Diana Rigg & Maggie Smith sing Cole Porter's "You're the Top"

From the 1981 film of Agatha Christie's "Evil Under the Sun", Maggie Smith tries her bitchy best to ruin Diana Rigg's rendition of "You're the Top."
Don't worry-in the film, Diana Rigg's even bitchier character dies in the next scene or two.

[@mjwemdee]

I once had the honour of accompanying Diana Rigg on the piano at a charity gala at the Festival Theatre in Chichester. She was reciting a poem (don't ask what it was, I can't remember!) and I had to punctuate it with little music phrases throughout. We rehearsed together for about twenty minutes beforehand; she was lovely and charming and I've never forgotten her.

[@gregmoorhead7203]

mjwemdee ~ So awesome!

[@berenicemoran2105]

What a fabulous story 💜

[@merlehayne7922]

Library

[@MyeshaSnipe]

I believe you... Most people wouldn't, but I believe you...

[@mattmallecoccio8378]

Lucky

[@heidifedor]

One of the best movie lines ever from Maggie Smith, “No other girl in the chorus could kick her legs higher, or wider.”

[@norwegianforestcat7471]

🤣🤣😎

[@ladyraven30]

Right? Loved that line.

[@cowboy4jesus3N1]

I literally forgot that line.. We howled at that one. That was entertainment. Those were films. Those were worthy of Stars.

[@simonewardle3742]

Best put down ever

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Apparently Dames Rigg & Smith used to have lunch together, their children have acted together.

[@giovannifunaro5408]

Have a sausage dear . ..

[@sunblock8717]

I'm sure she's had her fair share

[@ProudKansan08]

I always laugh at that line whenever I see that movie. Also when she said, "she always lifted her legs higher, and...........wider............" and the look Diana's character gave Maggie's character. Priceless!!

[@giovannifunaro5408]

@@ProudKansan08 that is funny. Yes, that was a good line... insult.

[@bstr-ey6wl]

anytime, anywhere dear 🤪

[@fantastka55]

Have a biscuit, Potter.

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

Rest in peace Miss Diana Rigg. You're a wonderful actress. And have a sausage dear...

[@jackm4457]

I'm just guessing here, but I think our Diana would laugh at your sausage ad lib.

[@garyoa1]

Pretty sure it's "Dame" Diana Rigg. And rightfully so!

[@geezergeezer1]

@@garyoa1 After all, there is nothing like a Dame.

[@lisastallingskeelor3328]

Crushing on Diana’s gown. she will be sorely missed. Such a talent and major contributor to the entertainment world.

[@solazq]

I loved all the outfits, but diana's was magnificent! She really was a beauty.

[@simonramsay6080]

@@solazq she looked fit & glamorous in this movie!

[@solazq]

@@simonramsay6080 I know! She always looked so classy, it's a shame she died. RIP Diana rigg.

[@oskarklang8616]

Yes.An amazing woman.

[@saletteyang]

Minerva Mcgonagall and Olenna Tyrell, what a pair!!! xD two sassy and boss ass women xD

[@davidjacobs8558]

they are very lucky to be able to perform at their age, and be world famous for it. not too many actresses get to do that.

[@basilmarasco1975]

@@davidjacobs8558 Age cannot wither them, nor custom stale their infinite varieties ...

[@JoRiver11]

@@davidjacobs8558 That's because so few women still get roles once they hit their mid 30s. Smash the patriarchy.

[@srkh8966]

David Jacobs It happens more and more often.

[@CreativeCreatorCreates]

It’s also Ms. Hardbroom from The Worst Witch

[@sharondawson2735]

RIP Dame Diana ❤ You were always the Top as Emma Peel in The Avengers 😊

[@maritzaagosto1793]

Absolutely. No one will ever replace her . I do mean NO ONE at all .

[@callumbarrington898]

With Jane Birkin sadly passing away last month, Dame Maggie Smith is now the only cast member from this scene who is still alive.

[@eamonndeane587]

Not anymore 😢.

[@miali9393]

Love Maggie's fake "isn't she wonderful?" at the end. As a matter of fact, they both were in this film.

[@mylesgarcia4625]

OBVIOUSLY, they were "both in this film," OTHERWISE, they wouldn't be- right??

[@nahumkantene5983]

What a genious u are figuring it out that they were both in the film🙄

[@L1011Lover]

Nàhum Kantené not so much of a grammatical genius when one doesn't realize that MI Ali was actually saying "As a matter of fact, they both were WONDERFUL in this film." It's a statement in direct relation to Maggie Smith's "isn't she wonderful?" Yes both Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith were wonderful in this movie ;-)

[@nahumkantene5983]

@@L1011Lover Oh so thats how u gon play me...Catch me outside😏

[@normadesmond6017]

love Diana Rigg. Remember as a child watching The Avengers. And was absoluteley gutted when she quit. Great lady. She will be greatly missed.

