CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Maggie Smith in THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE from STEVE HAYES

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CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Maggie Smith won her first and much deserved Oscar for the screen adaptation of Muriel Spark's novel, "The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie". Directed by Ronald Neame, the film takes place in Edinborough, Scotland in the 1930's and deals with the legacy of a charismatic teacher who has a tragic influence on her pupils. It also stars Smith's then husband Robert Stephens, Celia Johnson, Gordon Jackson and the extraordinary Pamela Franklin as the one pupil not completely taken in by the Brodie mystique. It's a fascinating coming of age film that will have you laughing, crying and fascinated by the powerhouse performance of the great Maggie Smith.
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[@lray1948]

I remember reading somewhere about a week or so after Maggie Smith won the Oscar that there had been an Oscar viewing party at Zsa Zsa Gabor's house attended by a number of older actors and actresses who weren't attending the awards and when it was announced that Maggie Smith won, everyone gasped and someone said "They decided to give it to a REAL actress!"

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Well, cosnidering the old guard, that's probably true. But there were four other great actresses up against her. Though completely deserved, Maggies's was more the traditional type role. Times were a-changin'. Thamks for watching! Best; Steve

[@BriGuyIL1980]

Seriously, the last ten minutes of this film should be studied again and again in acting classes over the sheer awesomeness of it. You don't always need fists flying or big explosions to have an awesome fight scene.

[@swordscot]

Brian Moore Agree totally. The last ten minutes is an acting masterclass.

[@tonymarshall3978]

In Scotland we do study this for high school acting

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's mesmerising and Franklin should have had th e Best Supporting Oscar that year hands down.

[@t.wilson9432]

That is one of my all-time favorite scenes in any movie..

[@markwhitman72]

Maggie Smith is magnificent in this film!!! She is so convincing in this role that every up and coming actress should watch and study this performance. Truly mesmerizing.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

One of my all time favorite Oscar winning performances!

[@picturefan2009]

Dame Maggie gave one of greatest performances ever to be nominated for an Academy Award and her win is so well-deserved. Both Celia Johnson and especially Pamela Franklin should have been at the very least be nominated as well.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I totally agree! I was flabbergasted they neither of them were!

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Steve is priceless. Multi-faceted. And so darned likable. And lovable. Plus hilarious!!!! Thank you. I love you.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks, Sweetie!

[@jaymesguy239]

"But you've always professed to be a great admirer of conquerors." Great writing, nothing can replace that.

[@infonut]

I believe that line describes the problem with Brodie and fascism itself. They always admire conquerors when only they are conquering. The truly courageous will fight for right even when they know they will not win.

[@Irishglen6]

...Yet another of my very favorites. Dame Maggie Smith is profoundly talented in every role she takes. Great that you posted this Steve.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I adore this film.

[@2legit64]

I just watched this last week!! It is one of my absolute faves. Dame Maggie is an absolute treasure. She is one of the most amazing artists of our time. When Jean yells "Assassin!" at Sandy, it just kills me. I don't know whether to be glad or sad for her downfall.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I have a friend that I see every so often and whenever we get together, we yell that at one another in our best Maggie imitations! LOl!

[@swordscot]

When I lived in Edinburgh where this movie is set, the local Arthouse Cinema showed this on a regular basis. The cinema was usually full such is the affection for this film. There are about one hundred quotable lines in it as well, some I still use to this day

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's such a lovely film. No quedtion.

[@infonut]

That's really my ONLY complaint about this picture. There was not enough scenery of that beautiful city and countryside. And the little we saw left us hungry for more. I wonder if it is even remotely the same today?

[@swordscot]

@@infonut Hasn’t changed too much. It’s World Heritage listed to they are very careful about change.

[@Muirmaiden]

Maggie deserved her Oscar, but Pamela Franklin should have at least been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her turn as Sandy. I love that Pamela is on the DVD commentary for this film. I love this one, thanks for a fantastic review, Steve!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Totally agree!

[@emmaduncan2991]

the "showdown" between Miss Brodie and "Sandy Strange, shoul be taught in acting class!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I agree! Pamela Franklin should have won the supporyting Oscar for it!

[@bi-costalteacher1281]

Smith's performance is nothing short of a masterpiece in film acting.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes. No question.

[@hhardin8500]

"Little girls: I am in the business of putting old heads on young shoulders and all of my pupils are the creme de la creme!!!" "Staying the same to the point of petrification (spells the word while writing on chalkboard) P-E-T-R-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N! I do not intend on devoting my prime to petrification!" "Sandy please try to do as I say not as I do. Remember you are a child Sandy and far from your prime!" too many amazing lines from this movie! Fab movie! Smith's Oscar was deserved! :-)

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Very well deserved! For once, the Academy got it right!

[@sjw5797]

I don't know of many people who have read this novel *and* seen the movie. It's an interesting example of how to successfully adapt a novel that is difficult to translate to the stage or screen. Both the novel and the film are brilliant and are favorites of mine. But the book is so narrative-driven and so elliptical in its development that in order to bring it to the screen a couple of characters had to be consolidated, and whole scenes had to be written that didn't appear in the book. The writer and the director managed to create a quite different work of art without doing violence to Muriel Spark's themes and while preserving something of her delicious wit and sense of irony. In both the novel and the film Miss Brodie is both lovable and ridiculous; her romanticism is exposed as self-centered and authoritarian at its core. And the girls she seeks to transform into versions of herself as she sees herself are such typical schoolgirls of that time and place, except, in the end, for Sandy. For anyone who has seen the movie and plans on reading the book I won't spoil things by revealing how Sandy chooses to spend her life, but it's an unusual choice that will come as a surprise to the reader and is quite contrary to Miss Brody's wishes. Only to say that Sandy does acknowledge years later, with a mixture of gratitude and irony, that "a Miss Jean Brody in her prime" was the most formative influence of her youth.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Loved this! I have read the novel and collected first editins of Muriel Spark's novels for years. I love how it opens and ends and yes, it's facinating how Sandy's character transforms. This and "Memento Mori" are my favorites. The latter was made into a wonderful BBC version directed by Jack Cardiff in the early '90's. Brilliantly cast with the best of British character actors, Maggie was sinister, quite dispicable and wonderful , as always.

[@felixwaterman4448]

I read the book first. Love both. Love the way Muriel Spark makes repeated references to events past and future eg. the fire. Then there is Sandy clutching the grill. Totally memorable. I ran a mixed-sex club for teenagers and referred (privately) to them as "the Brodie girls" - in Maggie Smith's Morningside accent. Wouldn't dare make such a comment now!

[@matt75hooper]

New fans of Maggie Smith because of Downton Abbey or 'Potter' are in for a fabulous treat with The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie. Maggie delivers a performance for the ages. At the Academy Awards that night Maggie Smith was so heavily favored I doubt the other nominees even wrote an acceptance speech.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Actually, the thoughts ran that she was a dark horse that year, because the film had been released in the early part of the year like "Norma Rae" was later for Sally Field and Jane Fonda and Liza Minnelli, representing the new generations of the "Old Hollywood" would take it. Everyone loved her in it, but the odds makers had predicted that too much time had passed for her to be a front runner. Needless to say, it was a welcome surprise that Maggie won and it was a safer choice, being that Jane was in her radical "Hanoi Jane" Vietnam prostesting period and Liza's character was so needy and vulnerable. Of course now, it's the classic Maggie Smith role and no one else has ever been able to top it. VIVA MAGGIE! Thanks for watching and Happy Summer! Steve

[@rickram1961]

A Grand Movie for the Grand Dame, Maggie Smith!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes!

[@1trschaefer78]

This is a great film. Beautiful production values throughout and a wonderful supporting cast. Topped off by Maggie Smith's unforgettable performance!

[@stevenhayes4063]

Still my favorite of ll her films. Pamela Franklin should have been nominated as Sandy. That final comfrontation scene is breathtaking! Best; Steve

[@rem2267]

"I am Teddy's lover!!!" Oh how I do wish that I could have said that and meant it! This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Some unforgettable performances and immanently quotable. Little girls.... I can still remember the words to the song at the school dance: "Somebody's crying, pay him no mind; he's just a someone you left behind."

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes, it's such a 'full meal". Brilliant from begining to end.

