Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is a sweet tonic

Sometimes you just want something to make you feel comfortable and safe.

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is in cinemas now. Picture: Dávid Lukács/Universal

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is the third adaptation of Paul Gallico’s novel since it was published in 1958 and there’s a reason why this story has endured.

A real crowd-pleaser, the dramedy is a tender, affectionate tonic to make you believe in possibilities, no matter how fanciful or improbable.

Just like the time in which Gallico conceived of his story – a UK still emerging from the privations of the post-WWII era – current chatter about global economic downturns means we need warm and fuzzy stories. When each click leads us to doom, disaster and La Nina, let Mrs Harris be the salve.

Ada Harris (Lesley Manville) is a cleaning woman in London. Even though she’s hardworking, her job is precarious, serving at the whims of her privileged clients.

One of them hasn’t paid her in weeks but just spent £500 on a Christian Dior dress. When she spies the luminous gown, Mrs Harris can’t take her eyes off it. It’s calling to her like a siren to a seaman.

Lesley Manville gives an affecting performance. Picture: Liam Daniel/Universal

Despite her practical, no nonsense nature, Mrs Harris now wants her very Christian Dior haute couture creation. A series of good fortunes scrimps together just enough for her airfare and the dress – but not any accommodation.

Arriving the famed designer’s atelier, she’s met by a different force – Madame Colbert (Isabelle Huppert), Dior’s director and gatekeeper. Who is this dowdy, oddly spoken cleaning woman from London?

Despite Madame Colbert’s attempts to be rid of her, there is one thing that speaks louder than status, and that’s a cash buyer.

You don’t have to be a master puzzler to work out how this movie will play out, but that’s not the point of Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, directed by Anthony Fabian. Much like Mrs Harris’ Dior gown, it’s less about the end point and more about the character journey.

It’s about the people she – and the audience – meets in her quest for her slice of luxury in a sometimes-unforgiving and ugly world.

Everyone she meets – Dior’s lovelorn accountant Andre (Lucas Bravo), the philosophical model Natasha (Alba Baptista) and even the stern Madame Colbert – will be changed by knowing Mrs Harris, and she by them.

Mrs Harris will give you the warm and fuzzies. Picture: Dávid Lukács/Universal

It’s a predictable formula – and that also includes a dynamic best friend at home (Ellen Thomas) and two potential love interests in the working class Archie (Jason Isaacs) and the posh Marquis de Chassagne (Lambert Wilson) – but that’s part of the charm.

You don’t really go into Mrs Harris Goes to Paris expecting to be challenged or surprised.

You want to be swathed in a fluffy blanket, to be dazzled by the opulent costumes by Jenny Bevan, to be charmed by Manville’s affecting performance.

And with the backdrop of Mrs Harris’ occupation, a garbage collectors’ strike and Dior’s financial challenges brought on by the exclusivity of its clientele, the film has something of a proletariat streak.

The only time it stirs any consternation is an early scene at a greyhound track. Nothing “happens” but the reminder that greyhound racing even exists (and in NSW, to this day) is enough to make you queasy.

But it’s a momentary uneasiness and it doesn’t detract too much from a feel-good film with a character whose determination, faith and kindness serves us all.

Rating: 3/5

Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is in cinemas now