|
Dames of Classic Drama at the BBC (2015)
Character: Self (archive material)
From the BBC archives, before their talents were recognised by royal decree, the early work and career defining moments of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg and Helen Mirren. David Tennant narrates the story of our dames of classic drama, from a golden age of British television drama.
|
|
|
The Millionairess (1972)
Character: Epifania
One of Shaw's later plays, The Millionairess explores his fascination with the machinations of capitalism. Epifania is glamorous, clever... and also the richest woman in the world. Brought up by a money-mad father, she will only consider a man for marriage if he can convert £150 into £50,000 within six months. But when she meets an intriguing Egyptian doctor, he has his own money-making challenge for her...
|
|
|
Talking Heads (1988)
Character: N/A
Six monologues tell the stories of six different repressed souls: a man dominated by his mother, a vicar's wife, an inveterate letter writer, a hopeful actress, a recently widowed woman, and an elderly shut-in.
|
|
|
Child in the House (1956)
Character: Party Guest (uncredited)
A lonely child must stay with her uncaring aunt and uncle after her mother is hospitalized. Her estranged father is a fugitive. For love and companionship, the eleven-year old girl becomes friends with the housemaid. When at long last, she meets her dad, she must vow to never reveal his location to the police.
|
|
|
The Merchant of Venice (1972)
Character: Portia
Maggie Smith, Frank Finlay and Charles Gray star in the adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic play. The Venice Titian and the Belmont of Botticelli serve as the visual inspiration behind this lavish production.
|
|
|
A German Life (2022)
Character: Brunhilde Pomsel
Life about the infamous secretary of Nazi Joseph Goebbels.
|
|
|
Lily in Love (1984)
Character: Lily Wynn
Insulted when his screenwriter wife writes a leading role for a younger man, aging Broadway idol Fitz Wynn disguises himself as a handsome young Italian.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Best of The Tony Awards: The Plays (2006)
Character: Lettice Douffet (segment "Lettice and Lovage")
The Great White Way comes into your living room via this disc of rare performances from some of Broadway's brightest luminaries. Culled from clips from the Tony Awards shows, this unique collection features acting powerhouses James Earl Jones, Annette Bening, Joan Allen, Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise and Maggie Smith, among others, performing works by such playwrights as August Wilson, David Mamet, Wendy Wasserstein and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Making of 'Gosford Park' (2002)
Character: Self (uncredited)
A documentary giving film fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making this Robert Altman film about a murder at an English country estate. Includes interviews with the cast and crew, who relate some of their experiences with making the film, as well as giving their views on all the work that went into it.
|
|
|
The Marvellous Maggie Smith: A Celebration (2022)
Character: Self
A look at Dame Maggie Smith's life from a two-up two-down in Essex to Broadway and Hollywood. Starring in more than 60 films and 70 plays across her 70-year career, Maggie's incredible determination and talent landed her among the elite.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Romeo.Juliet (1990)
Character: Rosaline (voice)
The tale centers on an eccentric bag lady who rescues the stray cats of Venice and puts them on a boat to set sail for the new world. It has not been re-released for the home video market. This lack of availability, which has been described as making it "more rare than the dinosaur" has made it a sought-after item in some circles.
|
|
|
Mrs. Silly (1983)
Character: Mrs Silly
Mrs. Silly, a woman who has lost her husband to another, is now about to lose her son to an expensive boarding school, compliments of her ex's money. Confronted with these losses, Mrs. Silly realizes she must regain her identity. Desperately trying to keep up appearances, to be cheerful, busy, and dignified, she only succeeds in living up to the derisive nickname she invented for herself.
|
|
|
|
|
All the King's Men (1999)
Character: Queen Alexandra
Feature-length drama about the mystery of Sandringham Company, which disappeared in action at Gallipoli in 1915. Commanded by Captain Frank Beck, their estate manager, the men advanced into battle, were enveloped in a strange mist and never seen again.
|
|
|
Nowhere to Go (1958)
Character: Bridget Howard
A professional thief is sprung from prison with the assistance of a new partner who wants to know where he's hid his loot.
|
|
|
Ladies in Lavender (2004)
Character: Janet
Andrea, a gifted young Polish violinist from Krakow, is bound for America when he is swept overboard by a storm. When the Widdington sisters discover the handsome stranger on the beach below their house, they nurse him back to health. However, the presence of the musically talented young man disrupts the peaceful lives of Ursula and Janet and the community in which they live.