[@fizzao1342]

I wanted to be Emma Peel when I was small - or else the oh-so-cool Morticia Addams.

[@floydvaughn9666]

And started with Vincent Price. Theater of Blood.

[@selina5598]

Their outfits were magnificent in this film

[@elizamccroskey1708]

So incredibly of their time!

[@benfisher1376]

Very 1930s glamour

[@glamdolly30]

Dames Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith both stole this movie - two superb actresses and women, and STARS to their fingertips!

[@glamdolly30]

@mark jagger Not a chance! But by all accounts he was a generous, big hearted man who loved the fairer sex - so I doubt he'd have minded! Stay safe & well. XXX

[@tj.espygil4544]

This was a fun to watch entertaining movie. They made some character and plot changes but most of that enhanced the film. Especially the murder at the start gets explained very well. The book was also

[@maritzaagosto1793]

This is the first time I've ever heard Diana Rigg sing ... quite beautifully . We love you , Diana . R.I.P.

[@glennbelay1984]

Maritza Agosto Check out “ A Little Night Music” she played Charlotte the wronged wife.

[@athollhay3207]

I saw her in Sondheim's Follies in the West End in the late 80's. She was sensational.

[@007beck9]

I always laugh at the bit where Maggie Smith interrupts Diana Rigg when she singing lol

[@adamsy788]

I watched this for rhe first time with my mum when I was six. Then on every Bank Holiday with her. Would you you believe I'm now gay and fond of Art Deco?

[@michaelrg3836]

Me too! Ustinov/Maggie Smith/Diana Rigg with a Cole Porter soundtrack - incomparable!!

[@stuartashbourne-martin9629]

I was the same only I was Joan Crawford and I discovered Bette Davis then finally to complete the trio Judy this was a fabulous film they all look stunning I want to think that Julie was real and I like art deco there's a pattern there yours a faded old Queen London 😜

[@XPRT10R]

Ahahahahah Excellent

[@renzo6490]

Hmmmm...Gay and fond of Art Deco. Isn't that redundant?

[@stuartashbourne-martin9629]

@@renzo6490 no it's not redundant so what if people like art deco so what

[@XieYali]

Have a sausage dear. That cracked me up!

[@wandawoman8392]

The wonderful Maggie Smith always could deliver a dry pithy line.

[@indigolatte444]

MAGGIE IS SO PRETTY OMG

[@Enskoennedag]

I didn't realise Maggie Smith had been in two of the Ustinov Poirot movies. She was in Death on the Nile as well.

[@kevinwilson3609]

And Quilley at the piano was in Orient Express

[@tj.espygil4544]

Denis Quilley and Colin Blakely both appeared together in Murder on the Orient Express. Maggie Smith, Peter Ustinov, and Jane Birkin all appeared together in Death on the Nile.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

R.I.P., Miss Rigg. Thank you for all your wonderful performances. My favorite however , will also be Mrs. Peel!

[@Rocketjay12]

I loved this movie.Smith and Rigg along with Peter Ustinov were outstanding.

[@kennethdower7425]

@Ed Miller He *WAS* an ASS!

[@kennethdower7425]

@Funk O'Matic I totally agree with Philip, Evil Under the Sun is very much a B movie, more like a TV movie if you will, but worth seeing once; Death on the Nile is much better. And, yes, the Lumet film is superb, one of his best, I think. The opening sequence alone is just stunning. Ustinov is endearing while Finney is wildly eccentric, both are great. I think I read once that Christie herself loved Finney's performance. She did love the film, and the only other one she ever liked was Witness for the Prosecution. Cheers

[@utt6043]

David Suchet all the way

[@unowen-nh9ov]

@@kennethdower7425 No B movie has that cast, location filming or Cole Porter.

[@kennethdower7425]

@@unowen-nh9ov Wrong. Please try again later.

[@HugoBrown]

This is my favorite scene from the film and the fact is starred so many outstanding actors like Diana Rigg Maggie Smith Peter Ustinov, Roddy McDowell... Rest In Peace Diana :-)

[@joeymama4666]

Nicholas Clay died tragically young too.

[@nancydemoss8421]

Of my favorites of the Agatha Christie movies (Murder on the Orient Express (Albert Finney), Death on the Nile (Peter Ustinov), The Mirror Cracked (Angela Lansbury), and Evil Under the Sun (again Peter Ustinov) I have to say Evil Under the Sun is my favorite followed closely by Murder on the Orient Express. The all star ensembles they used are the best!

