The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

In the staid confines of Marcia Blaine, an austere private girls' school in Edinburgh, a beacon of flamboyance and romanticism arises in the form of Jean Brodie. As portrayed by Dame Maggie Smith, Miss Brodie, a woman in the 'prime' of her life, paints the world in hues of passion and idealism, inspired by leaders like Mussolini and Franco. Her idiosyncratic perspective seeps into her teachings, far surpassing the traditional curriculum, much to the chagrin of the stern headmistress, Emmeline Mackay. As a teacher par excellence, Miss Brodie takes under her wing a select group of girls, her 'set', to whom she imparts her world view and wisdom. Among them are the perceptive Sandy, romantic Jenny, literary Monica, and the timid orphan, Mary McGregor, who is desperate for any semblance of guidance. This intimate group is privy to most aspects of Miss Brodie's life, including her relationship with the school's conservative music teacher, Gordon Lowther, and her lingering attraction to the married art teacher, Teddy Lloyd, with whom she once had an affair. However, even as Miss Brodie's life unfurls in a tapestry of love, politics, and art, the undercurrents of her past and present indiscretions threaten to unravel her position at the school. In a world that oscillates between the two World Wars, she finds herself in a battle of her own, fighting to retain her job and protect her cherished relationships. In this crucible, her favorite pupils, once fiercely loyal, begin to question their allegiance. One of them starts to stray, no longer convinced that Miss Brodie is in her prime. As the students embark on their own journey of self-discovery and understanding, they inadvertently shape Miss Brodie's destiny, their actions echoing in her life in ways she never anticipated. As the years roll by at Marcia Blaine, these young girls grow to have a profound impact on Miss Brodie, her life becoming a testament to their evolving perceptions and actions.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is a drama movie featuring Maggie Smith and directed by Ronald Neame.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is currently streaming on TCM.