|
|
|
Hook (1991)
Character: Granny Wendy
The boy who wasn't supposed to grow up—Peter Pan—does just that, becoming a soulless corporate lawyer whose workaholism could cost him his wife and kids. During his trip to see Granny Wendy in London, the vengeful Capt. Hook kidnaps Peter's kids and forces Peter to return to Neverland.
|
|
|
National Theatre Live: 50 Years on Stage (2013)
Character: Mrs. Sullen
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the National Theatre of Great Britain presents National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage, bringing together the best British actors for a unique evening of unforgettable performances, broadcast live from London to cinemas around the world.
|
|
|
The Last September (2000)
Character: Lady Myra Naylor
In 1920s Ireland, an elderly couple reside over a tired country estate. Living with them are their high-spirited niece, their Oxford student nephew, and married house guests, who are trying to cover up that they are presently homeless. The niece enjoys romantic frolics with a soldier and a hidden guerrilla fighter. All of the principals are thrown into turmoil when one more guest arrives with considerable wit and unwanted advice.
|
|
|
Go to Blazes (1962)
Character: Chantal
A gang of aspiring bank robbers involve themselves with arsonists and purchase their very own fire truck in an attempt to create the ultimate diversion. But posing as firemen leads them to disaster.
|
|
|
Return to Downton Abbey: A Grand Event (2019)
Character: Self
An hour long special hosted by Derek Hough and filmed at the historic Highclere Castle in England. Hough talks to the cast about what made the series so unique and appealing to millions, as well as how the series easily segues into the feature film.
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
When Harry Potter's name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, he becomes a competitor in a grueling battle for glory among three wizarding schools—the Triwizard Tournament. But since Harry never submitted his name for the Tournament, who did? Now Harry must confront a deadly dragon, fierce water demons and an enchanted maze only to find himself in the cruel grasp of He Who Must Not Be Named.
|
|
|
Oh! What a Lovely War (1969)
Character: Music Hall Star
The working-class Smiths change their initially sunny views on World War I after the three boys of the family witness the harsh reality of trench warfare.
|
|
|
Memento Mori (1992)
Character: Mrs Mabel Pettigrew
Several elderly friends and acquaintances in 1950s London are disturbed to receive mysterious telephone calls predicting their impending deaths...
|
|
|
A Room with a View (1986)
Character: Charlotte Bartlett
When Lucy Honeychurch and chaperon Charlotte Bartlett find themselves in Florence with rooms without views, fellow guests Mr Emerson and son George step in to remedy the situation. Meeting the Emersons could change Lucy's life forever but, once back in England, how will her experiences in Tuscany affect her marriage plans?
|
|
|
Death on the Nile (1978)
Character: Miss Bowers
As Hercule Poirot enjoys a luxurious cruise down the Nile, a newlywed heiress is found murdered on board and every elegant passenger becomes a prime suspect.
|
|
|
The Pumpkin Eater (1964)
Character: Philpot
Jo, the mother of seven children, divorces her second husband in order to marry Jake, a successful but promiscuous screenwriter. Though they are physically and emotionally compatible, they are slowly torn apart.
|
|
|
Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010)
Character: Agatha Rose Doherty
Nanny McPhee appears at the door of a harried young mother who is trying to run the family farm while her husband is away at war. But once she’s arrived, Nanny discovers that the children are fighting a war of their own against two spoiled city cousins who have just moved in. Relying on everything from a flying motorcycle and a statue that comes to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant, Nanny uses her magic to teach her mischievous charges five new lessons.
|
|
|
Quartet (1981)
Character: Lois Heidler
When her husband's arrest leaves her penniless, a woman accepts an invitation to move in with a strange couple.
|
|
|
Sister Act (1992)
Character: Mother Superior
A Reno singer witnesses a mob murder and the cops stash her in a nunnery to protect her from the mob's hitmen. The mother superior does not trust her, and takes steps to limit her influence on the other nuns. Eventually the singer rescues the failing choir and begins helping with community projects, which gets her an interview on TV—and identification by the mob.
|
|
|
The Miracle Club (2023)
Character: Lily Fox
Three close friends who have never left the outskirts of Dublin (much less Ireland) get the journey of a lifetime — a visit to Lourdes, the picturesque French town and place of miracles.
|
|
|
Othello (1965)
Character: Desdemona
General Othello's marriage is destroyed when vengeful Ensign Iago convinces him that his new wife has been unfaithful.