[@gregmoorhead7203]

Hugo Brown ~ Totally agree!

[@FacheChanteDeux]

Lol, I misread your comment as rest in peace drama. RIP Ms. Rigg.

[@simonewardle3742]

I couldn’t agree more. Actors at the top of their game just being classily kick arse fabulous, but being understated and probably drunk as they worked. I love them and how they effortlessly appeared to work, it’s a real talent to do what they did.

[@TheSuzberry]

This is one of my favorite movies. For the music, for the stars, for the setting, and it has the most beautiful watercolors in the credit sequence.

[@2legit64]

I love this movie. Two dames burning up the screen.

[@evagrant7907]

Just discovered this movie evil under the sun I was blown away by the gorgeous scenery , and the Cole Porter scores......absolutely fantastic!

[@tenga3tango]

Maggie Smith has not stopped acting till today , she is a gem. Ooops, its Dame Maggie Smith.

[@beaksofeagles]

Diana Rigg was wonderful in 'Detectorists' which ended only 3 years ago. She played the mother of her real-life daughter, actress Rachael Stirling.

[@tommoncrieff1154]

Diana Rigg's latest TV performance (All Creatures Great and Small) went out 36 hours before she died, with another episode still to come, plus I believe she had two other projects in the can. She was in Victoria last year as well as the Duchess of Buccleuch. She was permanently busy for 60 years, acting on stage, on TV, in movies, plus she wrote or edited several books and made thousands of personal appearances at festivals and universities and did interviews right to the end.

[@olgaferro7470]

Absolutely!!!

[@danyoutube7491]

@@tommoncrieff1154 That's the way to get the most out of life isn't it, doing something you enjoy and challenging yourself regularly.

[@druunderwood5602]

R.I.P Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg

[@EastJazzman]

RIP Maggie Smith, I hope you and Diana are singing "You're the Tops", because that is where you both are now!

[@robyne3297]

Two badass legends. RIP to you both.

[@robertaverill936]

I am STUNNED at 62 years of age..I somehow missed this ??!!...My Gay card will be revoked...*eeeee*

[@dardude1139]

Evil under the sun is one of my favourite movies of all time, fabulous cast, locations and plot. Love it.

[@itslielie]

the best clip from a vintage movie, ever

[@blissandoblivion]

Extremely happy that we got Diana Rigg in Game of Thrones and Maggie Smith in Harry Potter. Legends!

[@hoesey]

Have a sausage dear... 😍

[@kayvonfoerster8436]

Two great actresses are singing the evergreen of Cole Porter. The gowns in this movie are breathtaking. And last but not least the tiny black bathing pants of Nicholas Clay. Wow.

[@paulmaloney9188]

the kinda speedo bathing suit was everything !

[@tadge72]

RIP dame Maggie -who was excellent here - have a sausage dear !

[@janicesullivan8942]

“Have a sausage dear.” LOL! When I was a kid, I wanted to be Mrs. Peel.

[@adrianjohn1820]

Dame Maggi Smith: "Have a sausage, dear?" But Dame Diana Rigg denies, she prefers CAMEMBERT!

[@josephhapp9]

Adrian John,,,perhaps she likes uncut sausage because of the foreskin Camembert.

[@beaksofeagles]

@@josephhapp9 Zero points for being so un-subtle.....no, so BLUNT!!!!!

[@dianademing7038]

Had to scroll down to find a comment on the Camembert! Damn, I miss my cheesemonger job! I love telling new people that my name is Diana, like Diana Rigg from The Avengers! I was born in 79 so I had to grow up with the Princess Di craze, but I preferred Diana Rigg. RIP Diana Rigg and finding good Camembert now that my former cheese shop workplace closed.

[@adrianjohn1820]

@@dianademing7038 I have to think about what Dame Diana Rigg said as Lady Olenna in Game of Thrones: "The cheese will be served when I want it served and I want it served now."

[@dianademing7038]

@@adrianjohn1820 What a fantastic quote! You made my day!🤩

[@hermajesty52]

one of my all-time favorite movies

[@nanouk3149]

mine too, happy to see i'm not the only one

[@matthewriches191]

Mine to.

[@ThePlataf]

LOVE the costumes. Dynasty meets the 1930s.

[@beachdog67]

"Isn't she WONDERFUL?"

[@toddmichael8668]

Look how young Maggie Smith is...WOW!

[@Alihusein]

Is that lady Olenna Tyrell?

[@Prissycat22]

Art Deco is THE TOPS ! This is the best!