[@jaygatz4335]

Some of my my favourite lines: "She seeks to intimidate by the use of the quarter hour." "Chrysanthemums - such serviceable flowers." "For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like." All delivered in Maggie's inimitable style!

[@mikegehre570]

What a talent Dame Maggie Smith. Her role and lines were the precursor to her one line zingers in "Dowton Abbey" Oscar worthy film and performance all around

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@purplenymphe2572]

I only saw this exact version 2 nights ago and everytime I hear "Mary McGregor" in my head, I smile. I also love her reading of "the lady of Shallot".

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

The performance is so varied. It is a Master Class.

[@emmaduncan2991]

one of my all time favorite films.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Mine too. I think it was the Best Picture of the Year.

[@emmaduncan2991]

"I simply put a stop to you!"

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

That reading alone is incredible!

[@tommoncrieff1154]

My parents were educated in 1930s Edinburgh at schools exactly like this. They thought this film totally authentic. I don’t think Jean Brodie, in sedate Edinburgh, had any true idea about fascism, and, of course, the film is set in 1932 just before the rise of Hitler. People then did not know or think what we think. She was not political, rather a hopeless, naive romantic idealist enamoured by the heights of beauty, art and poetry. That’s why she was so dangerous, she was drunk on her own petty provincial authority, she had all the passions of an artist, an idealist and a lover, but squashed inside the small, simplistic mind of a schoolteacher whose main contacts were little girls. Maggie Smith’s brilliance is to let us put her on a pedestal as if we were her pupils - who wouldn’t want her as their brilliant teacher - but to let us also see inside her mind and her thwarted emotions as the adults we grew up to be and to recognise the damage in her and the damage she inflicts on others. She is one of the most layered and complex characters ever put on screen.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes, and I loved the novel as well as all as of Muriel Spark's works. Thank you for youe insiteful commentary. I loved it! Have a wonderful summer and My Very Best; Steve

[@photomitch]

I was lucky enough to see Maggie Smith in the last 90's in a West End production of "Three Tall Women". She was fantastic..

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

She must have been! I saw her on the West End in Alan Bennett's "The Lady In The Van" and on Broadway in " Lettuce and Lovage'. No one like her.

[@paulashe61]

See how she seeks to intimidate with the use of the quarter hour?

[@ltee1a]

That's one of my favorite lines in the movie! Hilarious.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Love it! And the way she says; "Gasious Domeign" LOL!

[@gatewayski1]

Maggie Smith was magnificent in Jack Clayton's "THE LONELY PASSION OF JUDITH HEARNE" (1987). I believe she was over-looked by Oscar for that one, I don't know why.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Who knows? Some times its a matter of the movie's distribution.

[@michaelverbakel7632]

Her performance in Judith Hearne was better & stronger than than both her Oscar winning performances. Yet she wasn't even nominated for this. Compare her performance in Judith Hearne to Cher's Oscar winning performance in Moonstruck that same year and you can talk about a real injustice.

[@MrTonyInchpractice]

It was released too late to be considered.

[@cwilson284]

Jessica Tandy is reputed to have said to Ms Smith: "Which is worse, my dear--not to be nominated, or to lose to Cher?" (with whom Ms Smith eventually co-starred in "Tea With Mussolini.")

[@swordscot]

Steve Hayes. Where those chrysanthemums in the vase to your right deliberate? Such serviceable flowers!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Absolutely! LOL!

[@zhwancardin5449]

Ha ha. Her voice dripping with disdain.

[@poetcomic1]

On Maggie Smith's first trip to the U.S. to be in a play she found herself broke, stranded and began to cry in an elevator. Julie Andrews saw her and put her up and fed her and made sure her money arrived. Julie Andrews, Maggie Smith and Julie's friend Carol Burnett were all buddies for life.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

That;s just SO wonderful. Tanks for this. You made my day! Steve

[@Dathan]

Here you go educating me once again. I've heard this movie title for decades and ALWAYS thought it must have been a Western.(I'm not sure why. lol) Thanks for the heads up and your time and talent. I'll have to check it out since I've fallen for her watching Downton Abbey.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You will adore this film!

[@margaretbarrie6330]

Please, please do more videos on Dame Maggie's works!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I will. I promise!