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
Returning for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts, Harry is stunned to find that his warnings about the return of Lord Voldemort have been ignored. Left with no choice, Harry takes matters into his own hands, training a small group of students to defend themselves against the dark arts.
|
|
|
Young Cassidy (1965)
Character: Nora
In Dublin circa 1911, John Cassidy (Rod Taylor), an impoverished idealist, whose ambitions are restricted by the demands of looking after his family, journeys through the social injustices of Dublin life, involving himself with the rowdy tramway-men strike, dawdling with prostitute Daisy Battles (Julie Christie), and seeking a better life. He falls in love with bookshop assistant Nora (Dame Maggie Smith) who encourages him toward a life of writing. Finding success at the Abbey Theatre, his unorthodox views estrange him from family, friends, and his own past.
|
|
|
|
|
My Old Lady (2014)
Character: Mathilde Girard
Mathias Gold is a down-on-his-luck New Yorker who inherits a Parisian apartment from his estranged father. But when he arrives in France to sell the vast domicile, he's shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not prepared to budge. His apartment is a viager—an ancient French real estate system with complex rules pertaining to its resale—and the feisty Englishwoman Mathilde Girard, who has lived in the apartment with her daughter Chloé for many years, can by contract collect monthly payments from Mathias until her death.
|
|
|
The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1987)
Character: Judith Hearne
A penniless middle-aged spinster scrapes by giving piano lessons in the Dublin of the 1950s. She makes a sad last bid for love with a fellow resident of her rundown boarding house, who imagines she has the money to bankroll the business he hopes to open.
|
|
|
Murder by Death (1976)
Character: Dora Charleston
Lionel Twain invites the world's five greatest detectives to a 'dinner and murder'. Included are a blind butler, a deaf-mute maid, screams, spinning rooms, secret passages, false identities and more plot turns and twists than are decently allowed.
|
|
|
Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story (2023)
Character: Self (archive footage)
The extraordinary life of playwright, singer, actor, composer, and director Noël Coward, who rose from poverty to stardom while keeping his sexuality a secret. Featuring Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, Frank Sinatra, Michael Caine and Lucille Ball. Narrated by Alan Cumming. With Rupert Everett as the voice of Noël Coward. Directed by Academy Award Nominee Barnaby Thompson.
|
|
|
Capturing Mary (2007)
Character: Mary Gilbert
A young man ushers an older woman into a dark exploration of her past - back to the time when, as a young girl, she met a stranger who affected her life forever.
|
|
|
The First Wives Club (1996)
Character: Gunilla Garson Goldberg
After years of helping their hubbies climb the ladder of success, three mid-life Manhattanites have been dumped for a newer, curvier model. But the trio is determined to turn their pain into gain. They come up with a cleverly devious plan to hit their exes where it really hurts - in the wallet!
|
|
|
The Secret Garden (1993)
Character: Mrs. Medlock
A young British girl born and reared in India loses her neglectful parents in an earthquake. She is returned to England to live at her uncle's castle. Her uncle is very distant due to the loss of his wife ten years before. Neglected once again, she begins exploring the estate and discovers a garden that has been locked and forgotten. Aided by one of the servants' boys, she begins restoring the garden, and eventually discovers some other secrets of the manor.
|
|
|
Woolf Works (2017)
Character: Reading (voice)
The first revival of Wayne McGregor’s critically acclaimed ballet triptych to music by Max Richter, inspired by the works of Virginia Woolf.
|
|
|
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)
Character: Jean Brodie
A headstrong young teacher in a private school in 1930s Edinburgh ignores the curriculum and influences her impressionable 12-year-old charges with her over-romanticized worldview.
|
|
|
Washington Square (1997)
Character: Aunt Lavinia Penniman
Set in 1870's New York, a spinster heiress is courted by a much younger, penniless man, much to the chagrin of her over-protective father, and must decide whether to spend the rest of her life alone, or marry a man who is interested in her only because of her inheritence.
