Jean Brodie, a clucking, flirtatious, swan-like schoolteacher for girls in 1932 Edinburgh, initially mesmerizes her students with her unconventional methods--until she comes under fire by the proverbial narrow-minded grown-ups for what is seen as eccentric, dangerously free-spirited behavior. Critics were rapturous over Maggie Smith's Oscar-winning performance in this film-adaptation of the hit play based upon Muriel Spark's book; however, the material is rather musty and illogical. Jay Presson Allen's screenplay affords Smith a predictable tour-de-force (unsurprising, as the film is nearly a one-woman showcase). The details and supporting performances are fair, but the picture comes from a rote formula and lacks momentum. Smith is undoubtedly one of the finest actresses of the 20th century, but here she takes charge of a role which must have seemed hoary even in 1969. Jean Brodie indeed has wily, wonderful moments, but the script makes her into a whiner, which is incongruous to the central theme. Two Oscar nominations in all, including for Rod McKuen's song "Jean". Three BAFTA nominations with two wins: for Smith as Best Actress and Celia Johnson as Best Supporting Actress. Later a short-lived television series in 1978. **1/2 from ****