[@jamesmcinnis208]

"Travels with My Aunt" is a gem.

[@22redsguy]

Still gloriously reigning!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Oh, thank you!

[@alidabaxter5849]

I loved your review of this sensational movie. At the time, as I'm sure you know, Maggie Smith was married to Robert Stephens. I was lucky enough to see them on the stage together in the West End of London in "Private Lives" and I wish you could have seen it too. You'd have adored it.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

OMG! I can't imagine! I got to see Maggie in "Lettuce and Lovage" on Broadway and "The Lady In The Van" on the West End. I'm sure you agree, as remarkable as she is on the screeen, she's mesmerizing on stage. Ain't we lucky?!?

[@alidabaxter5849]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ "Lettuce and Lovage" was the last West End play I saw before something terrible happened to my spine. So I'm "Old English Lady watching DVDs" these days, but luckily I adore good movies.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@alidabaxter5849 And I'm so glad you watch them & TOQ! The old movies have remained my constant companions and held me in good stead for many years! here's to the movies! Best; Steve

[@ThePlutarch44]

I was fortunate enough to see Maggie Smith at the Stratford Festival in Ontario (Canada) where she was a resident artist for several seasons.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Lucky you! I have a black and white autographed photo of her in character from a play she was doing at Stratford. You can see it right next to me in the review. There is no one like Maggie Smith on stage.

[@wizzwamf]

4.15 not 4.00 not 4.30 but 4,15 she thought to intimadate me with the use of quarter hours. i love that line sheer joy of maggie in her many quotes in this outstanding film

[@normanduke8855]

The theme song is wonderful too.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I lve it. In fact, I'm listening to the soundtrack from the film as I write this comment! Fabulous! The song was nominated for the Oscar.

[@dinocub1]

So LOVED Pamela Franklin in this (loved her also in The Legend of Hell House). Incredible performance up against a formidable performance from Maggie Smith. So sad Pamela retired from acting so young. Would have loved to have seen where her career would have gone should she had of chosen to continue with it.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I've often said she should have had the Best Supporting Oscar for this. She wasn't even nominated! Yes, I think it's a shame she retired.

[@dinocub1]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ her husband and son own a fab "first edition" bookstore in LA. Definitely on the bucket list to visit next time I'm there.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@dinocub1 Oh, thanks for the tip.! I LOVE old/used bookshops. Hooray! I might even get to meet her! I would be so thrilled!

[@dinocub1]

Store is called Mystic Piers Books. Just looking at their book listings. A first edition Gone With the Wind? $50K...what a bargain. LOL

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@dinocub1 WHOA! Well, I would still be willing to look around and perhaps meet Miss Franklin. Thanks for the info, Buddy! Best; Steve

[@seanjohnson4039]

A real coming of age story in a way for me. Great review, Steve, one of your very best.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

One of my very favorite movies. I'm listening to the soundtrack now.

[@twoswords5524]

Just saw this and am fricking fracking glad you reviewed this amazing gem of a movie

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

One of my favorite films, Maggie and Pamela Franklin knock it out of the park! Best; Steve

[@BritInvLvr]

Back in the 70s, a tv station showed old movies during the day. It was my daily consumption each summer. Matinee at the Bijou, it was called. I saw so many greats. This movie was one of them. Even though there were some risqué parts for my young mind.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

This movie stays with you. I think it's absolutely brilliant> I've read the novel, which is also incredible and everyone in it is so good. Especiaklly Maggie, Pamela Franklin, who should have been nominated for a best Supporting Oscar, like she was for the BAFTA and of course, Dme Celia Johnson. I adore this film.

[@ThePiratemachine]

Brilliant Steve. Just a side note: I wrote to Muriel Spark once and she replied. The subject was Emily Bronte of whom she wrote an essay in which she referred to Emily Bronte's hermaphroditic mind.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Well, THAT'S interesting and certainly cool!!! As a matter of fact, Muruel Spark is a favorite author of mine and I have been collecting first editions of her novels for years. I have a signed copy of "Territorial Rights" which I treasure. My favorites are "The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie "and "Memento Mori", the Jack Cardiff film of which, starring Maggie Smith, turns up occasinally on KZbin and is well worth a watch. By the way, a friend of mine just told me they've released a Bu-Ry of the hilarious " Nasty Habits", which he claims is fabulous! I'm listening to the "Jean Brodie" soundtrack as I type this. One of the greats and Pamela Franklin should have won the supportring actress Oscar for it. I couldn't believe she wasn't nominated! Infuriating Academy...as usual. Steve

