Probably every fan of Downton Abbey felt bereaved at the passing of Dame Maggie Smith at the end of September. We would like to pay tribute to this British paragon of stage and screen with a special film series throughout December: "Tea With Dame Maggie."  Each Monday at 1 p.m., we will show a favorite Maggie Smith film served with “Tea” – finger sandwiches, cookies, scones, cake, tea, and wine. The films in the series represent some of her most iconic roles, favorites of adult audiences.

"A Room with a View" - Dec. 2 - (1985, NR, 1 hour, 55 minutes) - In this most popular British drama based on the novel by E.M. Forster, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham-Carter), a young Englishwoman, is touring Italy with her older cousin (Maggie Smith). At a hotel in Florence, Lucy meets the charming and free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands). Although intrigued by George, once she's back in England Lucy ponders settling down with the wealthy, staid Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis). When George reappears in her life, Lucy must decide between him and Cecil.

“In prim, puff-sleeved suiting and bow-laden hats, Maggie Smith takes the part of the watchful chaperone to Helena Bonham Carter’s impressionable Lucy Honeychurch in James Ivory’s sweeping classic. To see the former sitting in the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside and reminiscing about lost loves with Judi Dench’s romance novelist Eleanor Lavish is an utter joy.” Radhika Seth, British Vogue

"Gosford Park" - Dec. 9 -  (2001, R, 2 hour, 17 minutes) - Robert Altman, one of America's most distinctive filmmakers, journeys to England for the first time to create a unique film mosaic with an outstanding ensemble cast. Set in the 1930s, "Gosford Park" brings a group of pretentious rich and famous together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.

“Among a who’s who of British acting royalty—Helen Mirren, Kristin Scott Thomas, Richard E. Grant, Emily Watson, Charles Dance, Stephen Fry, Derek Jacobi—Smith is the unqualified standout in this delectable Robert Altman-directed, Julian Fellowes-penned satire. Her imperious, side-splitting Constance, Dowager Countess of Trentham, paved the way for the acerbic Lady Violet.” Radhika Seth, British Vogue

"Quartet" - Dec. 16 - (2012, PG-13; 1 hour, 39 min) - Once-popular opera diva Jean Horton (Maggie Smith) creates a stir with her arrival at Beecham House, a home for retired performers. No one feels the uproar more than Reginald (Tom Courtenay), Jean's ex-husband, who still stings from her long-ago infidelity. Most of the other Beecham residents are delighted, and try to convince Jean to join them in a performance of "Rigoletto." Jean, however, knows that she is long past her prime and is reluctant to sully the memory of her once-lovely voice.

“A delightful cocktail of friendship and the acceptance of the frailties, both in yourself and in others.” Cleaver Patterson, CineVue

"Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture" - Dec. 30 - (2019, PG; 2 hours, 2 minutes) - The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the king and queen of England soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue -- leaving the future of Downton hanging in the balance.

“From familial tensions and torrid love affairs to untimely deaths and societal shifts, the Crawleys provide a compelling look at the final days of aristocracy...” Cady Lang, TIME Magazine

Take a break from the busy holiday season this December and relax with Dame Maggie-style British humor, mystery, wit, and entertainment!

Tickets for "Tea with Dame Maggie" are $13/members and $17/non-members (includes film and the Tea (or Lunch,  to be American about it!)

Tickets for the film only at the regular price, $8/members, $12/non-members.

Harbor Theater is located at 185 Townsend Ave. in the Meadow Mall. For more information, visit https://boothbaycinema.org/