Gosford Park (15)

Our Maggie Smith celebration continues with this murder mystery set in the 1930s from Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes and acclaimed director Robert Altman.

A group of the rich and famous gather at a country house for a weekend shooting party, their needs catered to by the staff below stairs. As the weekend goes on, secrets are revealed, and it seems that everyone, above stairs and below, has something to gain from the host Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) and his money. When a murder occurs, they all become suspects.

Along with Maggie Smith, the impressive ensemble cast includes Helen Mirren, Michael Gambon, Kristen Scott Thomas, Clive Owen, Ryan Phillippe, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Alan Bates, Eileen Atkins, and more. The film won a number of awards including the BAFTA for Outstanding British Film, an Oscar for writer Julian Fellowes, a Golden Globe for director Robert Altman, and a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA for Maggie Smith.

“Altman’s best movie in years. … Atmospheric, absorbing, amusing and really fun.” Empire

Directed by Robert Altman.