|
|
|
The Missionary (1982)
Character: Lady Isabel Ames
In 1905, after 10 years of missionary work in Africa, the Rev. Charles Fortesque is recalled to England, where his bishop gives him his new assignment - to minister to London's prostitutes.
|
|
|
Sherlock Gnomes (2018)
Character: Lady Bluebury (voice)
Garden gnomes Gnomeo & Juliet recruit renown detective Sherlock Gnomes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of other garden ornaments.
|
|
|
Curtain Call (1998)
Character: Lily Marlowe
A bachelor afraid of marriage angers his long-time girlfriend by buying a splendid townhouse just for himself, only to find it haunted by the ghosts of a famous theatrical couple, who teach him about love and commitment.
|
|
|
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Character: Thetis
To win the right to marry his love, the beautiful princess Andromeda, and fulfil his destiny, half-God-half-mortal Perseus must complete various tasks including taming Pegasus, capturing Medusa's head and battling the feared Kraken.
|
|
|
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Character: Daphne Castle
An opulent beach resort provides a scenic background to this amusing whodunit as Poirot attempts to uncover the nefarious evildoer behind the strangling of a notorious stage star.
|
|
|
Richard III (1995)
Character: Duchess of York
A murderous lust for the British throne sees Richard III descend into madness. Though the setting is transposed to the 1930s, England is torn by civil war, split between the rivaling houses of York and Lancaster. Richard aspires to a fascist dictatorship, but must first remove the obstacles to his ascension—among them his brother, his nephews and his brother's wife. When the Duke of Buckingham deserts him, Richard's plans are compromised.
|
|
|
Hot Millions (1968)
Character: Patty Terwilliger Smith
A con artist gains employment at an insurance company in order to embezzle money by re-programming their "new" wonder computer.
|
|
|
Keeping Mum (2005)
Character: Grace Hawkins
A pastor preoccupied with writing the perfect sermon fails to realize that his wife is having an affair and his children are up to no good.
|
|
|
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)
Character: Muriel Donnelly
As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel.
|
|
|
The Honey Pot (1967)
Character: Sarah Watkins
A millionaire fakes a terminal illness to fleece his former girlfriends.
|
|
|
From Time to Time (2009)
Character: Linnet
A haunting ghost story spanning two worlds, two centuries apart. When 13 year old Tolly finds he can mysteriously travel between the two, he begins an adventure that unlocks family secrets laid buried for generations.
|
|
|
Gosford Park (2001)
Character: Constance Trentham
In 1930s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
Harry, Ron and Hermione continue their quest to vanquish the evil Voldemort once and for all. Just as things begin to look hopeless for the young wizards, Harry discovers a trio of magical objects that endow him with powers to rival Voldemort's formidable skills.
|
|
|
Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
Character: Violet Crawley
The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa. Meanwhile, a Hollywood director seeks to film his latest production at Downton.
|
|
|
|
|
A Private Function (1984)
Character: Joyce Chilvers
In the summer of 1947, Britain prepares to commemorate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. To get around food-rationing laws, Dr. Charles Swaby, accountant Henry Allardyce and solicitor Frank Lockwood are fattening a black-market pig for the big day. Egged on by his wife, meek Gilbert Chilvers steals the swine, but the couple must conceal it from inspector Morris Wormold.
|
|
|
Travels with My Aunt (1972)
Character: Augusta Bertram
At his mother's funeral, stuffy bank clerk Henry Pulling meets his Aunt Augusta, an elderly eccentric with more-than-shady dealings who pulls him along on a whirlwind adventure as she attempts to rescue an old lover.
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
Year three at Hogwarts means new fun and challenges as Harry learns the delicate art of approaching a Hippogriff, transforming shape-shifting Boggarts into hilarity and even turning back time. But the term also brings danger: soul-sucking Dementors hover over the school, an ally of the accursed He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named lurks within the castle walls, and fearsome wizard Sirius Black escapes Azkaban. And Harry will confront them all.
|
|
|
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Character: Aunt Ruth
An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible…
|
|
|
Becoming Jane (2007)
Character: Lady Gresham
A biographical portrait of a pre-fame Jane Austen and her romance with a young Irishman.
