Parents' Guide to

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

By Kat Halstead, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Charming 1950s-set comedy drama has drinking, smoking.

Movie PG 2022 92 minutes
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Movie Poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Movie: A woman holding up a pink dress
  • Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Movie: A woman in a tan coat stepping out of a car
  • Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris Movie: A woman in a teal shirt and hat

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Carrolls4
Carrolls4 Parent of 10 and 13-year-old
August 22, 2022
age 12+

** Note the "Sex, Romance, and Nudity" rating.

This is my first review, which I felt I needed to write because this movie surprised me. I am disappointed Common Sense Media didn't refer to the unusual sexual content for a PG movie in its expert review. This is what is stated, though, under the specific "Sex, Romance, and Nudity" section: "Provocative cabaret shown, with performers wearing sexy costumes and making suggestive moves." For perspective, Finding Dory and Paddington are rated PG. In general, I've been quite aligned with Common Sense Media reviews for years, but I wish the summary review would have mentioned this cabaret. If that had been the case, I would have previewed the movie first. In the future, I'll read the details of each separate section as well as the summary to be more thorough! I have two boys ages 10 and 13, and I felt saddened that a PG movie would include a sensual cabaret show. The cabaret section would likely seem relatively mild to any adult, but it was simply surprising, inappropriate, and unnecessary in this film, especially a film for families. Fortunately this scene could be easily skipped without missing any of the plot. The rest of the movie had lovely, empowering themes about going after your dreams, being inclusive, and valuing individuals for who they are. Although the message might be too subtle for children under fourteen, the movie also made the effort to show that women specifically should be seen for who they are rather than their value being placed in their beauty. I would still support the 10+ rating Common Sense Media gave this movie, but only if the cabaret scene is skipped.
JoMe
JoMe Parent of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11-year-old
October 1, 2022
age 9+

For grown-ups

This movie is one of the very few movies in the last 5 years that has no sexuality in it. So if someone find a cabaret scene troubling... They must be living in another reality if they find that dangerous for a 10yr old. It has smoking and social drinking but that's it. Nonetheless this is not a movie for children simply because the subject is not for children.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS, widowed cleaner Mrs. Harris (Lesley Manville) falls in love with her client's Dior dress and dreams of affording one of her own. But saving the money to travel to Paris is just the start of an adventure that will open her eyes to a whole new world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (3 ):

There's a strong fairytale aspect to this charming comedy drama about a kind, put-upon cleaner who works her way into the world of high fashion. And, in this case, the titular character in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris will go to the ball -- albeit a tea dance in a local hall. Manville (Oscar-nominated for her role in the 2017 dressmaking drama Phantom Thread) makes for a sympathetic, likable character whose inner resolve shines through her subservient position in a way that will resonate with many.

Pessimists (and even realists) may need to suspend disbelief, as the plot quickly unveils a cascade of unlikely events -- particularly once Mrs. Harris hits Paris, and her worldly outlook is blinded by shiny things. Realistic, it's not. At heart it's an uplifting underdog story, where characters learn about what's important and people get their comeuppance. But it's also smart, funny, and beautiful to look at. Sets and costumes really capture the era, from Mrs. Harris' dimly lit terraced home to the glittering Paris theaters. It's a Cinderella story about kindness, courage, and being seen. About believing in a little magic -- no matter how unlikely it seems.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the representation of women in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. How did it compare to other films set in the 1950s? Would you describe Mrs. Harris as a positive female role model? What makes a good role model?

  • There are plenty of positive messages within the movie, including examples of perseverance, courage, and curiosity. Why are these such important character strengths to have?

  • How are drinking and smoking depicted in the film? Are they glamorized? Do you think our behavior has changed when it comes to drinking and smoking, from when the movie was set until now?

Movie Details

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