Film Review

By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Miss Mary
Directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg
New World Video 1986 DVD/VHS Feature Film
R

In this follow-up to Camila, filmmaker Maria Luisa Bemberg offers a portrait of social and political events in Argentina during 1938. It is now 1945 as Miss Mary (Julie Christie) recalls her experiences as governess of an aristocratic family. The authoritarian head of the household who hires her wants the children brought up in the traditional way. His dour wife refuses to interfere with Miss Mary. Carolina, the thirteen-year-old daughter, is a trouble-maker, while her younger sister Teresa is more respectful and obedient. Johnny, the fifteen-year-old, has a crush on Miss Mary. The puritanical governess puts her career and self-respect on the line one evening when she gives in to her long suppressed sexual feelings. Although Miss Mary lacks the sizzle and dramatic clout of Camila it is an agreeable melodrama.

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by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat