Madchen in Uniform (1958)

Directed by: Géza von Radvanyi | 95 minutes | drama | Actors: Romy Schneider, Lilli Palmer, Therese Giehse, Margaret Jahnen, Blandine Ebinger, Adelheid Seeck, Gina Albert, Sabine Sinjen, Christine Kaufmann, Danik Patisson, Ginette Pigeon, Marthe Mercadier, Regine Burghardt, Ulla Moritz, Lou Seitz, Edith Helou, Tessy Aselmeier, Edith Adana, Käthe Kamossa, Paulette Dubost, Roma Bahn, Michèle Clément

The German-French co-production ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ (1958) is a remake of the 1931 feature film of the same name. Its predecessor was based on a play that in turn evolved from a novel. The 1931 version seems to be quite a masterpiece, because the negative criticism of the remake at the time was mainly based on a comparison of the two. So many years later it becomes clear that the later version has been wronged by this. Anyone who judges this ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ on its own merits will probably not see it as a masterpiece, but there is still plenty to praise. While the original version dealt specifically with the strict Prussian culture, the second one deals with more universal subjects: an empathetic teacher, rebellion against an oppressive system, a deviant sexual development within a closed female community. As a result, this ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ is directly related to later films such as ‘Mona Lisa Smile’, ‘The Magdalene Sisters’ and ‘Lost and Delirious’. Of course within the framework of the then moral restrictions and topped with a considerable melodramatic sauce, but still topical in its theme.

Unfortunately, the story is quite predictable and the characters are never fully developed. Frau Oberin, the head of the boarding school, is even a caricature with her tile sayings and militaristic roar, her adjutant hangs close to it. Nevertheless, ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ regularly moves us, especially because of the mutual solidarity of the girls and the innocent fun they have with each other. What also helps are the strong interpretations, in which especially Lilli Palmer and Romy Schneider excel.

Added to some humour, a pleasantly fast pace and a well-dosed alternation of light-hearted and dramatic scenes, this makes ‘Mädchen in Uniform’ a film that is still worthwhile for a contemporary audience. Old-fashioned in form and style but with an all-time story, only viewers who still swear by that legendary predecessor will struggle with this.