Madeline Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A small girl in Paris causes mayhem and accidentally prevents a real estate deal, proving that childhood innocence can thwart capitalism and that appendices are optional.

🍿 Madeline: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Madeline and Her School

The film introduces Madeline, a spirited and fearless young orphan living in a Parisian boarding school run by Miss Clavel. The school houses twelve young girls, all living under the watchful eye of Miss Clavel, a kind but firm caregiver. Madeline, being the smallest, is known for her adventurous spirit and penchant for getting into minor mischief.

Threat of School Closure

The school faces a crisis when Lord Covington, the owner, decides to sell the property following his wife’s death. The potential closure threatens the girls’ home and future, particularly for Madeline, who has no family to turn to. Miss Clavel is distraught at the prospect of losing her charges and their home.

Madeline’s Schemes and Friendship with Pepito

Madeline, determined to save her school, embarks on various schemes to deter potential buyers. During this time, she clashes with Pepito, the mischievous son of the Spanish Ambassador who lives next door. Despite their initial animosity, Madeline and Pepito eventually form an unlikely friendship, working together to protect their homes and loved ones.

Kidnapping and Rescue

The plot thickens when Pepito is targeted for kidnapping by a group of inept criminals. Madeline, showing her characteristic bravery, becomes involved in rescuing Pepito. Their adventure tests their courage and strengthens their bond, leading to a resolution that involves outsmarting the kidnappers.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Madeline (Hatty Jones): A fearless and mischievous young orphan who lives at a boarding school in Paris and works to save it from being sold.
• Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand): The kind and patient nun who cares for Madeline and the other girls at the boarding school.
• Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne): The initially stern and detached owner of the school who considers selling it after his wife’s death.
• Leopold the Tutor (Ben Daniels): The tutor to Pepito who is secretly involved in a scheme to kidnap him.
• Pepito (Kristian de la Osa): The mischievous son of the Spanish Ambassador who initially clashes with Madeline but eventually becomes her friend.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Aggie: “Boobies, boobies, boobies.” – After Aggie and the other girls sneak into the kitchen and find Helene’s bra.
• Madeline: “Good Morning Cucu face.” – Madeline is teasing Lord Covington.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $29,967,750
• Worldwide Gross: $29,967,750

💥 Madeline Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Madeline’ as a kid and just falling in love with the Parisian setting and the sense of adventure. The scene where Madeline bravely faces her appendectomy always stuck with me. It made me feel like even the smallest person can be courageous. The film definitely made me want to visit Paris someday!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the Madeline book series”
  • “Families looking for a charming, wholesome movie”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about friendship and bravery”
  • “Children aged 5-12”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril during the kidnapping scene”
  • “Brief moments of mischief and naughtiness”
  • “Some scenes of sadness related to the potential school closure”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Madeline captures the spirit of the books with a charming cast led by Hatty Jones. Frances McDormand adds depth to Miss Clavel. The film offers a sweet, funny children’s film that parents can trust, staying true to the lyrical style of Ludwig Bemelmans’ stories.
• Common Sense Media: “While the film lacks the edge of some modern kids’ movies, it offers a gentle story that families can enjoy together. Hatty Jones shines as Madeline, and the movie avoids the cynicism often found in children’s entertainment.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the story is a bit mild, Madeline charms with its faithful adaptation of the classic books. Hatty Jones captures Madeline’s spirit, and Frances McDormand is perfectly cast as Miss Clavel.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the movie’s faithfulness to the original ‘Madeline’ books.: The casting, especially Hatty Jones as Madeline, was widely praised for capturing the characters perfectly.

Many viewers appreciated the film’s nostalgic charm and lack of cynicism.: Fans thought the film provided a heartwarming and wholesome experience for families.

Overall Consensus: A charming adaptation of the classic children’s books, offering a wholesome and nostalgic viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Hatty Jones, who played Madeline, auditioned for the role of Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (2001). She was in the final two, but Emma Watson got the role because Jones was considered too old.”
• “The exteriors of the schoolhouse were filmed in Croissy-sur-Seine, Yvelines, France.”
• “The opening credits and the end of the movie use animation reminiscent of the original Madeline books, adding a charming touch.”

🖥️ How to Watch Madeline?

Currently, “Madeline” (1998) can be streamed through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, where it may be available for rent or purchase. It’s also often found on Apple TV or Vudu for digital rental or purchase. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Madeline, you might like these similar films:

• Matilda (1996): Both films feature a precocious, intelligent young girl who overcomes adversity with wit and determination.
• A Little Princess (1995): Both stories center around a young girl’s resilience and imagination while facing challenging circumstances in a boarding school setting.
• The Parent Trap (1998): Shares the theme of children scheming and employing tricks, but with a lighter tone focused on family reunion.
• Annie (1982): Similar storyline with a lovable orphan and a guardian.

🛒 Madeline Related Products

• Madeline (Blu-ray): Own the classic film on Blu-ray. Relive the magic of Madeline’s adventures in high definition, perfect for family movie nights. Includes behind-the-scenes content.
• Madeline Board Books: Introduce young children to the world of Madeline with a set of colorful board books. These books bring the beloved character to life with simple stories and vibrant illustrations, ideal for toddlers.
• Madeline Doll: A beautifully designed Madeline doll, inspired by the classic books. This doll is a charming addition to any collection, capturing Madeline’s spirit and style with her iconic blue coat and red hair.
• Madeline in London: A Madeline book set in the historic city of London is perfect for kids to read. With a beautifully designed story and bright pictures, it will inspire the creativity and dreams of young readers.

🎧 Soundtrack

Madeline features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In Two Straight Lines” – performed by Carly Simon
• “La Vie en Rose” – performed by Louis Armstrong

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Madeline falls into the river. HD

Ever wondered how they filmed that scene where Madeline falls into the river? Turns out, it wasn’t as cold and dangerous as it looks! Check out the clever tricks they used – the chocolate powder detail is wild!

madeline (1998)- opening! HD

Remember the charming opening of Madeline? Revisit the start of the story and get that nostalgic feeling all over again! It sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the movie. So good!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=SWJR5lvkA1U

Madeline (1998)- ENDING! HD 720p

Ready for a heartwarming ending? Check out the iconic final scene of Madeline, complete with that amazing Louis Armstrong song! It’s a perfect feel-good moment and rounds off the film beautifully.

✨ Rate