Description

“A lesbian classic.” — AfterEllen.com

“Exquisite.” — Advocate.com

German screen legend Romy Schneider stars as spirited teenage orphan, Manuela—who arrives at a strict all-girl boarding school where she falls in love with her teacher, Fraeulein von Bernburg (played by the beautiful young Lilli Palmer) much to the dismay of the school’s authoritarian headmistress.

This 1958 remake of the historic 1931 film improves upon the original considerably—offering up a wonderful, poignant and extremely rare 1950s portrayal of youthful lesbian longing and truly forbidden love (while Manuela is head over heels infatuated with her teacher, the teacher is affectionate but entirely restrained). This gorgeously shot production is based upon the original 1930 play by German lesbian writer Christa Winsloe.

Never before released on video! Includes special bonus featurette: From Manuela To Annabelle (in which director Katherine Brooks discusses how Madchen in Uniform inspired Loving Annabelle).

Awards & Quotes

“A must-see flick… one of the earliest films to deal with same-sex love.” —Seattle Gay News

“Fantastic display of blatant homoeroticism in an all-girls Catholic school.” — Bryce Renninger, indieWIRE.com

“This remake of the landmark lesbian love story is a standout film in its own right—Romy Schneider is luminous as the lovesick convent girl, with Lilli Palmer giving one of her warmest performances as the teacher with whom all the students are smitten.” —Alonso Duralde, Queersighted.com

“This is a lesbian classic that doesn’t need to rely on camp or nostalgia to be meaningful and powerful.” —Danielle Riendeau, AfterEllen.com

“The luminous presence of Lilli Palmer and Romy Schneider and the openness and emotion of their performances give this film great impact.” —PlanetOut.com

“An orphaned teenager (the legendary Romy Schneider) is sent to an oppressive boarding school and soon falls madly in love with her sympathetic teacher (Lilli Palmer), whose tender loving care is misunderstood with tragic results. The story of their passionate and scandalous love affair unfolds in artful, glorious color, and remains one of the most unusual and bold films to emerge from post-war Germany.” —Three Dollar Bill Cinema

DVD

• Bonus Featurette! “From Manuela to Annabelle” – Director Katherine Brooks discusses how Mädchen in Uniform inspired Loving Annabelle