MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS is a sweet and charming movie for “older women.” At least this is what “others” are saying about Paul Gallico’s 1958 novel adaptation, “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris.” Not true.
Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), lights up every scene with her warmth and luminescence. She is pure joy to watch as she maneuvers a difficult life of “invisibility.” She has been told over and over “she is nobody.” How many of us feel that same way everyday of our lives? What would it take to go in a new direction?
When circumstances “miraculously” change for Ada, her journey sparks amazing connections. For Ada, it is a Christian Dior dress that “magically makes moonlight.” I get it. I can suspend disbelief and travel with Ada wherever she leads me. She makes me smile, laugh, and dream. She goes up against the elitists and comes out “smelling like a beautiful rose.” Her character gives us all hope that anything is possible if we keep believing. This film shows the power of the “little people” who make a difference every day.
MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS had a fairytale, fantasy look. The Hours of Dior was filmed like a huge musical number minus the dancers, singers, and song. But it worked remarkably well. This movie does contain some eye rolls and is in need of a smidge more editing, but in the end, necessary for those who “want to be seen for who they are.” I would say “people of all ages are cordially invited to attend.”
MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS is now playing in theaters everywhere.