[@ThePiratemachine]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ Thanks Steve for your detailed reply. I shall certainly watch 'Nasty Habits.' Sounds good. Yes, Pamela Franklin was an extraordinary, very gifted young actress. How they got away with those shots of her in Robert Stephens' attic is beyond me. But then the English have always been known for their peekaboo, naughty take on sex a la Benny Hill ( even in this Scottish film.) BTW Another naughty actress whose mother I met as a 5 year old patient in her doctor's surgery is Diane Cilento - the tweeny of 'The Admirable Crichton' fame.

[@SanDiegoArtNut]

Love Maggie Smith in anything. Thanks for the review.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

You're so welcome!

[@lorraineminor71]

I've had a terrible day. I hate Mondays. And then I came here... Thank you, Steve! And thanks (of course) to Dame Maggie, too! I adore her, in this and pretty much everything she's ever done. You mentioned "Hot Millions"--have you reviewed it and I've missed it? It is my favorite Saturday afternoon movie because of course it is. What's not to love? The nostalgic fun of sixties London, the marvelously droll Peter Ustinov, the great Karl Malden and a young(ish) Bob Newhart in a funny, weaselly turn, an amusing airport cameo by Cesar Romero, and Maggie Smith absolutely adorable as a hapless Cockney secretary who finally finds her super power in her touching romance with the wily Ustinov. An underrated gem, in my humble opinion. Cheers!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

First f all thank you for the lovely compliment! Secondaly. I ADORE "Hot Millions"! Thanks for remiding me and it's definitely on my "to do" list! You're right, what's not to love? Stay well and stay SAFE. All My Best; Steve

[@dandowe1985]

Spellbinding book and movie--amazing.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I just gave the novel to friend yesterday for Christmas. Muriel Spark has always been one of my favorite authors and I adore this film! Happy New Year! Steve

[@robbiethepict2783]

‘Speech is silver but silence is golden’

[@silversled7140]

Brilliant summation. Thank you 🙏

[@timfrye3586]

Maggie Smith is amazing. A great and confounding film -- like 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' meets 'The last days of Hitler'

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

A lesson in the sometimes tragic power of charismatic teachers and propaganda. A magnifivent group of performances by Maggie, Celia Johnson and Pamela Franklin who should have won the Oscar for supprting actress.

[@beyourself2444]

One of my fav movies of all time

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Mine too. With two great Oscar worthy performances, Maggie and Pamela Franklin.

[@NuncNuncNuncNunc]

I'd forgotten about this gem, a masterpiece in building up a character only to totally demolish.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I love the film, the play and especailly the novel. Muriel Spark was the queen of not answering all the questions she raises. Highly recommened. Maggie is fabulous as is Pamela Franklin, who should have been nominated based on that final confrontation scene alone. Thanks for watching! Have Happy SAFE Holidays1 Best; Steve

[@char1737]

California Suite is Everything

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

One of her best! Thanks for watching! STEVE

[@susanberg45]

I am so glad to have found you Steve! I am in the process of moving and enjoying your reviews on KZbin is getting me through the stress. Just my opinion, but I only wish Vanessa Redgrave had done the film version. I would have appreciated her subtlety and sensuality. I acknowledge that Maggie Smith has given many wonderful performances in her career. This one is not my favorite.

[@andrewh1737]

Hi

[@margaretjones4682]

Brilliant analysis of a great film and leading lady.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks! I love this one too and adore Dame Maggie!

[@cindyjenkins6133]

This film is so fantastic and your review is so worthy 👏🏻

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Oh, thank you Cindy!

[@AndreiGromit]

There is also om youtube a marvellous version of the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie with Geraldine McEwan in the title role.

[@Marlboroboy123.]

I just found this channel on KZbin. J’adore. Seems this Steve and you Steve have a love the same films

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

We do? How loverly! Thanks for watching!

