It’s only been a week since the passing of Dame Maggie Smith last Friday, September 27th. A master at her craft, renowned for her subtlety as for her broad-stroke mannerisms, Dame Maggie Smith delighted several generations of theatergoers on both sides of the Atlantic. The winner of two Oscars, three Emmys, and countless stage awards, she will be missed dearly by our library staff and patrons.
The fact that her two most iconic roles came after the age of 65 (Professor Minerva McGonagall and the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley) speaks to her long legacy of scene stealing characters on both stage and screen.
Farewell Dame Maggie Smith (1934-2024)
Here’s a small selection of films at our library featuring the beloved actress.
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Charlotte Bartlett
A Room with a View follows the prim and disapproving Charlotte, who chaperones her cousin as they travel through Italy. Smith's depiction of Charlotte perfectly captures the character's inability to see the possibilities before her in Italy's live-and-let-live spirit. Smith plays the role with incredible authenticity, and it pairs perfectly with Helena Bonham Carter's performance of Lucy.
Smith's performance in this coming-of-age story received critical acclaim, winning her a second Golden Globe Award and a fifth Oscar nomination. A Room with a View authentically adapts E.M. Forster's book, with Smith's role as Charlotte adding depth to its exploration of burgeoning sexuality and high society.
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Countess Constance Trentham
Smith's portrayal in Gosford Park is a masterclass in delivering cutting put-downs and witty aristocratic remarks, earning her a sixth Oscar nomination and a seventh Golden Globe film nomination. This intelligent country house murder mystery, featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Alan Bates, Eileen Atkins, and Helen Mirren, allowed Smith to shine as the countess.
The film marked a turning point in her career, foreshadowing the iconic Dowager Countess she would later become in Downton Abbey.
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Miss Shepherd
The Lady in the Van is the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless woman who parks her van in playwright Alan Bennett's driveway for 15 years. Smith brilliantly captures Miss Shepherd's eccentricities, portraying her as guarded, enigmatic, and alluding to a hidden past. Her performance earned Smith her ninth Golden Globe nomination.
Despite Shepherd's challenging and demanding demeanor, Smith infuses the character with depth and likability.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Muriel Donnelly
Based in India, this film depicts a group of British retirees who journey to a recently opened hotel with expectations of luxury, only to uncover adventure and self-discovery. In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Dame Maggie Smith portrays Muriel Donnelly, a former housekeeper known for her sharp opinions and pessimistic view of life. Throughout the story, Muriel experiences significant changes that begin to soften her demeanor and help her find a new purpose in her environment.
Smith’s portrayal of Muriel is both amusing and profoundly moving. Initially showcasing her character’s sharpness and preconceptions, she gradually exposes Muriel’s vulnerability, making her one of the most captivating characters in the movie. Smith's talent at combining humor with emotional authenticity made The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel one of the best films in recent memory.
Dame Maggie Smith Plays Jean Horton
Set in a retirement home for former opera singers, Quartet is a heartwarming drama that follows the story of old friends preparing for an annual concert. Maggie Smith portrays Jean Horton, a celebrated diva whose arrival at the home stirs emotions, particularly with her ex-husband, played by Tom Courtenay. The film is filled with humor, tenderness, and reflections on aging, and it beautifully captures the trials and joys of life in the later years.
Smith's depiction of Jean is multifaceted. She shows vulnerability but also strength and delivers a performance that brings both heartache and humor to the forefront. Her ability to balance arrogance with moments of reflection makes her character so compelling. While Quartet offers a light and uplifting tone, Smith's performance adds an emotional element to the film, reaffirming her ability to elevate any role.