Tous les rêves sont permis

Luckily I have this delightful movie on VHS. It is one of the truly great movies I've ever seen. Actress Angela Lansbury (always a favorite of mine) shines as Mrs. 'Arris in this film. Likewise, Omar Sharif (still a heart-throb) plays a very convincing and lovable Marquis Hippolite. This movie flows smoothly and although the outcome is somewhat what one would expect, it is a lovely escape from reality film that I consider a classic. All the characters, from the lovely Natasha, the somewhat shy, but honorable Andre, the tough but fair Mme. Colbert, portrayed by Diana Riggs and even the despicable Mr Armont, all expertly portrayed and the casting for this film is strong. I urge everyone, young and old alike, to take in this lovely family film. You won't be sorry.

This, in my mind, is the nicest film in existence. From start to finish this gently floats you along the storyline, and it ends in a resonding awwww. After watching this film everything is right with the world and dreams do come true if you work for them. The best thing is that there is no Disney label attached.

Suggested on Rainy days, boyfriend/girlfriend seperation, failed exams, apocalypses etc

This is a lovely story, both funny and a little sad perhaps, but altogether heartwarming. It's sort of like a children's Disney movie, but for grown ups. My favorite, Angela Lounsbury, isn't sleuthing in Cabot Cove here, but instead is totally appealing and sympathetic as the determined 1953 London char lady, Mrs. Ada Harris, who has long dreamed of owning an original Dior gown.

Mrs. Harris has managed to scrimp and save enough money to make the trip to Paris to fulfill her dream of buying a Dior designer dress. However, it turns out to be not a simple task, but one fraught both with unpleasant obstacles and unexpected friendships. First, she must deal with the snooty behavior of some in the expensive fashion world including that nasty snob, Mr. Armont, who seeks to thwart her efforts, and later on some prying customs officials. Meanwhile, along the way, she befriends a handsome count, Marquis Hippolite, who is troubled by family issues (an estranged daughter) and plays matchmaker to a young couple, the lovely model, Natasha, and the shy but noble Andre.

Of course this tale isn't very realistic or believable, but I don't know that it's intended to be. That's why I've called it magical. There's plenty of realism in everyday life, and this is a sweet story.

In addition to Angela Lounsbury, other cast members include Diana Rigg as the House of Dior's show director, the efficient but fair minded Mme. Colbert, and the incomparably handsome and magnetic Omar Sharif as the Marquis Hippolite.

Angela Lounsbury makes her cleaning lady character every bit as endearing as the actress herself. The viewer gets a sense of how very hard this woman has worked all her life, how few luxuries she's ever had, and simply must cheer Mrs. 'Arris on through all the stumbling blocks to, hopefully, her very own beautiful Dior gown. She is so kind hearted that goodness flows from her to everyone she encounters during her Parisian stay. However, she won't be trifled with, as those who oppose her goal discover. This is a delightful, touching escapist story, a real treasure.

Just a side comment. My daughter works for Dior in Paris and she brought this movie into the office where they watched it. Her boss's boss actually took it home to watch it on the weekends. They all loved it and were able to pick out parts of the Dior office where they apparently filmed it. I first read this story decades ago in Reader's Digest and who would have guessed I would be the father of a daughter who ended up at Dior? The staff at Dior speak English but I'm wondering if Angela's "accent" was difficult to make out. My daughter is searching for a French version of the original book if there is one as well as other versions of the movie.

These days it has become a rarity to find a good movie not aided by special effects, blood or sex. It was a real pleasure to watch this small, honest and humble film, quietly following the tradition of those movies we had almost forgotten. I bet the glorious Angela Lansbury should have enjoyed acting as much as we enjoyed watching it. Well, my mother commented shortly on this movie: just like Cinderella... I cannot argue with that.