[@Blaqjaqshellaq]

Watch for Gordon Jackson as the music teacher! (He was one of my favourite Scottish actors...)

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

He's terrific.

[@jeffseaman4356]

Thanks for the movie reviews! I'm watching old movies during this insane time... And you are like that funny, smart friend to dish with after. You make these films even better. Mwah! Love you guys.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Love you too! Thanks so much!!! Thanks SO much for watching! Would you do me a favor and push the "LIKE" button? Thanks!

[@sedekiman]

I love that line too!

[@davidburgess3882]

Check out her solo performance of "Bed Among the Lentils". Masterful!!

[@maryh4650]

Little girls....... AMAZING ..... the women is pernicious, I LOVE Maggie in this though I HATE the character.

[@MinervasGarden]

I am so enjoying your movie reviews--thank you for posting!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

My pleasure!

[@EnniTom]

I have read on different sources that Smith landed the role after Julie Andrews, who didn't want to play another nanny-like character, turned it down.

[@ltee1a]

Ha! That's funny, because Brodie is that farthest thing from a nanny, especially Mary Poppins, than you can imagine!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Ronald Neame fought for Smith.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

That's odd.

[@willym9836]

Great, greater, greatest - she appeared at our Stratford as Lady Macbeth, Cleopatra, Rosalind, in Chekov, Coward, Congreve and so much else, she was definitely in her Prime! Just one small correction I don't think she ever appeared with the RSC but was a founding member of the National Theatre under Sir Laurence Olivier. Again many thanks Steve - going to watch this one for the first time in many years later this weekend.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

The autographed photo next to me in this review is from one of the Straford productions. I think its her Rosalind. Thanks for watching!

[@willhobbs7765]

Steve Hayes Saw the Roseline four times over two years - she came on stage a middle aged actress and inside of five minutes was a 20 year old girl in love. The entire production was theatrical magic - brilliant acted by a top notch cast and directed by the brilliant Robin Phillips.

[@richardbenitez7803]

This short discussion on romantic fascism shown in this movie is very good. I don’t think enough americans who saw movie understood the tragedy. I have always meant to read the novel.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's so subtle and wonderful.

[@conrad152]

Another excellent review,I like your Edinburgh accent Steve!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so much!

[@misterwibble6411]

Pamela Franklin was also excellent in Jack Clayton's "Our Mother's House"; one of the saddest movies that I'ever seen.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Marvelous actress; Too bad she gave it up to raise her family. She was nominated as for a BAFTA for Best Suporting actress for "Brodie". I always felt she should have won the Oscar! She really was astonishing and that final scene with Maggie is unforgettable! Thanks so much and have lovely, SAFE holidays. Best; Steve

[@indyboxerbriefs]

Great review of one of my favorite movies. I have both the orginial and the Rod McKuen album soundtrack of the movie. I do think though that Maggie Smith's role in "The Honey Pot" in 1967 was a pretty big role for her.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I ove this too. She's also great in "The V.I.P.'s"

[@RobBrown88]

She did a wonderful job in the Harry Potter movies as Minerva McGonagall.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

gag

[@Marcus51090]

I liked the film but I never liked maggy’s character I always saw her as a traitor and an extremist, extremely inappropriate with students she doesn’t teach them she indoctrinates them

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Yes. She is dangerous.

[@susanliebl9019]

2:45....I don't know who Celia Johnson is, but Steve's enthusiasm makes me want to nominate her for best actress!!!! Love you Steve!

[@stevenhayes4063]

As a matter f fact, she WAS nominated . In 1946 she lost to Olivia deHavilland in "To Each His Own". But her performance lives on! Thanks for watching and for the lovely compliments. Best Wishes & please stay SAFE! Steve

[@maryh4650]

oh the accents, one would think these people actually WERE Scots!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

LOl!

[@stevencoffin328]

Pamela Franklin should have been bigger. She is a great actress.

[@crawfordc1971]

Steve -- you are so awesome! Well done!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks a million!

[@scotsean]

"Chrysanthemums, such a serviceable flower"

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

The way she rolls over the consonants. Brilliant!

[@felixwaterman4448]

I have used that phrase when seeing flower arrangements I don't like. I try not to be bitchy - and fail.

