The Chaperone

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The only thing this movie had going was the period decor. But I was so disappointed in the acting. Elizabeth McGovern could not act, which took me by surprise as she is the darling in Downton Abbey. Spoiler alert: in the scene where she found out about her husband's infidelity and sexual identity, it was especially apparent that she needs lessons in "getting very upset". And they casted Haley Lu Richardson while her dance moves are simply not elegant in modern dancing...etc.etc.

Must be the main topic in the discussion and reviews after watching the chaperone. mary lou richardson is also a smasher, in this rather eventless flick, although it is a great periodic 1920's set/decorations and costume vise. the story and plot are a bit confusing because its a kind of biographic flick about 1920-30's film and dance star louise brooks. in the film things happens in wichita and new yourk, but when reading the biography it tells you that mostly all her activities where done in the los angeles area. the story are flat the pace is slow and will for me the grumpy old man be remembered for mrs mcgovern, and that it is 35 years ago i got a naked glimpse of her in the crime drama Once Upon a Time in America. its a film to allof them who loves classic british drama series, and vintage films from the prohibition america

This is a delightful and moving story set in the 20s that has some surprisingly modern themes that come through. Elizabeth McGovern shows a range of acting she wasn't able to display in Downton Abbey. She is touching and very sympathetic as a lady married to a gay man who takes a break and accompanies a young Dancer to NYC. Haley Lu Richardson is sweet as the dancer but she doesn't have a dancer's body or form. Eye opening look at norms of the past. Very enjoyable.

A well-paced and excellent adaptation of the Laura Moriarty novel. The film captures the symmetry between the differences in 1920's Kansas and NYC, as well as the differences between the two main characters, Norma and Louise. Both highly intelligent, Norma is a reflection of the still-Victorian culture of 1922 Kansas while Louise has a near-feral need to burst out of the culture's restrictions. The journey to NYC results in both learning valuable life lessons. Norma, the title character, is the central point of the film. While Louise becomes the famous one, this movie is not her biography. Her role is one that feeds the Norma character and propels her through the story. Prohibition, post-WWI dynamics and the tossed salad of the 1920's NYC atmosphere provide a fascinating historic framework. While not for everyone, I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in 20th century US history, and good film making in general.

I loved Downton Abbey and Doctor Thorne. Julian Fellowes rarely disappoints. But this movie was simply ridiculous. I have not read the novel, so I have no idea how closely it followed. But the writing in this movie is painfully dull. The acting left much to be desired. I appreciate some of what they were trying to say - that Norma was oppressed and Louise helped her liberate herself. But that meant living the rest of her life as a lie to keep up appearances with her husband, his lover, and her lover under one roof? That was Norma's life of happiness? And it's implied that Louise Brooks went back out and got her career back and succeeded. She didn't. Her life was a mess. This movie was pure fiction, and it wasn't even entertaining fiction. I really hope the Downton Abbey movie is better than this, Julian!

I aware of Louise Brooks as a big silent movie star but aside from seeing the trailer, I didn't know what to expect. I was completely engrossed by the story of the precocious Louise Brooks' start as a talented dancer & the entwined story of her chaperone, played by Elizabeth McGovern. McGovern's is the main story & charts her growing independence. I loved the shots of New York in the 1920s. The story occurs in the context of the burgeoning women's rights movement, shifting moralities & attitudes towards black Americans. I would have loved to have seen Louise's trajectory in the jazz era movie business & beyond, but that would be a whole other film. Can someone please make it?

This was almost comical bad. Worst thing I've ever seen on PBS. Everything was as flat as a Hallmark movie with even less intrigue. Dialog and acting was even worse. Surprised I got through the whole thing, but at some point I decided it was interesting because it was so horrifically bad.

Elizabeth McGovern is the reason to see this. She brings to life what, in other hands, could be a cliched character. She has become a much more interesting actress as she's aged; you can't take your eyes off her (those eyes!). The Louise Brooks subplot serves its purpose but seems a bit strained. Blythe Danner, Miranda Otto, Campbell Scott and other familiar names essay their supporting roles well, and the period is recreated nicely. Overall, very entertaining and not nearly as predictable as you would think.

We loved this movie, acting, costumes and settings are wonderful. Highly recommend especially if you love Downtown Abney or period dramas. Thoroughly enjoyable, still thinking about the storyline of this beautiful film.