BBC Arena's documentary on the Dames of British Theatre and film featuring Maggie Smith, Eileen 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.
Acting
They perform friendship itself—witty, cutting, deeply tender.
Direction
Roger Michell knows when to shut up and let them cook.
Director
Roger Michell
Maggie Smith
Self
Judi Dench
Self
Eileen Atkins
Self
Joan Plowright
Self
Robert Altman
Self (archive footage)
Frank Finlay
Self (archive footage)
John Gielgud
Self (archive footage)
Julian Glover
Self (archive footage)
Laurence Olivier
Self (archive footage)
Kim Philby
Self (archive footage)
Vanessa Redgrave
Self (archive footage)
Robert Stephens
Self (archive footage)
Michael Aspel
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Alan Bates
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the only time all four Dames appeared on screen together—Plowright's failing eyesight made this gathering urgently necessary.
Released months before Plowright's death, the film accidentally became a farewell to an era of British theatrical aristocracy that won't be replicated.
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Reactions from the web
RIP Dame Joan Plowright (October 28, 1929 – January 16, 2025), aged 95 And RIP Dame Maggie Smith (December 28, 1934 – September 27, 2024), aged 89 You both will be remembered as legends
@LPJack02 36
0:27 - "God almighty, leave me alone." Just when I thought I couldn't love Maggie Smith more.
@SaoirseK 175
British cinema of the last 60 years is unthinkable without these ladies.
@Bruce-1956 194
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