The Romantic Age

"The Romantic Age" (also known as "Naughty Arlette") is a British film set in a girls finishing school. A new teacher has arrived and it's a 'he'....not just another female instructor. Immediately, a French girl in the school, Arlette (Mai Zetterling) sees him as a contest....how long will it be until she makes him fall for her? At first, the teacher sees through her and realizes she's a bad influence. However, soon he proves that he's a total idiot and falls for her.

While this Lolita-like film is interesting, it suffers from one big problem....Arlette's actions are hardly subtle and this makes the entire thing seem more trivial and unbelievable. You cannot believe a sane man falling for her like this! I don't so much blame Zetterling...more the writing. It just goes too fast and it's hard to believe a man who is as strong and insightful as he is initially later becomes a pawn so quickly. Had it been more subtle and deliberate, it would have been a much better movie. As it is, it's worth seeing...but also easily skippable.

By the way, if you do watch it I'd love to know what you think of the final scene with the butler and the hairbrush!!