Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, The British Cleaning Lady on a Mission to The Dior's House

By José Alberto Hermosillo 

The delightful and heartwarming British/French sensation “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s an enchanting period drama about overcoming adversity, fulfilling dreams and desires, and savoring the little pleasures in life that bring us joy and a sense of well-being. It’s one of the most enjoyable films of the year!

 

After losing her husband at the end of WWII in Poland, recently widowed Ada Harris (Lesley Manville) has to accept her new marital status. To keep going, she cleans houses to make ends meet and keep her dreams alive. Even though she’s still not wealthy, she must stay true to her charming personality.

Moving away from the grim depression of post-WWII, the British enjoyed playing the lottery, listening to raffles on the radio, and going to greyhound races to earn extra money and keep their lives going. Mrs. Harris is no exception.

 

While Ada worked for some wealthy women who could afford her cleaning services, she discovered a Haute Couture Dior dress in one of those houses. Her desire quickly turns into a dream and then an obsession. Her motivation for working harder is to earn enough money to buy that stunning gown, even if she doesn’t know if she’ll ever wear it. Mrs. Harris must visit the Dior House in Paris to get that dress.

The role of Mrs. Harris was explicitly written for experienced actress Lesley Manville. Ms. Manville delivers a charming performance as the elderly woman on a mission to the City of Lights.

 

Ms. Manville’s extensive career includes the critically acclaimed TV series “The Crown” and “Dangerous Liaisons.” She has also worked with Oscar-winning directors, including Paul Thomas Anderson in “Phantom Thread,” which earned her an Oscar nomination, and Mike Leigh in “Another Year.”

The diverse cast of “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” includes Oscar-nominated veteran French actress Isabelle Huppert (“Elle,” “Amour,” “The Piano Teacher,” and “EO”). Mrs. Huppert is right in her element, playing the snobby, stuck-up Dior’s righteous right hand who will do anything to make Ada’s presence in the City of Lights distressing.

Lambert Wilson (“The Matrix,” “Flawless”) is the Parisian, mature, wealthy host who rescues Mrs. Harris from tricky situations. Jason Isaacs (“Hotel Mumbai,” “The Death of Stalin”) plays Ada’s suitor.

Model/actor Lucas Bravo, who plays the charming chef in “Emily in Paris,” is the discreet Dior accountant who offers his apartment to Ada. He is also in love with the most popular model at the prestigious firm. Other well-known actors rounding out the excellent cast include Alba Baptista (“The Child,” “Fatima”) and Rose Williams.
 
“Mrs. Harris” exudes a lively atmosphere filled with glitter, fashion, and intimate glamour. The dazzling and stylish haute couture costumes are enchanting, and the production design, which recreates London and Paris, is outstanding.

The historic trash collectors’ strike in Paris is evident in nearly every scene, as trash becomes an integral part of Parisian life, setting the stage for the climax at the Dior company, where Ada will have her moment of glory.

The film’s sense of harmony and humor stems from its original music, composed by Rael Jones. The jazzy score is catchy and sparkles charmingly, although Mrs. Harris’s central theme is similar to Luis Bacalov’s unforgettable soundtrack of the Academy Award-winning Italian film Il Postino. Some other musical elements evoke the Disney movie Enchanted.

Right after the book was published in 1958, the first adaptation of Paul Gallico’s beloved novel was a short play. In 1992, a TV movie featuring Angela Lansbury, Diana Rigg, and Omar Sharif followed. “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is now a major motion picture that has captivated hundreds of fans worldwide.

The film’s extended opening will lead to a satisfying resolution of the conflict. “Mrs. Harris” is not primarily character-driven. The relevance of the main character diminishes compared to the other equally important characters, making it an ensemble cast. The editing could emphasize Mrs. Harris more and de-emphasize the subplots. Therefore, a faster pace is necessary, with a focus on Mrs. Harris to highlight the story’s surprising elements. The ensemble cast works well, and the simple story serves its purpose, keeping the audience engaged until the end.

 

Great Britain’s long tradition of making films with social themes, class struggles, and labor strikes continues with “Mrs. Harris.” In these films, the entire community unites. They support each other to overcome difficulties and achieve self-fulfillment, as seen in “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain,” “I, Daniel Blake,” “Waking Ned Devine,” “Calendar Girls,” “The Lady in the Van,” “Vera Drake,” and “Suffragette.”

 

Interestingly, in a charming comedy like “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” references to John Paul Sartre and other influential philosophers appear at key moments, resonating with different characters.

The story explores the irony of the main character’s existential crisis and how the entire community responds with respect, gratitude, recognition, and love—things we all seek for true happiness—just as Mrs. Harris does in this whimsical and delightful tale.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris official trailer

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