Ronald Neame's memorable film version of Muriel Spark's novel boasts a screenplay by Jay Presson Allen adapted from his stage play. Neame's direction lacks pacing and the passage of time in the film is somewhat uncertain. Otherwise, Neame's straightforward approach is well-suited to the material which is less sentimental than Goodbye, Mr. Chips, To Sir, With Love and Dead Poets Society as well as more ambiguous in its view of education and teachers. Highlighted by Maggie Smith's Oscar-winning turn as the entertaining, witty and even inspiring crackpot, Smith's performance is a tour de force. The supporting cast is well-chosen and evocative, and Celia Johnson as Miss Brodie's adversary and Pamela Franklin and Jane Carr as 2 "Brodie girls" are excellent. The film was widely seen when released in the US because it was double-billed with the box office smash, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Worhwhile drama.
Review of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
