The Chaperone

In select theaters
March 29^th 2019

108 minutes

English

Australia
UK
USA

Louise Brooks, the 1920s silver screen sensation who never met a rule she didn’t break, epitomized the restless, reckless spirit of the Jazz Age. But, just a few years earlier, she was a 15 year-old student in Wichita, Kansas for whom fame and fortune were only dreams. When the opportunity arises for her to go to New York to study with a leading dance troupe, her mother (Victoria Hill) insists there be a chaperone. Norma Carlisle (Elizabeth McGovern), a local society matron who never broke a rule in her life, impulsively volunteers to accompany Louise (Haley Lu Richardson) to New York for the summer. Why does this utterly conventional woman do this? What happens to her when she lands in Manhattan with an unusually rebellious teenager as her ward? And, which of the two women is stronger, the uptight wife-and-mother or the irrepressible free spirit? It’s a story full of surprises—about who these women really are, and who they eventually become.

starring...

Elizabeth McGovern

Norma

Haley Lu Richardson

Louise Brooks

Géza Röhrig

Joseph

Miranda Otto

Ruth St. Dennis

Blythe Danner

Mary O'Dell

Campbell Scott

Alan Carlisle

Director

Michael Engler

Writer

Julian Fellowes

Cinematography

Nick Remy Matthews

Music

Marcelo Zarvos

Editing

Sofía Subercaseaux

Production Design

Andrew Jackness

Costume Design

Candice Donnelly

88% on the CINEMETER

MIL

85% - Mar 31, 2019

Wonderful story of gaining freedom in a closed society.
Milwaukee Member

Wonderful on all levels. The story -- the lessons, the music, the era. Loved it!
Milwaukee Member

The costumes, the hair, loved the style!
Milwaukee Member

Excellent film! Loved it all!
Milwaukee Member

Engaging and enjoyable film.
Milwaukee Member

87% - Mar 31, 2019

This film reminds of why we come The Cinema Club - a movie I wouldn't have gone to in the theater. Great story of two women.
San Francisco Member

Elizabeth McGovern was luminescent - every emotion withheld, and released. Loved it, Happy Spring!
San Francisco Member

Enchanting film! Really enjoyable, especially after all the movies with such serious subject matters.
San Francisco Member

A pleasant, if conventional film - interesting to learn more about Louise Brooks, though found the ending hard to believe (the unusual extended "family" all living together in Wichita).
San Francisco Member

I loved the dresses and lingerie, which were beautiful. My friends thought the movie was trite but not me!
San Francisco Member

STL

91% - Mar 31, 2019

I enjoyed this film and thought it was well made. It captured the events and history of the time and reminds me how timeless life is, life repeated itself (issues: KKK, homosexuality, sexuality, morality).
St. Louis Member

Well acted. Interesting characters. Took a while to adjust to the back and forth timing but eventually made sense.
St. Louis Member

My favorite this year! Liked the theme of freedom and living your life NOW.
St. Louis Member

EXCELLENT. Stylized realism, connects 1920s America to present time very effectively with completely believable writing.
St. Louis Member

Very enjoyable semi-historical story. I truly enjoyed seeing how far we've come from the "norm" of Wichita, KS in 90+ years and yet these situations still exist today. Am very happy to be living in this generation and time. It was truly interesting to see the changes in Norma as she was introduced to new ideas, people and experiences. Elizabeth McGovern's facial expressions were magically controlled yet expressive.
St. Louis Member

Excellent story with twists I wouldn't have anticipated.
St. Louis Member

A beautiful portrayal of human resilience overcoming adversity with the support and encouragement of others.
St. Louis Member

84% - Mar 24, 2019

Great story. True or not, portrays the important connection between women that enables healing. Shows how norms are upheld and are broken.
Greater New Haven Member

Pleasantly dealt with some issues not customarily dealt with in the time period. Recognizably the style of Julian Fellowes.
Greater New Haven Member

Great hats!
Greater New Haven Member

Wonderful film - uplifting! [many thought the film was uplifting]
Greater New Haven Member

Most enjoyable story, with so many story lines. McGovern shines in this role.
Greater New Haven Member

Costumes magnificent [many comments about those], story compelling, acting superb.
Greater New Haven Member

BOS

91% - Mar 24, 2019

Loved it! Charming! Well-acted story of Norma and her liberation.
Boston Member

A complex and very timely film-- visually delightful.
Boston Member

I Loved this movie. A totally enjoyable movie
Boston Member

Totally engrossing story juxtaposing Norma’s and Louise’ story.
Boston Member

Great genre story.
Boston Member

Interesting period piece as a tale of liberation.
Boston Member

PBS Distribution