California Suite (1978) |


A good thirty years before she was made infamous for her washpish one liners in Downton, Maggie Smith proved herself to be an incredibly comedy actress in the likes of Neil Simon’s Californian  Suite.
She died recently, reducing the living British Natural Treasure tally to just, Judi Dench, Alan Bennett and Ian McClellan.

Any National Treasures I’ve missed?

I’m working long days this weekend so now I have been cooking some healthy meals 
A hearty bean and chorizo soup, pandan noodles with prawns, a Cumberland sausage stew 



37 comments:

  1. A sad day indeed. Another fine actress. RIP Dame Maggie. Thanks for all the wonderful times. xx

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  2. Anonymous2:58 pm

    RIP Maggie, you were a favourite of mine. Gigi

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  3. RIP Maggie, brilliant in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. How about David Jason as a National Treasure. Xx

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  4. How could you forget the national treasure that is lovely Joanna Lumley! https://www.hachette.co.uk/contributor/joanna-lumley-3/

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  5. I loved that film. I think I need to see it again. And everything Maggie Smith ever did.

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  6. Only saw her once on stage. Interpreters in 1985. I'm glad I did.

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  7. RIP Maggie, you were one of a kind.

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  8. Barbara Anne4:49 pm

    What a great movie California Suite was and am so very sorry to hear that Dame Maggie is gone. She will certainly be missed.
    Hope you're having a good day and feel back to normal.

    Hugs!

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  9. Traveller5:03 pm

    David Attenborough, Michael Palin, Helen Mirren?

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  10. "California Suite" is one of my favorite movies. I bet I've seen it a hundred times. I can recite dialogue.

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  11. I'll be there this weekend to eat . :)

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  12. Anonymous6:08 pm

    RIP Maggie Smith, my favourite actress. I'll never forget her in The Prime of Miss Jean Brody and those favourite words of hers. My other female National Treasures are Alison Steadman, Julie Walters, Eileen Atkins and Brenda Blethyn.
    Jean.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:18 pm

      I agree with all of these Jean. My very favourite Maggie Smith film is The Lady in the Van. Extraordinary. Alison

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  13. Anonymous6:14 pm

    Above should read Haven Got One, not anonymous. New phone teething problems. Sp...Brodie not Brody I think.
    Jean.

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  14. Haven't got one.6:17 pm

    That's better!
    Jean.

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  15. Aileen Atkins? Sian Philips? Love your blog, it really does spark joy and is thought provoking
    With thanks
    Jill

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    Replies
    1. where is the Like button! it's so true. a favourite among all my favourite blogs

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  16. Yorkshire Liz6:52 pm

    A unique talent, a very special person, and a lifetime of remarkable performances no-one else could have delivered. Every time I spent time with her ex husband Robert Stephens, even years after their divorce, he still could not stop talking about her and telling Maggie Smith stories.
    Try to catch a wonderful documentary called Nothing Like A Dame, made by the late and lovely Roger Michel, with Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, Eileen Atkins and Maggie Smith reminiscing about their careers and friendship. Hilarious and a total joy. Hope it is repeated on TV in tribute.

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    Replies
    1. That was called Tea with the Dames when I saw it. A fabulous and funny documentary! I especially loved the part where Judi Dench talked about getting a bee sting, (I think it was a bee sting) and her interaction with the medical professional.

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  17. What a loss, Maggie Smith. I've loved her since "The Prime." And for everything she did, her timing was always spot on. There was a documentary not too long ago on Netflix I think, here in Virginia, with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith and one other (can't remember who) that was so interesting.
    And that food of yours! I'd be finding excuses to visit around meal time if I lived next door. Lucky for you, we have this large body of water between us.
    You must be feeling better if you are cooking up a storm, so that makes me happy.

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  18. Anonymous7:32 pm

    yes, losing Dame Maggie is a rough one. I recently watched *the prime of Miss Jean Brodie* and loved every minute! I am impressed with your cooking! You DO make lovely meals and treat yourself well !
    Susan M/ Calif.

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  19. Jo in Auckland8:33 pm

    Sad to hear that Dame Maggie has died, she was a fantastic actress and indeed a National Treasure, I loved her in everything she was ever in that I saw. California suite wasn't one of them so now I must go hunt for it and see it. Your grub looks lovely. Glad you are feeling well enough to cook ahead again.

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  20. Sorry to learn from you that Dame Maggie Smith had died. She truly was a treasure. And look at you! Or rather your stove top. You are truly an Iron Chef, John!

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  21. Might I suggest Angela Lansbury for you august consideration?

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  22. My fav Maggie Smith line, "What, what is a weekend?" as the Dowager Grantham. RIP

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  23. I was only 10 years old when I saw Maggie Smith's Academy Award winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, but I've never forgotten how great she was.

    Love,
    Janie

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  24. MS brought remarkable talent to the stage. She will be missed.
    Your meals look terrific. Hopefully work is smooth sailing this weekend.

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  25. A sad day for Maggie Smith fans. You Brits are positively rolling in National Treasures. I'd add Derek Jacobi to your list, along with Jeremy Irons and Albert Finney, just off the top of my head.

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  26. Maggie Smith was an amazing actress. I loved her.

    Your cooking looks delicious! I'm not too good at cooking more than one or two different main dishes at once so am very impressed.

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  27. I loved Maggie in Downton and Lady In The Van. Your food looks amazing.

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  28. Saw her on stage just the once - 'Lettice and Loveage' in 1990 (the original production which also co-billed the late and wonderful, but sadly under-appreciated, Margaret Tyzack). For me it was one of the most memorable theatre experiences EVER. The Dame herself is now justifiably locked into our individual and collective memories for eternity. - and she well deserved it!

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  29. Anonymous9:15 am

    May she rest in peace. A truly fine actress, pure class. I loved her in Downton Abbey, such great lines.

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  30. I get tired just thinking about cooking three meals at once and I take my hat off to you.
    Dame Maggie was great

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    Replies
    1. btw, i went to see "Touch" today on your recommendation. What a beautiful film. Thank you

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  31. We grew up here in the states with this film broadcast in television. I recall watching it as a youth. Maggie Smith was brilliant, of course, in the role.

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