Girl on Approval

Girl on Approval is a thought-provoking British drama film that was initially released in 1962. Directed by Charles Frend, the movie stars Rachel Roberts, James Maxwell, and Annette Whiteley in key roles. The narrative explores the sensitive themes of foster care, personal growth, and the ups and downs of human relationships, while attempting to delve into the reality of social work with unparalleled honesty.

The plot revolves around a 14-year-old girl named Helen (Annette Whiteley), who is facing the challenges and stigma of growing up in a children's home. She is neither an orphan nor abandoned but due to her mother's inability to provide enough care and support, Helen is compelled to live at the Home. The teenage girl's life takes another turn when two relatively unprepared but well-meaning volunteers, Amy (Rachel Roberts) and Jim (James Maxwell), decide to foster her. Rather than a straightforward narrative, Girl on Approval unfolds as an honest account of this unlikely trio's journey together.

Amy, a school teacher, and Jim, a civil servant, are a young couple with good intentions but little practical preparation for parenting. At first, they struggle under the weight of their overwhelming responsibility, grappling with their lack of experience, and trying to navigate Helen's problems and difficult behavior. The audience bears witness to their desperate attempts to understand Helen, as they tiptoe around her truculent and distant behavior while managing their own personal lives.

Annette Whiteley's portrayal of the troubled and sensitive Helen is heart-wrenching. On the other hand, Rachel Roberts' Amy depicts the struggle of a woman committed to the care of a troubled child but constantly battling her own demons. She perfectly showcases how Amy walks the tightrope between being too soft or too stern on Helen. Furthermore, Roberts and Maxwell accurately portray the emotional turmoil that couples can experience when trying to strike a balance between their routine life and the added responsibility of parenting.

James Maxwell as Jim delivers a compelling performance, playing the role of an everyday man who comes to love and understand Helen with time. While struggling to become the father figure that Helen needs, Jim also has his own personal life to maintain. The film shows Jim's trials and tribulations as he tries to mediate between his work, his relationship with Amy, and his newfound responsibility for Helen.

Director Charles Frend displays an acute understanding of the human condition, particularly the struggles revolving around foster care. Girl on Approval is not just a film about foster care, but it has this tremendous undercurrent of commitment, responsibility, personal growth, patience, and love. The narrative touches upon societal viewpoints about foster care, addressing the stigma and resistance this noble act often encounters.

The film’s cinematography provides an aesthetically pleasing portrait of early sixties Britain, adding depth to the movie's emotional landscape. The gray, skylit urban scenes juxtaposed with the warm and colorful interiors of Amy and Jim's home depicts the hope and warmth the couple tries to provide amid Helen's gloomy existence.

Girl on Approval serves as a mirror to society's perceptions of foster care in the 1960s. However, its central themes remain relevant to this day, and rewatching this classic will undoubtedly lead viewers to have several reflective moments. The film doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of foster care yet encapsulates the essence of human resilience, making it an impactful watch.

In conclusion, Girl on Approval is a powerful narrative that unfolds layers of human emotions and poses important questions about the meaning of family and acceptance. This film gives an emotional and first-hand insight into the life of a fostered child and the foster parents, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate poignant and thought-invoking cinema.