Georgy Girl

For those who are only familiar with the catchy, chart-climbing title song by The Seekers, Georgy Girl may come as a pleasant surprise. One of the most acclaimed films of 1966, this offbeat British comedy (adapted by Margaret Forster and Peter Nichols from Forster's novel) remains strikingly relevant in its handling of an unconventional love triangle, with moral dilemmas that seem as meaningful today as they were 40 years ago. What first appears to be a Cinderella story morphs into something else altogether as the frumpy, perpetually lonely London girl Georgy (Lynn Redgrave, perfectly cast) suddenly finds herself in some unexpected situations--she's playing mother to the new and unwanted baby of her roommate (Charlotte Rampling in an early role); a wealthy widower (James Mason) wants to marry her; and her roommate's husband (Alan Bates) has fallen in love with her! These delicate circumstances are presented with timeless flair by Canadian-born director Silvio Narizzano and the delightful, first-rate cast, against a background of London locations captured in a cool semi-documentary style. Yes, the once-daring subject matter may seem a bit tame now, but the film itself remains dramatically engaging thanks to an emotionally complex and ethically compelling story. Recommended. (J. Shannon)