“Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris” has a delightful title for a delightful film paced by a delightful performance by Lesley Manville in the title role of Mrs. Ada Harris.

Paris is the backdrop for a Cinderella story about Mrs. Harris, a London cleaning woman who fancies herself in need of a high-fashion dress from the House of Christian Dior.

High-fashion could be the most frivolous pursuit in the world. And yet it often grabs the headlines, computer clicks and cell phone scrolls, whether the annual Met Gala, red carpet at the Oscars, or Dooney & Bourke handbag sale on QVC.

The film, “Mrs. Harris,” takes place in 1957 at the dawn of the mass-merchandising branding of designer labels. The world of fashion orbited around Paris. The House of Dior realized that its name could propel fabulous frocks off the racks and onto women stepping out at the country club, fancy restaurant or swanky soiree.

By definition, Haute Couture (Couture) is custom-fitted clothing. Prêt-à-Porter (Ready-to-Wear) are high-end luxury garments that can be purchased off the rack.

Prêt-à-Porter met Couture and retail was never the same. Just ask Max Hess and fashion models at the Patio restaurant and the French Room when Hess’s flagship store ruled at Ninth and Hamilton, Allentown, Pennsylvania; Emil E. Otto, owner of the former Emil Otto women’s clothing store, 627 Hamilton St., Allentown, or customers still choosing designer labels in the women’s and men’s clothing departments at Macy’s, Lehigh Valley Mall.

In “Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris,” Mrs. Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a widow, dutifully goes about her job cleaning houses in London, often surrounded by luxury furniture and clothing.

She returns to her drab London flat, dreaming of the luxury life. When she receives a World War II war-widow’s pension, she throws caution to the wind, flies to Paris and finagles her way into an exclusive showroom preview of the latest Dior line.

Mrs. Harris charms her way into the inner-circle of the House of Dior, despite rebuffs by a disapproving Dior director, Claudine (Isabelle Hubert in a steely turn). There’s a plot twist, which is hilarious and wins the day, bringing the film to an emotional and satisfying conclusion.

The world of mid-century modern is brought to life by director Anthony Fabian (director, “Louder Than Words,” 2013; “Skin,” 2008).

Fabian wrote the screenplay with Carroll Cartwright (screenwriter, “What Maisie Knew,” 2012; “Dungeons & Dragons,” 2000; “Where The Money Is,” 2000) and Keith Thompson (screenwriter, “The Sapphires,” 2012).

The film is based on the novel, “Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris” (1958; first of four books based on the title’s female character), written by Paul Gallico (1897 - 1976), author of “The Snow Goose” and “The Poseidon Adventure.”

Lesley Manville (“Ordinary Love,” 2019; “Phantom Thread,” 2017) is charming beyond belief as Mrs. Harris.

Manville has the winsome, placid yet expressive face of a silent movie star.

For those not be familiar with Manville, she has the guileless presence of Italian movie star Giulietta Masina (1921 - 1994), wife of director Federico Fellini (1920-1993).

Manville also has the direct sassiness of Bette White (1922 - 2021).

Look for an Oscar actress nomination for Manville.

Memorable in supporting roles: Alba Baptista (Natasha), Jason Isaacs (Archie), Rose Williams (Pamela), Lucas Bravo (Andre) and Ellen Thompson (Vi).

“Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris” should be chiefly enjoyed by fashionistas, mid-century modern style aficionados and fans of fashion-themed movies, such as “Prêt-à-Porter” (1994, Robert Altman, director); “Coco Before Chanel” (2009; starring Audrey Tautou) and “Phantom Threads” (2017, Paul Thomas Anderson, director; starring Daniel Day Lewis).

“Mrs. Harris” wore it better.

“Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris,”

MPAA rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.) for suggestive material, language and smoking; Genre: Drama, Comedy; Run time: 1 hour, 55 minutes. Distributed by Focus Features.

Credit Readers Anonymous:

“Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris” was produced in partnership with the House of Dior, according to the film’s closing credits. White line-drawing sketches on a black background of female fashions are depicted during the end credits. Filming locations included Paris, London and Budapest, Hungary. Angela Lansbury starred in a 1992 TV movie version. The film is remake of a 1958 Studio One one-hour episode.

Theatrical Domestic Movie Box Office,

July 22 - 25: “Nope” was a Yup for writer-director Jordan Peele (“Get Out,” “Us”), opening at No. 1 with $44 million, in 3,785 theaters, as “Thor: Love and Thunder” dropped from its two-week-straight No. 1 run to No. 2 with $22.1 million, in 4,370 theaters; $276.2 million, three weeks.

3. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” dropped one place, $17.7 million, in 3,816 theaters; $297.8 million, four weeks. 4. “Where the Crawdads Sing” dropped one place, $10.3 million, in 3,650 theaters; $38.3 million, two weeks. 5. “Top Gun: Maverick” dropped one place, $10 million, in 3,160 theaters, $635.5 million, nine weeks. 6. “Elvis” dropped one place, $6.2 million, in 3,105 theaters; $118.3 million, five weeks. 7. “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank” dropped one place, $3.8 million, in 3,481 theaters; $13.7 million, two weeks. 8. “The Black Phone” dropped one place, $3.4 million, in 2,055 theaters; $78.5 million, five weeks. 9. “Jurassic World Dominion” dropped one place, $2.9 million, in 2,167 theaters, $365.5 million, seven weeks. 10. ”Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” dropped one place, $1.3 million, in 1,001 theaters, $4.6 million, two weeks.

Box office information from Box Office Mojo as of July 24 is subject to change.

Unreel,

July 29:

“DC League of Super-Pets,”

PG: Jared Stern and Sam Levine direct the voice talents of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart and the animation in the Action Adventure movie. A Superman’s best friend is Krypto the Super-Dog.

“Thirteen Lives,”

PG-13: Ron Howard directs Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton and Viggo Mortensen in the Biography Drama Thriller. Soccer players and their coach are rescued from caves flooding in Thailand. The film is based on a true story.

“Resurrection,”

No MPAA rating: Andrew Semans directs Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth in the Horror film. A man from the past returns to haunt a woman’s future.

Three Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes