Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris

There number gets less every year but I tell you Ms.Lansbury is one of the last icons of movies,theatre,singing and T.V. She has garnished four emmies 15 nominations in all. tonnies,academy awards nominations.She never seems to age but one of her most popular movies in the mid-fifties with Frank Sinatra, "The Manchurian Canidate". In that role she played the mother of the presidential candidate, in reality she was only three years older than actor Larence Harvey the English actor who played her son, she was only 36.However I apologize for the diversion. In "Mrs. Arris Goes to Paris" you see a determined strong willed English woman walking the extra mile or so, to work to save every possible way she could to save up enough for one of the priceless and elegant dresses. Though almost predictable with her charm and personality who can see her winning the hearts of people in "the know" one by one.This movie lifts one's hearts at a time in the world where we need a little fantasy a good feeling and a excellent actress, Angela to come to the rescue.Thank You bcpmd

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.

Now I am not going to say that this is the best movie ever or anything, but I loved Mrs 'Arris Goes To Paris. It is truly delightful and very charming, with a nice message especially. The story is nice and simple, and is one that never meanders with many charming scenes. The film is nice to look at as well, no special effects or anything just some nice rosy cinematography and Parisian scenery, that's more than enough for me. The music is lovely, delightful and somewhat authentic too, and the script is nice and fluffy like, as I have said already, a soufflé. The direction is good too, but it is in the acting where the film really shines. Angela Lansbury is wonderful yet again, while Diana Rigg is stunning and Omar Shariff charming. So overall, a really nice and pleasant little film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

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.