I read the Paul Gallico book upon which it is based about 45 years ago. I thought the book was somewhat meh (but maybe I was too young for it). I think this film is an improvement. It's part heartwarming comedy/drama, part biting social satire.
The title character is a cleaning lady in 1950s London. Her husband disappeared in WWII. She cleans the homes of the bourgeoisie, and one day sees a Dior dress in the closet of one of her clients. She is seized with a desire to have a little bit of luxury in her drab life, and plots to go to Paris to get a Dior dress of her own. What happens along the way illuminates facets of French and British society. It's all portrayed for entertaining effect, though. The performances are spot on. Highly recommended.
The title character is a cleaning lady in 1950s London. Her husband disappeared in WWII. She cleans the homes of the bourgeoisie, and one day sees a Dior dress in the closet of one of her clients. She is seized with a desire to have a little bit of luxury in her drab life, and plots to go to Paris to get a Dior dress of her own. What happens along the way illuminates facets of French and British society. It's all portrayed for entertaining effect, though. The performances are spot on. Highly recommended.