will definitely check to see if it’s showing in my neck of the woods.
Yinling
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Maybe you’d like to check out the audiobook version as well. 🙂
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The Paris dream makes great movies! This seems to have an original way to see the dream. I will look for the new version.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
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You’re right about this new version, the book was adapted to a movie back in 1992 and I think maybe a TV series as well years ago. Hope you can find this new one in your area.
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Sounds like a wonderful movie. I have never heard of it, which is a shame.
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Do check it out, I think you’ll enjoy it. 🙂
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A delightful respite is just what I need right now. Thanks for the great review, I’ll definitely try to check this film out.
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I would go to the theatre for this one.
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Come back to throw your pebbles in, would love to see some ripples from you after you’ve seen this one. 🙂
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Sounds like good entertainment!
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Do check it out, Ellen… for some summer fun.
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This movie isn’t out here yet! I have already told my movie buddy that we are definitely going to see this!
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Whereabout are you located? I could check when it might reach your country.
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I saw advertisements for this film and wondered if it was worth seeing. Now that I read your review I’ll place it on my list to see, for sure. Thanks for a delightful summary.
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VB, I think you’ll enjoy this one. Thanks for stopping by.
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I read the book in 2016. My little review is here, if you are interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1690254239.
My sister and I had planned to go see this movie to celebrate her birthday on the 27th of this month when she received an unexpected ticket to Paris from her son. We do still plan to see it when she returns. Thank you for the review.
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Wow what a wonderful birthday gift from a son! Your sister is experiencing real life Paris in July! Of course go see it when she comes back, then she can share what she thinks after her actual visit. Thanks for co-hosting PIJ Deb! 🙂
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I caught this film not long after you posted (yes, thought it was a delightful confection). Roomie and I tried to remember when we last saw Lesley Manville (as ailing Mrs. Hale in North and South).
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LM’s filmography is a few decades long. Lots to explore with this gem of a talent.
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