Films: Mädchen in Uniform
Mädchen in Uniform
Germany, 1958, 95 Minute Running Time
Genre/Subjects: Biography / History, Lesbian, Youth
Program: World Cinema
Language: German English subtitles
DIRECTOR: Géza von Radványi
A rare gem pulled from the archives! German screen legend Romy Schneider stars as Manuela, the spirited teenage orphan who arrives at a strict all-girls boarding school. Full of sugar, spice and a nice bunch of hormones, she falls in love with her teacher, Fräulein von Bernburg (the beautiful Lilli Palmer) — much to the dismay of the school’s authoritarian headmistress.
Fans of Katerine Brooks’ popular drama Loving Annabelle will recognize the youthful lesbian longing of Mädchen (Brooks has described Annabelle as a modern update of Mädchen — in which the teacher succumbs to the charms of her student). But the love in Mädchen is truly forbidden — despite Manuela’s best efforts, her teacher is affectionate but entirely restrained. This 1958 remake of the historic 1931 film is gorgeously shot. A late-’50s palette of blues and grays provides an atmospheric backdrop for a tale of suppressed passion.
Rarely seen since its initial delayed 1965 US theatrical release, Mädchen displays an amazingly progressive message of tolerance for its lesbian character. It’s a truly remarkable feat for one of only two lesbian-themed films of the decade (the other being the 1951 French girls’ school drama, Olivia — shown at Frameline16). Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this landmark film on the big screen. — JENNI OLSON
Thanks to Peter Lowy (New York Gay Film Festival founder) and the Outfest Legacy Project for this rare 35mm print.
Copresented by
Goethe Institut of San Francisco
Sponsor:
Santa Barbara Wine Company
Official Film Website
Print Source PDF
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