The Transformation of Women's roles in families from 19th Century to Now

INTRODUCTION

Set in 1953, Mona Lisa Smile tells the story of Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), a new young art history professor at Wellesley College, an all-female campus with a prestigious reputation for academic excellence. Unfortunately for free-minded Berkeley grad Watson, her East Coast teaching stint comes during a less-progressive time that finds most of her students -- among them Betty Warren (Kirsten Dunst), Joan Brandwyn (Julia Stiles), and Giselle Levy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) -- more interested in nabbing a good husband than achieving scholastic and intellectual growth. Watson challenges her students and the Wellesley faculty to think outside of the current mores of the community and redefine what it means to be a success; meanwhile, she tries to come to terms with her own heart's desires.

CHARACTERS

Katherine Watson--Julia Roberts

Betty Warren--Kirsten Dunst

Joan Brandwyn--Julia Stiles

Giselle Levy--Maggie Gyllenhaal 

Connie Baker--Ginnifer Goodwin

Bill Dunbar--Dominic West

Nancy Abbey--Marcia Gay Harden

Amanda Armstrong--Juliet Stevenson

Principal of College Wellesley--Marian Seldes

References: http://www.allmovie.com/movie/mona-lisa-smile-v283264/