The Chaperone
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) | Release Date: March 29, 2019 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
49
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
3
Mixed:
11
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
ObserverRex ReedMar 29, 2019
Reviews might be “mixed,” but don’t let that deter you. The Chaperone is a fascinating, exquisitely made film about the early life of sultry silent-screen star Louise Brooks, who traveled from Wichita, Kan., in 1922 to New York City with a proper chaperone named Norma Carlisle. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleApr 9, 2019
In The Chaperone, Brooks is something of a fixed entity, a fully-formed force of nature already heading toward her peculiar form of glory. She has stuff to do all day — studying by day and partying by night, while Elizabeth McGovern as Norma has time to look inside. Read full review
63
RogerEbert.comMatt FagerholmMar 29, 2019
With these two top-drawer talents anchoring Michael Engler’s The Chaperone, one expects the picture to be terrific, and for the majority of its running time, it does not disappoint. Read full review
60
The GuardianLeslie FelperinFeb 15, 2022
All the corny romance stuff is about as intrinsic to the film’s soft appeal as the scrupulously well-made frocks, encompassing late Edwardian lace and flapper-style dropwaist numbers, and dozens of well-turned cloche hats. Read full review
60
Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranApr 4, 2019
Well-behaved and genteel from the get-go, it has its pleasures, but being wild and crazy is not one of them. Read full review
58
TheWrapSam FragosoSep 24, 2018
The Chaperone is case of a not-so-good movie made by people who are unquestionably talented. Read full review
50
Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenApr 10, 2019
No chaperones are necessary to watch this genteel movie. Although the terrific cast manages to deliver some small, lovely moments, The Chaperone keeps its corset fully laced and its narrative intentions in check. Read full review
50
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperApr 10, 2019
Despite the best efforts of McGovern et al., The Chaperone is lightweight trifle. Read full review
50
Washington PostPat PaduaApr 9, 2019
Yet despite the stirring performance at its heart, the movie is ultimately too restricted by its own dramatic conventions, and it only seldom comes to life. Read full review
50
ReelViewsJames BerardinelliApr 2, 2019
If ever there was a production that embodies all the negative Masterpiece Theater qualities, this is it. Read full review
50
VarietyOwen GleibermanApr 2, 2019
The Chaperone leaves you wanting to see a movie about the star Louise Brooks became, on camera and off. It could be the great movie that has yet to be made about the silent era, and about the things that women in Hollywood have always faced. Especially one who was unlike any woman the world had seen. Read full review
50
Entertainment WeeklyChris NashawatyMar 28, 2019
It’s little more than a handsome snooze that even the Masterpiece Theatre crowd may find a bit too snoozy. Read full review
50
Movie NationRoger MooreMar 24, 2019
It’s a handsomely-mounted, pleasant but dry and almost dull trip back to the Roaring 20s, “Masterpiece” style. Which is it say “Roaring” isn’t really allowed. Read full review
42
IndieWireKate ErblandMar 27, 2019
While Moriarty’s novel functioned as a compelling story about two women from different backgrounds converging during a pivotal time in American history, Engler’s film turns much of its attention to Norma’s story, jettisoning the very best part of the film along the way. Read full review
30
The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisMar 28, 2019
Despite a thoroughly modern central character, this impeccably costumed, wishy-washy period piece feels like it emerged from a PBS storage trunk, wrapped in tissue paper and reeking of mothballs. Read full review
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