|
|
|
Quartet (2012)
Character: Jean Horton
Cissy, Reggie, and Wilf are in a home for retired musicians. Every year, there is a concert to celebrate Composer Giuseppe Verdi's birthday and they take part. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva, but she refuses to sing. Still, the show must go on, and it does.
|
|
|
Suddenly, Last Summer (1993)
Character: Violet Venable
Catharine Holly, a poor relation of a prominent New Orleans family, seems to be insane after her cousin Sebastian dies under mysterious circumstances on a trip to Europe. Sebastian's mother, Violet Venable, trying to cloud the truth about her son's homosexuality and death, threatens to lobotomize Catharine for her incoherent utterances relating to Sebastian's demise. Under the influence of a truth serum, Catharine tells the gruesome story of Sebastian's death by cannibalism at the hands of locals whose sexual favors he sought, using Catharine as a device to attract the young men (as he had earlier used his mother).
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
Harry Potter has lived under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house his whole life. But on his 11th birthday, he learns he's a powerful wizard—with a place waiting for him at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he learns to harness his newfound powers with the help of the school's kindly headmaster, Harry uncovers the truth about his parents' deaths—and about the villain who's to blame.
|
|
|
Nothing Like a Dame (2018)
Character: Self
BBC Arena's documentary on the Dames of British Theatre and film featuring Maggie Smith, Elieen Atkins, Judi Dench and Joan Plowright on screen together for the first time as they reminisce over a long summer weekend in a house Joan once shared with Sir Laurence Olivier.
|
|
|
My House in Umbria (2003)
Character: Mrs. Emily Delahunty
Emily Delahunty is an eccentric British romance novelist who lives in Umbria in central Italy. One day while travelling, the train she is on is bombed by terrorists. After she wakes up in a hospital, she invites three of the other survivors of the disaster to stay at her Italian villa for recuperation. Of these are The General, a retired British Army veteran, Werner, a young German man, and Aimee, a young American girl who has now become mute after her parents were both killed in the explosion.
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
As Lord Voldemort tightens his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds, Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven. Harry suspects perils may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemorts defenses and to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Even as the decisive showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
|
|
|
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
Character: Mother Superior
Deloris Van Cartier is again asked to don the nun's habit to help a run-down Catholic school, presided over by Mother Superior. And if trying to reach out to a class full of uninterested students wasn't bad enough, the sisters discover that the school is due to be closed by the unscrupulous chief of a local authority.
|
|
|
Downton Abbey (2019)
Character: Violet Crawley
The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance.
|
|
|
Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)
Character: Lady Bluebury (voice)
A version of Shakespeare's play, set in the world of warring indoor and outdoor gnomes. Garden gnomes Gnomeo and Juliet have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. But with plastic pink flamingos and lawnmower races in the mix, can this young couple find lasting happiness?
|
|
|
Tea with Mussolini (1999)
Character: Lady Hester Random
In 1930s fascist Italy, adolescent Luca just lost his mother. His father, a callous businessman, sends him to be taken care of by British expatriate Mary Wallace. Mary and her cultured friends - including artist Arabella, young widow Elsa, and archaeologist Georgie - keep a watchful eye over the boy. But the women's cultivated lives take a dramatic turn when Allied forces declare war on Mussolini.
|
|
|
California Suite (1978)
Character: Diana Barrie
The misadventures of four groups of guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
|
|
|
The Lady in the Van (2015)
Character: Miss Shepherd
The true story of the relationship between Alan Bennett and the singular Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who ‘temporarily’ parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.
|
|
|
Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing (1973)
Character: Lila Fisher
While bicycling through the Spanish countryside, Walter, the aimless young son of a doctor, makes the acquaintance of proper, middle-aged, clumsy and secretive Lila. He falls in love with her, but she is resistant.
|
|
|
The V.I.P.s (1963)
Character: Miss Mead
Wealthy passengers fogged in at London's Heathrow Airport fight to survive a variety of personal trials.
|
|
|
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Character: Minerva McGonagall
Cars fly, trees fight back, and a mysterious house-elf comes to warn Harry Potter at the start of his second year at Hogwarts. Adventure and danger await when bloody writing on a wall announces: The Chamber Of Secrets Has Been Opened. To save Hogwarts will require all of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s magical abilities and courage.
|
|
|
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Character: Muriel Donnelly
British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways as the residents find new purpose in their old age.
|
|
