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.
