![]() Brooks would later become the famous silent film star who caused a sensation with her bob hairdo and flapper lifestyle, epitomizing a new understanding of womanhood. Denis (Miranda Otto, funny as a pretentious artist) and her gay husband Ted Shawn (NYC Ballet principal dancer Robert Fairchild). Attending a recital given by 15-year old modern dancer Louise Brooks (Richardson), mesmerized by her performance, and seeking refuge from her domestic prison, she seizes Louise's socialite mother's offer to act as chaperone traveling with Louise to New York City to audition for a position at the innovative Denishawn school/dance company run by Ruth St. ![]() Norma Carlisle is an unhappy society matron and patron of the arts in 1922 Wichita, Kansas, married to a lawyer (Campbell Scott) whom she discovers is having an affair with another man. The acting redeems a hokey but intelligent script to deliver an adroit movie about the 1920s that will resonate with today's #MeToo milieu. McGovern recorded the audiobook, loved the story, and, seeing a rare plum role for a middle-aged woman "learning how to own her own sexual life," optioned the book, asking Fellowes to pen the screenplay, and convincing rising star Haley Lu Richardson ("Edge of 17") to play the other lead role. While reviews were mixed, the picture seems more suited for television and should experience a welcome reception by fans of "Downton Abbey," as it stars Lady Grantham herself, Elizabeth McGovern, with a script by "Downton" creator Julian Fellowes based on a best-selling novel by Laura Moriarty. How does one lead an authentic life in light of oppressive attitudes that thwart one's attempt to find happiness? This is the question posed by "The Chaperone," a PBS Masterpiece movie that had a limited run in theaters, but is broadcast this month on KQED and available for streaming until the end of December.
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