In partnership with the House of Dior, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris tells the story of a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own. After she works, starves and gambles to raise the funds to pursue her dream, she embarks on an adventure to Paris which will change not only her own outlook, but the very future of the House of Dior.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is an exciting fashionable adventure. It’s comedic and moving at the same time, and is definitely entertaining.” Kendall B. adds, “I love everything about how this film looks from the scenery, to the actors, the music, the script — everything fits the storyline so perfectly.” See their full reviews and interview with Alba Baptista below.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
By Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is an exciting fashionable adventure. It’s comedic and moving at the same time, and is definitely entertaining.
Based on the 1958 book by Paul Gallico, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is set in the 1950s and follows Mrs. Harris (Lesley Manville), a widowed cleaning lady from London who feels very lost after the recent death of her husband. She seems to be struggling with what to do next, but realizes that when she listens to heart, her husband is leading her in the right direction. With hard work and a little luck, Mrs. Harris is able to save up and take a trip to Paris to come in contact with her real dream — a Christian Dior couture gown. While visiting the House of Dior, she realizes the true importance of Dior and helps others acknowledge this along the way.
This film really taps into the 1950s era with sets, costumes and locations that fit the decade. The film takes into account all the events happening at the time and incorporates them into the storyline. For example, the war had just ended and that is referred to multiple times, and woven into the story. There was also a strike in Paris going on that led to dirty streets, which we see in the film. In so many ways, the film is so true to the era and you see it in a multitude of details. I really enjoyed seeing how fashion is incorporated into the movie. Since the storyline revolves around a major fashion designer, Christian Dior, and his brand, we see how that affected society across from many socio-economic backgrounds. There is a lot of fashion history included in the film, which is especially interesting to me, since I love fashion. I enjoyed how each character’s wardrobe is so outstanding and typical of the 1950s.
The message of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is to always follow your heart, and stick up for what you believe in.
I give Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris opens in theaters July 15, 2022.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
By Kendall B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11
I enjoyed Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and so will people who stand up for what they believe. Ada Harris is an admirable character that serves as a positive role model.
The storyline follows Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a 1950s widowed housekeeper. After falling in love with a Dior dress, Mrs. Harris decides she must have one of them and takes off on a journey to Paris, where she discovers what she truly needs in life.
I love everything about how this film looks from the scenery, to the actors, the music, the script — everything fits the storyline so perfectly. All the actors are fabulous; every prop is in the exact right place; there is just so much hard work put into this film and it really shows. One of the most outstanding contributions to the movie is from the writers. The script is so perfect. Mrs. Harris’ story sticks out to me because, while all of the other characters are young and have years to figure out what’s important to them, Mrs. Harris is already half way through her life, and still isn’t truly happy. Alba Baptista who plays Natasha did an amazing job! I loved her performance so much! My favorite scene is the Dior fashion show. Everything about that scene is terrific; the dresses are beautiful, the actresses playing the models made me feel as if I was in the Dior showroom.
The message of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is to never give up. Mrs. Harris is determined to help the workers at Dior when she helps them strike. She is determined to buy the dress, and best of all, she never gives up.
I give Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18 plus adults. It releases in theatres on July 15, 2022.
Trailer:
Keywords: Anthony Fabian, Carroll Cartwright, Anthony Fabian, Keith Thompson, Olivia Hetreed, Paul Gallico, Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Lucas Bravo, Ellen Thomas, Rose Williams, Jason Isaacs, Felix Wiedemann