Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Some movies are plainly adorable and become a delightful watch simply because the storyline is straightforward and it appeals to all age groups. This movie set in 1957 Paris is a mix of fairy tale romance and fun filled fulfillment of dreams. Ada Harris works a cleaner woman in upper class homes in London leading a mundane life but she is optimistic all the time ( She keeps saying " It's my lucky day today" ). She sees a very attractive evening gown of Christian Dior, Paris costing 500 pounds in the home of one of her mistresses and is besotted by it. On an impulse she decides to procure one for herself even if it means travelling to Paris to make a purchase. She manages to a gather funds through various means, lands up in Paris but things are not so smooth for her. Since the setting is Paris, can romance be far behind?

A highlight of the movie is the admirable acting of talented Lesley Manville who goes through the gamut of emotions in a light hearted and endearing way. The infectious cheerful demeanour and positive attitude she projects is worth watching. Director Anthony Fabian has made an enchanting , engaging and entertaining movie from an old fashioned tale. It doesn't drag anytime and one can sit through it with interest. One attractive sequence is about models parading in glamorous, exquisite gowns in the premises of Christian Dior, Paris. It is shot and presented in style. The cinematography is attractive specially in the outdoors. Costume design is rightly given prominence and results are amazing no doubt. One is reminded of " Phantom thread" and " The devil wears Prada". One surprising feature is that Paris streets are shown dirty with overflowing dustbins and garbage everywhere. This is unthinkable for a dream city. It is explained away in the movie as strike by the cleaning workers.