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Drama

The Chaperone (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

The Chaperone (2019) movie poster

The Chaperone is a 2019 drama directed by Michael Engler, starring Haley Lu Richardson as Louise, Victoria Hill and Elizabeth McGovern. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and earned $1.5 million worldwide. Critics gave it 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
48%
worldwide gross
$1.5M
Echo Score
66
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The Chaperone (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Director
Michael Engler
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Chaperone About?

The premise of The Chaperone without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1920s New York, a young, ambitious 15-year-old named Louise Brooks leaves her small town to pursue a career in dance. As she navigates the vibrant and challenging world of performance, a more reserved chaperone is assigned to watch over her. The chaperone’s presence creates a tension between Louise’s desire for independence and the societal constraints of the era, leading to a complex relationship and a test of both their principles.

The Chaperone Themes & Keywords

· 15 tags
  • hidden homosexuality
  • based on novel
  • dancing in classroom
  • screen legend
  • new york
  • kansas
  • year 1922
  • louise brooks character
  • 1920s
  • women's club
  • central park manhattan new york city
  • flapper
+3 more
  • new york city
  • journey
  • dancer
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Cast & crew

The Chaperone Cast & Characters

Haley Lu Richardson leads the cast as Louise, with Victoria Hill as Myra Brooks and Elizabeth McGovern as Norma. Directed by Michael Engler; 16 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Michael Engler

More films directed by Michael Engler, best-rated first: Downton Abbey, Return to Downton Abbey: A Grand Event, Downton Abbey: The Finale and Contemporary Photography in America.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Chaperone Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Chaperone 48% on Rotten Tomatoes and 49 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

66 /100

The Chaperone Echo Score Breakdown

The Chaperone offers distinguished craft and committed performances, but its gentle narrative restricts its overall impact. The production design consistently evokes the 1920s with detailed costumes and polished visual touches, while the lead performances bring depth to their characters. However, the pacing and conventional structure often limit engagement, and the film’s modest scale curtails longer-term appeal. Ultimately, the balance of strong craft and subdued narrative yields a pleasant yet muted viewing experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its meticulous period design and costuming. Reviews highlight the authentic late Edwardian lace, flapper silhouettes, and coherent visual styling throughout. While some note a measured restraint in its direction, the attention to production detail consistently anchors the film’s aesthetic in its historical setting.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film is anchored by committed lead performances that resonate with subtlety and depth. Observers praise the nuanced portrayals by the chaperone and her charge, citing strong chemistry and emotional sincerity. Although some find moments restrained by convention, the central performances lend genuine emotional engagement throughout.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding story and flow, the narrative is polite and conventionally structured, offering a straightforward account of its protagonists’ journeys. Critics note measured pacing that occasionally undercuts dramatic momentum, while others find the romantic thread familiar and lightly developed. Despite clear narrative coherence, the restrained storytelling limits moments of genuine surprise or deeper thematic exploration.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In terms of sensory experience, the period soundtrack and visual composition receive consistent praise for reinforcing the film’s atmosphere. Observers note a pleasant musical score that complements the 1920s setting, alongside polished sound design and cohesive color palettes. Nevertheless, the sensory elements primarily enhance authenticity rather than creating distinctly immersive or innovative effects.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    When it comes to rewatch factor, the film’s gentle pace and familiar structure may limit long-term replay value. While dedicated viewers might revisit for its careful craft or performances, the absence of narrative surprises and the restrained emotional arc reduce incentives for repeated viewings. Consequently, the film’s lasting appeal is modest and best appreciated in a single experience.

Plot

The Chaperone Plot Summary

What happens in The Chaperone from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Louise Brooks, Haley Lu Richardson is a teenager invited to study dance at Denishawn in New York City, but she needs a chaperone to accompany her on the journey. Norma Carlisle, Elizabeth McGovern—a Wichita, Kansas local and mother of two—volunteers after watching Louise’s recital, hoping to shield her while she pursues a dream that could define both their lives. Norma’s husband is wary, and their sons support her decision, yet the parting at the rail station is tense and laden with unspoken worry. Louise’s future seems tethered to Norma’s care, and the promise is clear: Louise’s education in NYC comes with a necessary guard in Norma, while Norma’s own past and longing for something she lost pull at her, too.

Full summary

The whole story of The Chaperone, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Chaperone Box Office

The Chaperone grossed $1.5 million worldwide. $600,654 came from the US and Canada and $940,569 (61%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.5M

US & Canada
$600.7K
International
$940.6K
US & Canada 39% Rest of the world 61%
Videos

The Chaperone Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Chaperone.

THE CHAPERONE (2019) | Official Trailer HD | PBS Distribution
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Chaperone?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who portrays Louise Brooks in the film?

Seen The Chaperone?

FAQ

The Chaperone FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Chaperone, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Chaperone?

The Chaperone runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was The Chaperone released?

The Chaperone was released on March 29, 2019.

Who directed The Chaperone?

The Chaperone was directed by Michael Engler.

More films by Michael Engler

Who is in the cast of The Chaperone?

The Chaperone stars Haley Lu Richardson as Louise, Victoria Hill as Myra Brooks and Elizabeth McGovern as Norma, among 16 credited actors.

How much did The Chaperone make at the box office?

The Chaperone grossed $1.5 million worldwide ($600,654 domestic, $940,569 international).

How is The Chaperone rated?

The Chaperone has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, 49 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.

Does The Chaperone have a post-credit scene?

No. The Chaperone has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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