Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is a charming 1950s-set comedy drama, adapted from a novel of the same name, with plenty of positive messages. It follows a cleaner, Mrs. Harris (Lesley Manville), who sets her sights on owning a couture dress. Using her savings, along with her newly discovered war widow's pension, she travels to Paris to make her dream come true. There is some smoking, befitting the time period. Characters are also seen drinking. In one instance, a character misses work due to a hangover. The brand Dior is mentioned frequently, and there is occasional language including "bloody," "arse," and "t-ts." The movie is generally mild and well meaning, as well as smart and funny, and will likely be enjoyed by families with older kids.
Community Reviews
Very childish
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What's the Story?
In MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS, widowed cleaner Mrs. Harris (Lesley Manville) falls in love with her client's Dior dress and dreams of affording one of her own. But saving the money to travel to Paris is just the start of an adventure that will open her eyes to a whole new world.
Is It Any Good?
There's a strong fairytale aspect to this charming comedy drama about a kind, put-upon cleaner who works her way into the world of high fashion. And, in this case, the titular character in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris will go to the ball -- albeit a tea dance in a local hall. Manville (Oscar-nominated for her role in 2017 dressmaking drama, Phantom Thread) makes for a sympathetic, likable character, whose inner resolve shines through her subservient position in a way that will resonate with many.
Pessimists (and even realists) may need to suspend disbelief, as the plot quickly unveils a cascade of unlikely events -- particularly once Mrs. Harris hits Paris, and her worldly outlook is blinded by shiny things. Realistic, it's not. At heart it's an uplifting underdog story, where characters learn about what's important and people get their comeuppance. But it's also smart, funny, and beautiful to look at. Sets and costumes really capture the era, from Mrs. Harris' dimly-lit terraced home to the glittering Paris theaters. It's a Cinderella story about kindness, courage, and being seen. About believing in a little magic -- no matter how unlikely it seems.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the representation of women in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. How did it compare to other films set in the 1950s? Would you describe Mrs. Harris as a positive female role model? What makes a good role model?
There are plenty of positive messages within the movie including examples of perseverance, courage, and curiosity. Why are these such important character strengths to have?
How were drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Do you think our behavior has changed when it comes to drinking and smoking from when the movie was set?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 15, 2022
- Cast: Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs, Alba Baptista
- Director: Anthony Fabian
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters, Friendship, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Perseverance
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: suggestive material, language and smoking
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: July 12, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Book-based post-WWII romance has some war violence.
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Mr. Malcolm's List
Costume drama has diverse cast, some smoking and drinking.
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Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Charming period comedy is a frothy fairy tale.
For kids who love feel-good comedies
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