Dame Maggie Smith is so dry in her humour that she always makes me laugh. I suspect she is probably quite similar to her many characters, the most recent being Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey’. I know the programme has its critics but for me it was a highlight of television.
She often fights for films to be made ‘for grown-ups’ instead of the constant pandering to the young. There have been rather fewer of these but many of them have been highly successful.
Her critically acclaimed films include Othello (1965), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969), Travels with My Aunt (1972), California Suite (1978), Clash of the Titans (1981), A Room with a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001). She has also appeared in a number of widely popular films, including Hook (1991), Sister Act (1992) and as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series
I loved seeing her in ‘Ladies in Lavender’ too, along with my other heroine for today.
Dame Judy Dench another Dame from the world of acting. Her list of highlights is endless, including "M" for recent James Bond movies, lots of roles on television from high drama to comedy. I loved the "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (with Maggie Smith again). It was great fun and most entertaining. Judi Dench has received many award nominations for her acting in theatre, film and television; her awards include eleven BAFTAs, (including the Bafta Fellowship in 2001) seven Laurence Olivier Awards, (including the Society's Special Award) two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award. In June 2011, she received a fellowship from the British Film Institute (BFI).[3] She was married to actor Michael Williams from 1971 until his death in 2001.
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Two very favourite ladies, Chrissie. Glad you decided to choose them both!
ReplyDeleteWe loved Exotic Marigold Hotel and are looking forward to Quartet which will be released in the UK in January.
They have both given so many hours of entertainment and happiness through their work, so yes, heroines definitely. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, in particular stays with me though I saw it decades ago. And I'm a big Bond fan so love Judy Dench's portrayal of M.
ReplyDeleteThey are both wonderful so I can understand why you found it hard to pick between them, Chrissie. They're national treasures!
ReplyDeleteGlad you approve!
ReplyDeleteGreat choices Chrissie! I love them both and hope they have many great performances left in them. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was my favourite film this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, Chrissie, both wonderful and popular actress-heroines. :) Another movie of Maggie's that I also enjoyed and instantly came to mind was "My House In Umbria" where she played a recluse author who billets out train crash victims and becomes devoted to a child who gives her added purpose in life. And, of course, her current marvellous role in "Downton Abbey" which I absolutely love for its setting, history and sense of family saga.
ReplyDeleteAlso loved all the other movies others have mentioned in which both women have starred. Judi Dench's "As Time Goes By" TV series was quietly wonderful but a pity her run in the Bond movies is ended with "Skyfall". Sad. But life and movies move on. The most memorable line of Judi's as "M" that I always remember is when she calls 007 "...a sexist misogynist dinosaur..." Well said. :)
I love both these ladies too. Everything they do is wonderful.
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