Downton Abbey, Jane Austen, Death on the Nile... A look back at seven of Maggie Smith’s most memorable period films.
Two years ago, the United Kingdom lost one of its greatest actresses: the dearly missed Maggie Smith. A one-of-a-kind performer, she could play a discreet lady’s maid just as convincingly as a disagreeable housekeeper or a loving grandmother. While the general public knows her best as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter, Maggie Smith cannot be reduced to that one role alone. On the contrary, she leaves behind a rich and varied filmography, especially in historical and period films, seven of which are featured here.
Downton Abbey (2019, 2022 and 2025)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu3mP0c51hE
It would be impossible to talk about Maggie Smith without mentioning Downton Abbey, one of her final roles, and certainly one of her most iconic. It is also one of the rare series in which the actress appeared, she who was above all devoted to the stage and the big screen. But after six successful seasons, the world imagined by Julian Fellowes continued in cinemas with three films released between 2019 and 2025.
Each time, Maggie Smith returned as Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, whose razor-sharp wit and lines as hilarious as they were scathing played a major part in the saga’s popularity.
Gosford Park (2001)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0m00hg1PKY
Few people know it, but before Downton Abbey, there was Gosford Park. Released in 2001, the film gave rise to the famous period series that was originally meant to be its spin-off. Written by Julian Fellowes, it features Maggie Smith as Constance Trentham, a role that earned her — alongside Helen Mirren — a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The rest of the cast is just as prestigious, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Helen Mirren and Michael Gambon, best known for playing Dumbledore.
The story. Over one weekend in 1932, aristocrats and servants gather for a shooting party at the majestic English estate of Sir William McCordle and his wife, Lady Sylvia. Financial troubles, lies, revenge: the aristocratic elite is hiding many secrets. But when a murder takes place, appearances begin to crumble.
Death on the Nile (1978)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGbdvoYa7iE
Adapted from Agatha Christie’s famous novel of the same name, Death on the Nile follows detective Hercule Poirot and his friend Colonel John Race. While holidaying aboard a luxurious steamer sailing down the Nile, they find themselves faced with a murder for which every passenger could be responsible.
Here, Maggie Smith plays Miss Bowers, a discreet companion, though not one entirely above suspicion.
Becoming Jane (2007)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmd-ej9Hx20
Released in 2007, Becoming Jane turns its attention to a major literary figure: Jane Austen. The story takes us back to England at the end of the 18th century, where we meet the young writer, played by Anne Hathaway. Her life is turned upside down when she meets Tom Lefroy, portrayed by James McAvoy, a young man who is as brilliant as he is immature and fond of a good time.
The film focuses on their meeting, their growing feelings and their impossible love story. Social conventions and a lack of personal fortune keep them from marrying: he goes on to become a famous lawyer, while she becomes one of England’s greatest writers.
Maggie Smith plays Lady Gresham, a secondary role, but one that perfectly embodies the strict social rules of the period.
From Time to Time (2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdu7OVpqkbo
Less well known than the other films in this selection, From Time to Time leans more towards historical fantasy. Adapted from Lucy M. Boston’s novel The Chimneys of Green Knowe, the story follows a young boy sent to an old family manor during the Second World War. Once there, he discovers that he can travel through time and communicate with his ancestors in order to solve a mystery that could save both his grandmother and the family home.
The film features several actors from Downton Abbey, including Maggie Smith as the touching grandmother, alongside Hugh Bonneville.
Tea with Mussolini (2000)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp8ftmTpcv0
Italy, 1934. Luca Innocenti, a young boy left to fend for himself after the death of his mother and his father’s abandonment, finds refuge with a group of British and American women living in Florence. Eccentric, cultured and deeply devoted to the arts, they gradually become a substitute family for him. At least, until the political climate begins to upend their daily lives. For behind the elegant drawing rooms and animated conversations, Fascist Italy is steadily asserting itself, threatening their way of life.
Alongside Judi Dench, Cher and several other great actresses, Maggie Smith plays one of these women, at once elegant, witty and deeply human.
The Secret Garden (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHNOXDiD9Vk
Adapted from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, The Secret Garden tells the story of a young orphan sent to live in a sombre manor house in Yorkshire. Little by little, she discovers an abandoned garden that she sets out to bring back to life, with the help of her sickly cousin.
In this film, Maggie Smith plays Mrs Medlock, the house’s strict housekeeper. A role that earned her the 1994 BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Looking for your next watch? These articles should inspire you:
- A fan of Bridgerton and Downton Abbey? This historical series takes you to London in 1909, at the dawn of department stores
- [These are the 6 best Norwegian thrillers you need to watch this spring](https://www.en-vols.com/en/inspirations-en/culture-en/series-shonda-rhimes/)
- “There’s no better series”: these new K-dramas you absolutely need to watch this April
