Madeline and The New House [VHS]
Madeline's boarding school, the "old house in Paris that was covered  with vines," is falling apart in this lively installment of the video series  based on the characters of the beloved Ludwig Bemelmans books. When falling plaster nearly hits some dignitaries touring the antiquated building, it's  the last straw for the owner, who puts up a condemnation sign and sends the  dozen schoolgirls, their teacher, and their cook to live in a cramped  apartment across town. Disaster ensues when the neighbors take an instant  dislike to the rowdy girls, not to mention their dog, Genevieve. But never  fear, Miss Clavel gets to sing, Madeline involves the historical society, and--with the help of some handymen--the old house becomes the refurbished  "new" house of the title.--Kimberly Heinrichs