The Lady In The Van

2015 • 104 minutes

About this movie

Two-time Oscar® winner and star of “Downton Abbey”, Dame Maggie Smith, recreates one of her most celebrated roles – the singular Miss Shepherd – in The Lady In The Van, Alan Bennett’s big-screen comedic adaptation of his own iconic memoir and honoured stage play. Based on the true story, Miss Shepherd was a woman of uncertain origins who “temporarily” parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years. What began as a begrudged favour became a relationship that would change both their lives. Filmed on the street and in the house where Bennett and Miss Shepherd lived for all those years, acclaimed director Nicholas Hytner reunites with Bennett (The Madness of King George, The History Boys) to bring this funny, poignant, and life-affirming story to the screen.

Ratings and reviews

Incredibly charming. It has its darker bits that cause you to despair of society, but it is heart-warming in its own way. Maggie Smith is, as ever, brilliant.

Maggie Smith is outstanding. The Alan Bennett character looks and sounds right. I was familiar with the book. Despite this it was ponderous, relying on Ms Smith and a few moments. Disappointing

I feel sorry for the women but also the man who looked after her and people are rude to her Hello PPL she and old lady she has more experience and I am really mad I am just Ahhh but I love the movie