Dear Brigitte

Dear Brigitte is a charming family comedy from the mid-1960s, reflecting the era's innocent and idealistic view of the world through the quirky story of a young boy's infatuation with the iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot. Released in 1965, this film stars James Stewart as Professor Robert Leaf, an English literature tutor with unorthodox teaching methods who, alongside his wife Vina played by Glynis Johns, and their son Erasmus, portrayed by Billy Mumy, lives a relatively normal life until they discover Erasmus's unusual talent.

Professor Leaf is a mild-mannered, somewhat scatterbrained poetry professor at a California college, who idolizes the literary geniuses of the past and is relatively indifferent to the advances and technologies of modern life. His wife, Vina Leaf, is a supportive and understanding partner who navigates the family's unique dynamics with a combination of love and practicality. The story takes off when the Lead family discovers their son, Erasmus, has a prodigious aptitude for mathematics, which is completely antithetical to his father's literary interests.

Erasmus, unlike typical child geniuses portrayed in media, isn't solely focused on intellectual pursuits. He is fascinated with Brigitte Bardot and spends much of his time daydreaming about and writing letters to the actress. This obsession with Bardot provides the central comedic premise of the movie, as it is at odds with the boy's otherwise mathematical and logical demeanor.

As the story unfolds, it's revealed that Erasmus Leaf is not only an admirer of the stunning Bardot but also possesses the remarkable ability to quickly and accurately calculate large numbers in his head. Erasmus's skill draws the attention of family friend and neighbor Captain Hackett, played by Ed Wynn, who humorously encourages the boy to use his gift in various ways, often leading to amusing situations.

There is a secondary plotline involving a charming young poet, played by teen idol Fabian, who becomes linked with the Leaf family due to his interest in Erasmus's older sister, Pandora. Fabian's presence in the film adds a layer of teenage romance and cultural relevance for the era's younger audience.

The film reaches its climax when Erasmus's talent catches the eye of government officials, who believe his extraordinary mathematical abilities could be of use on a national scale. This puts Professor Leaf in a delicate position, torn between encouraging his son's extraordinary abilities and questioning the ethics of exploiting a child's talent for governmental purposes.

The comedic elements of Dear Brigitte are rooted in the conflict between academia and everyday life, as well as the absurdities that arise when extraordinary talents are discovered in ordinary families. Stewart's portrayal of the bumbling but good-natured professor provides a relatable anchor to the story, balancing out the more far-fetched developments with his down-to-earth charm.

Director Henry Koster, known for his light, family-friendly comedies, handles the subject matter of Dear Brigitte with a gentle touch, never straying into overly sentimental or sappy territory. Instead, Koster maintains a warm and humorous tone throughout the film, presenting the improbable scenarios with a wink to the audience that acknowledges the fun being had.

The screenplay, based on the novel "Erasmus with Freckles" by John Haase, deftly combines elements of comedy, domestic life, slight romance, and even a touch of satire, revealing the sometimes absurd nature of fame and the contrast between intellectual and pop-culture fascination in the 1960s.

Visually, the film is very much a product of its time, employing the bright, colorful aesthetics typical of mid-60s cinema, which enhances the film's lighthearted atmosphere. It also features picturesque settings that mirror the sunny disposition of the movie's characters and humor.

In terms of performances, Stewart carries the film with his signature everyman affability, conveying Professor Leaf's bewilderment and fatherly concern with a natural ease that endeared him to audiences of the time and continues to delight viewers today. The supporting cast, including a spirited turn from Glynis Johns and the young Billy Mumy's precocious portrayal of Erasmus, complement Stewart's performance and contribute to the film's overall charm.

Dear Brigitte is an enjoyable trip down memory lane for those who appreciate the classic Hollywood cinema of the 1960s, offering a blend of humor, heart, and wholesome entertainment. It's a story of a family grappling with the discovery of an unexpected genius among them, and of the cultural fascination that can turn an everyday boy into an overnight sensation. In the end, the film leaves viewers with a light-hearted take on the nature of celebrity, academic snobbery, and the universal appeal of a simple, humorous narrative.