The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Twilight Time

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) stars the brilliantly sly, marvelously intelligent Maggie Smith in an Oscar-winning performance as the eponymous and unforgettable 1930s-era Edinburgh schoolteacher. Miss Brodie would rather instruct her favorites (including Pamela Franklin as a very clever pupil, indeed) in the passions and profundities of "Life"-a tendency that is beginning to get her in trouble with her school's stern headmistress (the inimitable Celia Johnson). Further difficulties are presented by Miss B's fascist politics and unconventional relationships with a pair of colleagues: the kindly Mr. Lowther (Gordon Jackson) and the far more devilish Mr. Lloyd (the dashing Robert Stephens). Adapted by Jay Presson Allen from her play based on the novel by Muriel Spark; directed by Ronald Neame; and featuring music by Rod McKuen.