The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Sanitized, whitewashed with an abrupt ending. If you've read the Muriel Spark book, there are few similarities. Disappointing in what was a good start Great acting.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was adapted by Scottish Television into a seven episode television serial in 1978. It is very much an adaptation of the play rather than the novel itself.

Geraldine McEwan takes the the lead as Miss Jean Brodie and episodic format give the film room to breathe in comparison to the more famous film of the play.

It is obvious from the first episode that Scottish Television spent a lot of money in this series with extensive location shooting in the opening episode including Jean Brodie riding on a steam train. Music was provided by Hollywood Oscar winner Marvin Hamlisch.

Things get more sedate in the classroom. Geraldine McEwan and John Castle are the stars here. There are future stars playing the school girls such as Lynsey Baxter and Tracey Childs. It goes nicely along but it does also drag out a bit as well.

I thought Geraldine McEwan gave a sterling performance. Miss Gaunt was indeed a gaunt character well played. The girls Sandy and Jenny were very amusing and well played. Indeed the various girls in Miss Brodie's class played their parts very well. The thing that surprised me was that film stopped so abruptly without any obvious end. I would have expected more episodes. Did they just can it for some reason ?

This series is available for free on YouTube in the US.

First understand this series is not a retelling of the novel. Therefore it is also NOT like the movie with Maggie Smith. This series really is more stories about Jean Brodie imagined by what i believe are different writers. So things happen here that did not happen in the novel.

It's really quite good. Jean in this series is less narcissistic, kinder, and less abrasive and shrill than the character in the book/movie. She is less full of herself. The girls of Marcia Blaine School are interesting, funny and rather silky.

The acting across the board is terrific. Production values are very good. The original character are mostly all present. Just don't expect to see episodes played out from the book. This is like highly produced fan fiction.

I missed this in the 70s (just started university and did not have a TV) and only discovered it in 2020 on DVD.

As a recently retired teacher I think schools now lack the spirit of Miss Jean Brodie - a true educator who recognises the individuality of her girls. No teaching to the test or league tables for Miss Brodie - education means inspiration, curiosity and a desire to learn.

Geraldine McEwan is truly wonderful in the title role but she is surrounded by a wealth of acting talent - not least from the girls in her class.

The series is much too short. Get the DVD and watch it!