[@arielklay23]

Sounds like Miss Brodie is a textbook narcissist in that she sees her students as extensions of herself and can't imagine them becoming their own individual selves. So for one of *her* girls to assert herself is downright treasonous. Little wonder she calls the, in her mind, ingrate, an assassin. I grew up around someone like that and this person *hated* it when I expressed my individuality and still resents it when I do so to this day.

[@stevenhayes4063]

Yes. I think we've all been exposed to Brodies of some sort at some point. I love when she says; "I didn't betray you, I simply put a stop to you.!" Thanks for watching and please stay SAFE! Best Wishes; Steve

[@arielklay23]

@@stevenhayes4063 thanks, Steve! Good news, BTW, I got in touch with Him, my late husband Tim's brother! The last time I spoke to him was at Tim's funeral 26 *years* ago! Raised in Indiana, he had a *big* problem with his brother's sexuality and HIV status and now Jim has softened and *wants* to remember his baby brother to the point he accepted my FB friend request and we've started messaging each other! I'm *so* happy for my brother-in-law! ☺️

[@da96103]

Mr Hayes, you are so funny. I love you.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thank you so much!

[@dalriadaskillen]

Great review.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks so much! One of my favorite Oscar'd performances and I always felt that Pamela Franklin should have won as well. Please subscribe and stay SAFE! Best Wishes; Steve

[@esquibelle]

Who is the doll behind Steve in this review?

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

It's a by artist extraourdinaire MEL ODOM form the GENE MARSHALL doll collection inspired by Hollywood movie stars.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Oh okay, I’ll watch it. I do love Maggie Smith, and doesn’t Stephens look like an early version of Alan Rickman in this? No wonder she married him!

[@stevenhayes4063]

One of my all time favorite Oscar winning performances and Pamela Franklin as Sandy should have been nominated as well. Sensational! Thanks! Steve

[@thomasmiles340]

Thanks for this, Steve. Did you know that in the London production with Vanessa Redgrave, Miss Brodie commits suicide at the end? Cheers.

[@stevenhayes4063]

I would have hated that. It's so terrific the way it ends. Haunting. Thanks so much! Steve

[@olinwilliams]

@@stevenhayes4063 The novel takes place after Miss Brodie's death. It is all memories and flashbacks

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@olinwilliams I love all Muriel Spark's novels.

[@robertn800]

You’re great. Now I want to watch this movie. (I hope it’s not too political since I’m not sure what a fascist is) but Maggie looks great & I’ve only seen her in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. I get good movie recommendations from you- Thanks 😺

[@stevenhayes4063]

If you want a good example of a facist, look up Mussolini among others. Thanks so much for watching and have a great weekend! Best; Steve

[@samskidoodle4768]

"She always looks so extreeeme!"

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

'For girls who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like. "

[@samskidoodle4768]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ "I shall leave her to her gaseous domain."

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@@samskidoodle4768 I simply put a STOP to you!

[@samskidoodle4768]

@@STEVEHAYESTOQ “Assassin!”

[@martinbench3657]

Had such a crush on her when i saw this movie

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I know what you mean. This performance is completely mesmerizing.

[@sommy38]

OBVIOUSLY WATCHED IT

[@rustyspigot]

love ya, Steve.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thank you!

[@ltee1a]

That was a great review! You really described it well. Except I wouldn't say Jean Brodie was a fascist, per se....I don't think her knowledge about politics and political systems was the greatest....I think she didn't really understand what Mussolini was really about, he had just captured her imagination for some reason. This is my second favourite movie ever - I can't even watch another version of it - and Maggie Smith is absolutely brilliant. There could never be another Brodie, no way! I love this movie so much! Thanks for your great review!

[@jamesmelvin2357]

Your Scottish accent it no too bad Steve !!!

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Thanks!

[@robertchalker2211]

Handsome

[@stevenhayes4063]

Thank you! I'll give you an hour to cut that out! Steve

[@Tunick1902]

Mustn't forget that Jean Brodie was an avowed Fascist.

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

I don't, it's all right there.

[@tonyyoung3985]

Teachers who support right wing fascists. Good thing that would never happen in real life . . .

[@STEVEHAYESTOQ]

Of course not...unless of course it does. Thanks for watching! Best; Steve