[@52barney]

RIP Diana

[@IAmSweetPea]

I watch this movie every so often. I love the dialogue, costumes, locations and the fantastic Dame Smith

[@marquisdd]

That's odd. Those are four specific reasons why I'm gay. They're all faaaabulous! I guess we'll just have to agree to … agree? :-)

[@fluoxetoon]

Tom Smith I'm pretty sure this was a response to another comment, from the phrasing - replies on here several years ago didn't appear in threads as they do now. So it's not necessarily the film they're talking about, but something somebody else said. (Edit: I actually found the comment, it's a little further down, someone said something about 'the 4 reasons they're heterosexual', one being Emma Peel - this is merely a response to that.)

[@fluoxetoon]

Tom Smith I don’t think it had anything to do this the film itself, it seems the original comment was just talking about their attraction to the actress(es). You’re quite welcome.

[@setphaser]

they play their parts so well you forget who they are completely

[@KR3993]

love love love this movie. one of the finest actors ever lived.

[@basilmarasco1975]

Maggie, Diana, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, and Julie Andrews. The "creme de la creme" of British ladies. Yes, of course, Billie Whitelaw, as well!

[@tombarryantik7115]

watched the movie on telly in Shanghai around 1983 as a teenager, this sence was cut off by commie censorship. How wonderful to see Diana sing and young Maggie! The movie was hit along with the oriental express! Rest in Peace The Beautiful Miss Diana Rigg.

[@amhunter9619]

Those two are the great heights of English acting, totally superb! Diana Rigg you will be sorely missed.

[@malenurse51]

Great actors all and the incomparable Cole Porter ....my latent homosexuality is absolutely turgid.

[@maxbrazzini9641]

For 4 reasons I'm heterosexual: the filmography of Marilyn, Jodie Foster in Bugsy Malone, Susan Dey in Patridge Family and... EMMA PEEL!!!!! Love u, Diana!!!

[@andrewmark2783]

Jodie Foster was a child in Bugsy Malone...

[@stan4now]

What a treat! More! More! And a gin and tonic, please.

[@Jm649]

Love these two divas!! Amazing

[@BriGuyIL1980]

One of the best moments in movie history - Lady Olenna Tyrell and the Dowager Countess out vamping each other

[@simonewardle3742]

The Grande Dames of theatre ripping the scenery up. If only RPDR did this as a challenge.

[@windstorm1000]

the Rigg character is begging to be 'done in'--she's so disagreeable!---

[@nhanlenguyenthanh6627]

I always want to see Lady Grantham of Downton Abbey and Lady Olenna of GoT put in one scene, and it'd be like: Lady Grantham: " Whenever I'm with you, I'm reminded of the virtues of the English" Lady Olenna: "Oh, I was good, I was very very good" Lady Grantham: "I must've said it wrong" ...Kind of that, not this singing, though it's hilarious too :)) Amazing actresses

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

Maggie Smith was still attractive thirty years later. I don't mean to minamalise her talent, but she's one of those actressess's who is not just still beautiful after many years, but is beautiful even to those who never watched her old films.

[@davidcattin7006]

Full approval from Cole's hometown, Peru, Indiana! We have a big festival in June over his birthday. Come join us!

[@LGranthamsHeir]

1:09 - 2:32 Two British 'National Treasure' Grand Dames singing this classic Cole Porter tune is really one hidden gem moment. RIP to Dame Diana Rigg and Dame Maggie Smith

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

Was that also the wonderful James Mason?

[@liberte5847]

Banana syrup! They're the tops in an incomparable incontournable incredible movie! Merci beaucoup from Paris France, end of june 2020, outstanding rendering rendition rendez-vous! Emmanuel

[@gladys5872]

Singer, actress, Jane Birkin is in this clip. She was the frumpy wife of Mr. Green. The Birkin bag was named after her.

[@hippychikforever]

This is one of my favorite movies! The back and forth barbs between Maggie Smith and Diana Rigg are smackdown perfection! "She could always throw her legs higher than everyone else....and wider."

[@matthewriches191]

One of the best lines ever said in screen!!! The delivery of Maggie saying that I coukd watch over & over again!!😂😂😂😂

[@main_stream_media_is_a_joke]

Just butting in, but even the smackdowns between Rex & Odel/Myra are utterly amazing... Rex : Care to comment on that? Odel/Myra : Why don't you play with yourself.......EXCESSIVELY". Rex : Is coarseness a substitute for wit...I ask myself. The script and perfect dialogue deliveries from EVERYONE is just spot on. Seems to me like every actor in this film absolutely enjoyed their role to the hilt.

[@stephendavies6209]

Amit n

[@RafaaGMadonnaLover]

One of my favorite movie scenes of all time!

