This 1958 adaptation of a play is also a film remake, with the original filmed adaptation released in 1931. The story follows a recently orphaned high school girl named Manuela (Romy Schneider) as she’s shipped off to an incredibly strict boarding school. Longing for any human attention, she soon becomes enamored with a compassionate instructor, Miss von Bernberg (Lilli Palmer). Less a queer awakening than a desperate search for replacement parental affection, Manuela’s unusual obsession with her teacher nonetheless threatens the very foundations of the ultra-conservative school.
Buy Maedchen in Uniform Blu-rayDirector Geza von Radvanyi expertly conveys the strict, cloistered nature of the boarding school, shadowing the students’ dreary daily routine with militaristic precision. This laser focus on the mundane significantly heightens the impact of Manuela’s deviations from the norm, with each of her questionable choices shining as beacons of hope and joy amidst the drudgery of the school. He’s greatly assisted by powerhouse performances from both Schneider and Palmer, with the palpable chemistry between them threatening to ignite the screen. In von Radvanyi’s capable hands, when the leads finally share a chaste kiss as the pinnacle of their forbidden relationship, it’s both more shocking and rewarding than unfettered debauchery in lesser films.
Schneider is a revelation, so impossibly gorgeous at her actual age of 20 that it’s a wonder anyone could resist her, like an idealized statue brought to life. Her Manuela doesn’t coast on her looks though, instead experiencing all of the insecurities of any average high schooler, with Schneider expressing her character’s deep pain while simultaneously chafing at the absolute conformism of the school. She’s evenly matched by Palmer’s pretty, understanding teacher, with Palmer getting more mileage out of her wise, caring glances than any lines could improve. It’s a tricky balance, attempting to keep the teacher blameless while also allowing Manuela to explore her feelings, making for a spellbinding viewing experience.
The film is presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio and mono sound. The transfer has clean image and sound quality, although with muted colors further de-emphasized by the drab institutional nature of the sets and costumes. While there are no bonus featurettes, the disc includes an audio commentary track by writer and filmmaker Drew Burnett Gregory, as well as German and French soundtracks.
