Madchen In Uniform (1958)

In 1910 Prussia, a young shy schoolgirl (Romy Schneider) whose parents have died is sent to a very strict all girls school. Once there, she falls in love with one of the teachers (Lilli Palmer, who wouldn't fall in love with her?) and her indiscretion will have ramifications for her, the teacher and the school. Based on a novel by Christa Winsloe and a remake of the famous 1931 German film of the same name, possibly the first openly lesbian film, the film pushes the envelope even further by making Schneider's character less naive and more sexual than the young innocent of the 1931 film. It's a poignant coming of age story with strong delineated characters that manages to be honest without being the least bit exploitative and being a European film, we don't have to put up with the coy spin an American film would have given it. There's no ambiguity about that kiss! Schneider coming off the success of her popular (and wholesome) SISSI films, takes her first steps into becoming one of the best European actresses of the 1960s. Directed by Geza Von Radvanyi. With Therese Giehse as the martinet headmistress, Paulette Dubost and Christine Kaufmann.