This is, by far, one of the most memorable shows I've ever seen on television. Maggie Smith was absolutely brilliant. In real life, she is very shy and doesn't like to do interviews or talk about herself. Actresses like that usually bring to every part they play a kind of energy that brings out the entire make up of that character which makes them believable. Dame Maggie seems to do that with every part she plays. She doesn't know how she does it, it is just something that happens. Amazing!
My mother used to watch these plays by Mr Bennett which I'd also see. This is the only one I clearly remember thanks to Dame Smith's performance. While this performance is very understated, it hits like a truck.
I am always dazzled by the gems hiding in the tubes of YouTube. Like some have noted above, I originally saw this as a PBS selection hosted by Alistair Cooke. He lamented that the other segments of "Talking Heads" from which this comes, did not lend themselves to the time slots--even of Public TV
Years later I saw "Talking Heads" in an off Broadway production starring Lynn Redgrave. This piece was certainly a favorite that night but I could still hear Dame Maggie's intonations in my ear "JEfree"
I watched this many times as an aspiring actress as a child - my parents had it on VHS and was lost years ago. I've searched for it FOREVER. Alan Bennett's beautiful script and Dame Maggie's brilliant tour de force performance is one of the great treasures of the television history. Thank you so much for posting this. Thank you, so much!
Thanks so much for this. I saw this many moons ago and love it as much today as I did then. I have never been able to find it again so we thrilled to find it posted on here. Once again many thanks.
This is, by far, one of the most memorable shows I've ever seen on television. Maggie Smith was absolutely brilliant. In real life, she is very shy and doesn't like to do interviews or talk about herself. Actresses like that usually bring to every part they play a kind of energy that brings out the entire make up of that character which makes them believable. Dame Maggie seems to do that with every part she plays. She doesn't know how she does it, it is just something that happens. Amazing!
2legit64 2 months ago
My mother used to watch these plays by Mr Bennett which I'd also see. This is the only one I clearly remember thanks to Dame Smith's performance. While this performance is very understated, it hits like a truck.
erinxyes 7 months ago
Well, now I know not to marry a vicar!
emma41093 8 months ago
My Lord, she is perfect in every way. Just the look on her face and the subtle, delicate dynamics of her voice are so powerful.
ClarinetMadeofSteele 10 months ago 3
thanks for uploading, do you have the Anna massey version too?
121Swaleskid 1 year ago
I am always dazzled by the gems hiding in the tubes of YouTube. Like some have noted above, I originally saw this as a PBS selection hosted by Alistair Cooke. He lamented that the other segments of "Talking Heads" from which this comes, did not lend themselves to the time slots--even of Public TV
Years later I saw "Talking Heads" in an off Broadway production starring Lynn Redgrave. This piece was certainly a favorite that night but I could still hear Dame Maggie's intonations in my ear "JEfree"
bottom2topjk 1 year ago 2
Wow. She is an absolute genius. I'm choosing one of these parts as a monologue for my acting class at school and each one is so amazing. Thank you!
wonderwoman1148 1 year ago
Awesome performance!
CowxRabbit 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Extraordinary, thank you so much for posting this
amariuss 1 year ago
Comment removed
amariuss 1 year ago
I watched this many times as an aspiring actress as a child - my parents had it on VHS and was lost years ago. I've searched for it FOREVER. Alan Bennett's beautiful script and Dame Maggie's brilliant tour de force performance is one of the great treasures of the television history. Thank you so much for posting this. Thank you, so much!
LiveAndLetLivia 1 year ago 13
@LiveAndLetLivia you are very welcome!
TheMarxist21 1 year ago 2
Thanks so much for this. I saw this many moons ago and love it as much today as I did then. I have never been able to find it again so we thrilled to find it posted on here. Once again many thanks.
MsCrispybacon 1 year ago
I had looked for this everywhere. Thank you so much for posting.
This is a beautiful performance.
polusdumsiderapascet 2 years ago
She's wonderful! How can anyone possibly remember such a huge speech and express it so naturally? Amazing. I adore her. Thanks for uploading.
MinMcGarmiwa 2 years ago 7
Extraordinary piece. Thanks for posting.
kohlravi 2 years ago
THANKYOU!!!!
BonnieMJx0 2 years ago