The Lady in the Van

In select theaters
January 15^th 2016

pg13

104 minutes

English

U.K.

Alan Bennett’s story is based on the true story of Miss Shepherd (played by a magnificent Maggie Smith), a woman of uncertain origins who “temporarily” parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years. What begins as a begrudged favor becomes a relationship that will change both their lives. Filmed on the street and in the house where Bennett and Miss Shepherd lived all those years, acclaimed director Nicholas Hytner reunites with iconic writer Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George, The History Boys) to bring this rare and touching portrait to the screen.

starring...

Maggie Smith

Miss Shepherd

Alex Jennings

Alan Bennett

Jim Broadbent

Underwood

Frances De La Tour

Mrs. Vaughan Williams

Roger Allam

Rufus

Directed By

Nicholas Hytner

Written By

Alan Bennett from his memoir

Director of Photography

Andrew Dunn

Production Designer

John Beard

Editor

Tariq Anwar

Composer

George Fenton

Costume Designer

Natalie Ward

Producers

Kevin Loader, Nicholas Hytner, Damian Jones

85% on the CINEMETER

BOCA

69% - Jan 10, 2016

Unique and unusual. Beautifully evolved, Incredible retention of the dignity of a woman even in her destitute state of circumstances.
Boca Raton Member

Based on the trailer, I didn't want to see it. However, the movie was beautiful and Maggie Smith was superb!
Boca Raton Member

Thoroughly enjoyable. Maggie Smith is a treasure!
Boca Raton Member

A wonderfully poignant move with marvelous acting. Maggie Smith and Alex Jenning were extraordinary. The 'ascension' scene was a bit too much though!
Boca Raton Member

It's all about Maggie Smith. A bravura performance! (many times)
Boca Raton Member

Music was great and an enhancement
Boca Raton Member

I liked the comparison between Mary's and the mother's lives!
Boca Raton Member

STL

99% - Jan 10, 2016

An amazing portrayal of compassion in a relationship that presented so many challenges to really knowing the other. It's a lesson so sorely needed in our society so prone to reject others based on superficial differences.

St. Louis Member

Only the English can do it this well: articulate homelessness and aging with poignancy, insight and humor.Dame Maggie Smith catapults Bennett's words to an unforgettable, stellar dimension. Will we ever forget Mary Shepherd?
St. Louis Member

Quirky, very British, very sad and yet funny. Moves slowly -- too slowly? Superb acting by Dame MS. Wished for more of a role for Jim Broadbent. Interesting parallel between Bennett and Dame Maggie; people on the edge somehow, outsiders.
St. Louis Member

Touching, funny, thoroughly enjoyable film. Maggie Smith brings such a flair, a light to all her roles.
St. Louis Member

The most powerful female performance of all the movies I've ever seen. What an experience!!
St. Louis Member

MIL

92% - Jan 10, 2016

This is the most poignant and delightful movie all in one I've seen. Maggie Smith is terrific!
Milwaukee Member

What a movie! Young people need to ask elders about their stories.
Milwaukee Member

Screenplay was wonderful! Maggie Smith is not my favorite but well suited here.
Milwaukee Member

Maggie Smith is tremendous! (At least 13 more cards have similar short statements like this one.)
Milwaukee Member

Best of the season!
Milwaukee Member

ATL

93% - Jan 10, 2016

Very touching. Changed my perspectives on homeless souls forever. Loved it.
Atlanta Member

Maggie Smith. Enough said [many along these lines: "Love Maggie Smith! Loved the story."]
Atlanta Member

Fantastic! Dame Maggie NEVER disappoints. Fine acting by all even the lesser characters. As with Downton Dame Maggie has some of the best lines and delivers them perfect. Only she could do justice to Miss Shepard.
Atlanta Member

Best movie of the season. What a delight!
Atlanta Member

Maggie Smith is outstanding in playing this cantankerous character, and making you care about her quirky, deluded life.
Atlanta Member

When I was in my early twenties I saw a documentary on women and homelessness. It absolutely terrified me. i have subsequently done docs on the issue myself. It is so possible to lose one's footing for one reason(s) or another.
Atlanta Member

85% - Dec 20, 2015

Extraordinary portrayal of the humanity of a “homeless” person and how like “us” she was – just more eccentric and with a more wrenching past than most people.
Washington, DC Member

How could anyone not like this story? It was beautifully done, funny and exceptionally well acted. Splitting Alan Bennett’s personage in two was a wonderfully and clever way to tell the story.
Washington, DC Member

Fabulous! Unpredictable and the tartness makes it great. Maggie Smith is always superb – definitely an Academy Award winning performance!
Washington, DC Member

One of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.
Washington, DC Member

The liberties taken with “factual events” seem consistent with the questionable mental status of Margret in the van and her indecisive host. Even given a “willing suspension of disbelief” the story reflects very well on the kindness and tolerance of the British society portrayed in the movie.
Washington, DC Member

BOS

61% - Dec 20, 2015

Maggie Smith great as always.
Boston Member

Maggie Smith was amazing (several times).
Boston Member

Interesting and charming
Boston Member

Wonderful but sad movie
Boston Member

Great Film!
Boston Member

90% - Dec 20, 2015

93% - Dec 20, 2015

Best film of the season! Maggie Smith is remarkable.
San Francisco Member

Wry and not sentimental - just the way I like films starring Maggie Smith. Just wonderful.
San Francisco Member

Thanks for including this in the season as I was not sure I was going to see it based on the terrible previews. The film is far better than the trailer.
San Francisco Member

Maggie Smith carried this film without vanity, and she was amazingly realistic. The device of two Alan Bennetts was good in clarifying his ambivalence about his mother and his charge. Very cleverly done.
San Francisco Member

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