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3.1.4.8 School characters
** What was the real Miss Stewart like?
Anne Perry confirmed Miss Stewart for me (see 7.10.2.1) but gave a very different
description of her than the way she was portrayed in "Heavenly Creatures." Ms
Perry did describe Miss Stewart as being feared and respected by the pupils, however. [ap]
Miss Stewart was an excellent French teacher who became headmistress in approximately
1948. She continued the discipline established at the school. During this period, NZ high
schools were run by the Head and one Secretary and it was a part of the job of the Head to
contact parents about academic and disciplinary matters. There were no guidance
counsellors. [mc]
** Who was the French teacher?
The French teacher in "Heavenly Creatures," Miss Waller, was my Latin
teacher (and good). The others you list in section 3.1.4 must have been after my time. [mc
(GHS 1946-1950, inclusive)] Pauline Parker was remembered as having done very well in
Latin tests, and she took Latin by correspondence during her incarceration in prison.
[G&L] Miss Waller was my French Mistress (teacher) in the early 60s and I sure
remember her. Her portrayal in the film was superb. I had Miss Renwick for Latin. The
Headmistress in my time was Miss Robinson. [maw]
** Can you believe the smock worn by the art
teacher?
Yes. I have a picture of my own mother, in the same occupation, at around the same
time, pregnant (with me), in an eerily similar white-with-bright-flowers smock and dark
red lipstick. Hey, it was the 50s. Oh, and wasn't the art teacher's accent great? Accents
are important in this film (see 3.1.5, 3.1.11.3).
** Ah, but who was the Art teacher, really?
The Art teacher was played by Liz Mullane, she of the wonderful Kiwi accent. Ms
Mullane has an ear for accents herself, because she was also the New Zealand casting
director for "Heavenly Creatures."
** Who was Joan?
Joan was complemented on her artwork by the Art teacher. Joan was the only other
CGHS schoolgirl to be identified by name in "Heavenly Creatures."
