“What’s a weekend” was my first thought when I heard of her death. Anyone who hasn’t seen her portrayal of the imperious, entitled, and impecunious snob in Gosford Park must. It’s one of the few films that I watch repeatedly.
Thank you, Tom, for this. I note that Maggie tossed Eric Adams off the top spot in the NYT feed this morning as well she should. She was one of a whole bouquet of classically-trained actresses that grow like flowers in an English garden. All one has to do is look at are her contemporaries, too numerous to list here. "Tea with the Dames" tells us a lot about her.
Smith knew how to drop a line and fire off a look. She elevated every production she was in. I related to her complaint about arthritic ankles in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, " as she spoke for geriatric former runners everywhere.
The report of her death is one of those where you immediately exclaim to no one in particular, “Oh no!” It will take a generation to find a replacement.
There will never be a replacement for Dame Maggie Smith. She was truly one of a kind. She’s brilliant and unforgettable in every role. Every one is my favorite. For some reason the one I’m remembering right now is “A Private Function”, set in a small village in rural England. The comic plot revolves around villagers’ scheme to subvert rationing restrictions for a special occasion. I remember laughing until my sides hurt. Rest in Glory, Dame Maggie!
Two of my favorite films, "My House in Umbria" and "Ladies in Lavender" never get a mention. I doubt there was anything Dame Maggie Smith performed in that wasn't splendid. We lost an icon today.
Ah, the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith - the grand dame of grand theft scene-ery. When Richard Burton accused her of "grand larceny" in "The VIPs," he wasn't calling the cops; he was tipping his hat to a master criminal of craft. Smith didn't just steal scenes; she absconded with them, leaving her co-stars to wonder if they'd even been in the same film.
And darling, when Peter Hall noted her demanding nature, he wasn't complaining - he was giving us the secret recipe to her intoxicating theatrical cocktail. One part exacting standards, two parts suffer-no-fools attitude, shaken (not stirred) with a splash of impatience. The result? A performance so potent it could knock you off your feet faster than a double shot of Scotch.
Smith's own admission of occasional testiness wasn't a flaw; it was a feature. After all, perfection can be so terribly dull, can't it? Her impatience was merely the garlic in the recipe of greatness - a little bite that kept everyone on their toes and the audience on the edge of their seats. In the end, Smith proved that true legends aren't carved from marble - they're forged in the fires of high expectations and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. How utterly delicious.
She made “Downtown Abbey” her playground. Need I say more?
God - I dreamed of being a ‘Brodie Girl’ since I was 12 years old - I have an old copy of it I still watch religiously! I absolutely worshipped her in that.
Another favorite of mine is The V.I.P.S! She plays secretary to Rod Taylor … A one-of-a kind true beauty, and sharp as a tack.
Thank you, Tom, for this great review of a remarkable woman. I, too, was first introduced to Maggie in the Pride of Miss Jean Brodie. The fortunate thing about movies, we can still see her for as long as we want.
“What’s a weekend” was my first thought when I heard of her death. Anyone who hasn’t seen her portrayal of the imperious, entitled, and impecunious snob in Gosford Park must. It’s one of the few films that I watch repeatedly.
Thank you, Tom, for this. I note that Maggie tossed Eric Adams off the top spot in the NYT feed this morning as well she should. She was one of a whole bouquet of classically-trained actresses that grow like flowers in an English garden. All one has to do is look at are her contemporaries, too numerous to list here. "Tea with the Dames" tells us a lot about her.
Smith knew how to drop a line and fire off a look. She elevated every production she was in. I related to her complaint about arthritic ankles in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, " as she spoke for geriatric former runners everywhere.
I love that movie, and she chews up the screen every scene she is in.
Thank you for honoring Dame Maggie Smith. I’m checking the cupboard for marmalade❤️☺️.
The acting world and we have lost a true gem.
"What is a weekend?" is one of my favorite lines. Here are some more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTqrrXX2Tps
The report of her death is one of those where you immediately exclaim to no one in particular, “Oh no!” It will take a generation to find a replacement.
There will never be a replacement for Dame Maggie Smith. She was truly one of a kind. She’s brilliant and unforgettable in every role. Every one is my favorite. For some reason the one I’m remembering right now is “A Private Function”, set in a small village in rural England. The comic plot revolves around villagers’ scheme to subvert rationing restrictions for a special occasion. I remember laughing until my sides hurt. Rest in Glory, Dame Maggie!
Never !
A very special woman and talent. I love her amazing work and unforgettable personality.
I, too, first became aware of her through "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie". She was utterly brilliant and will be missed enormously.
Two of my favorite films, "My House in Umbria" and "Ladies in Lavender" never get a mention. I doubt there was anything Dame Maggie Smith performed in that wasn't splendid. We lost an icon today.
This is truly a heartbreaker. Intelligent and gutsy - great combination. I am now tasked with ferreting out where to stream Jean Brodie.
I feel a real sense of loss with her passing. Beautiful tribute, Tom. Grateful to be able to 'see' her forever! xx's
Ah, the incomparable Dame Maggie Smith - the grand dame of grand theft scene-ery. When Richard Burton accused her of "grand larceny" in "The VIPs," he wasn't calling the cops; he was tipping his hat to a master criminal of craft. Smith didn't just steal scenes; she absconded with them, leaving her co-stars to wonder if they'd even been in the same film.
And darling, when Peter Hall noted her demanding nature, he wasn't complaining - he was giving us the secret recipe to her intoxicating theatrical cocktail. One part exacting standards, two parts suffer-no-fools attitude, shaken (not stirred) with a splash of impatience. The result? A performance so potent it could knock you off your feet faster than a double shot of Scotch.
Smith's own admission of occasional testiness wasn't a flaw; it was a feature. After all, perfection can be so terribly dull, can't it? Her impatience was merely the garlic in the recipe of greatness - a little bite that kept everyone on their toes and the audience on the edge of their seats. In the end, Smith proved that true legends aren't carved from marble - they're forged in the fires of high expectations and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. How utterly delicious.
She made “Downtown Abbey” her playground. Need I say more?
Please do say more, Gloria! All of what you write is poetry!
We should compile 20 Questions for TC to answer about himself.
I thought she was eternal... Rest well, Maggie
Dame Maggie will always be my role model.
Yup...I'm hoping to be a spiky old lady in another 15 to 20 years, as much like Dame Maggie Smith as I can encompass!
My objective is to be a formidable old dame -- and she showed the way.
OMG! Maggie Smith died? 🥲
God - I dreamed of being a ‘Brodie Girl’ since I was 12 years old - I have an old copy of it I still watch religiously! I absolutely worshipped her in that.
Another favorite of mine is The V.I.P.S! She plays secretary to Rod Taylor … A one-of-a kind true beauty, and sharp as a tack.
You will be missed.
Thank you, Tom, for this great review of a remarkable woman. I, too, was first introduced to Maggie in the Pride of Miss Jean Brodie. The fortunate thing about movies, we can still see her for as long as we want.