[@Donegal62]

Ms. Riggs...such a sexy woman. I remember watching The Avengers when I was a wee lad, my goodness I was smitten.

[@eclairz9275]

Maggie Smith would have also made an excellent Lady Olenna.

[@EastJazzman]

Like Diana Rigg would make a great professor Mcgonagall

[@nadinesawtell3267]

Ustinov is a marvellous Poirot

[@logiclanguagelearningFrench]

I wouldn’t say it’s a good voice

[@mikesaunders4775]

The amazing and irreplaceable Diana Rigg .

[@varadero1839]

Though only briefly shown in this clip, handsome and talented Nicholas Clay should have received more acclaim for his performance in this film! The now infamous bathing-suit scene alone should have won him an Oscar!

[@fkd1963]

indeed ;)

[@leakoe3797]

You were the only Avenger girl..the best..

[@MrSebboxxx]

I really love Diana Rigg 🙂

[@dianaaljadeff2983]

Its a ,Hércules Poirrot movie with Peter Ustinov Robert Preston James Mason and Dames Diana Rigg and Maggie Smith.

[@kllwc7772]

Still waiting for Roddy’s diaries to be published 😅😉😅and which actor in this scene didn’t leave anything to his kids in his will ?

[@kllwc7772]

Scott Warrington No but I am now very keen to do so...

[@thomascassidy8347]

This was delicious in so many ways and loved the film xx

[@babyboomerrodg]

anyone else noticed diana rigg's dress changes from her enterance to when she gets to the piano?

[@alessiowabori2554]

Actually those are two different scenes.

[@vivandav67]

Two icons, and awesome Dames, literally!..RIP, Diana..Maggie, please stick around a long while..💝💝

[@katesander93]

My all time favorite movie. The whole thing is choreographed to Cole Porter.

[@OA-zis]

One of my fav scene ever...When I moved to here,at wintertime,I watched this movie so much and sang loud with Diana Rigg. I'm glad that I haven't got neighbors! xD I love that when she sings: "camembe-e-ert"... :D 2:27... XD This catfight is awsome between the 2 ex-diva-concurency... 2:11 her husband's look and the eyes of her lover's wife it tells everything...but evils are under the sun...This is only a play. Maggie Smith as the hotel owner, Daphne ("You're the smile of the Mona Lisa-a-a" :) is my favorite character,I really enjoy when she and Poirot talking about suspects at wonderful Majorca locations. :) "-The embodied french soul. -The emobodied belgian soul." ... "The sea's scent" etc., etc. + Peter Ustinov's swimming suit part is also unforgettable! x) And in this "You're the Top" (Cole Porter's Song) scene the ladies' dresses (only Sylvia, Diana and Maggie, not Jane Birkin's grey mouse) are amazing...10/10, beautiful costumes by Anthony Powell! Diddymuck! Maybe Dame Rigg's voice here isn't the best,but she played with her voice too,because she is an actress too,not only singer...it shows that Arlena is an unvirtuos,maneater woman. "Have a sausage,dear" :)) And don't forget,diddy that she played a retired diva...who can't use her voice every day=it becomes worse. I like when Arlena becomes arrogant and turns turk with her stepdaugther: "dropsical dromedary" (ahahah!), "Linda, you stupid", "Cinderella", etc.,etc.... I know this is bad, but so enertaining and I enjoy that they hate each other,because I don't like Linda,a very boring,precocious,execrable little teen hen. When begins the movie...those title sketches and drawings...Brilliant Aquarells! Sir Hugh Casson's Adorable Artwork: www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/304063412334995305/ Very stylish, airy, ethereal artwork...so relaxing to watch his work. My eyes and my mind also enjoy. One of my favorite Poirot movie is this 1982's Version (Directed by Guy Hamilton) with Sir Ustinov and the 'Death on the Nile' (1978) is also good with him & fantastic cast: Bette Davis, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, David Niven, George Kennedy and Dame Maggie Smith + Jane Birkin also played with him,like here in that version. Good to watch them,especially at hot summer nights (and every part of the year,naturally). I'm hungarian and we have great actors and actresses who gave their voice to the characters...Very enjoyable,because they enjoy the play...10/10. But the Real Poirot to me is David Suchet...My favorite: 'Appointment with Death' (played together with Tim Curry and Elizabeth McGovern), 'Murder in Mesopotamia' + the Evil under the Sun's new version with him + the full ITV series :) ...50 minutes 'Triangle at Rhodes' (my fav ep) is the prelude of the Evil under the Sun.

[@hecubot]

"Scram, Cinderella!"

[@ignorantbliss1778]

I like it more than Death on the Nile..

[@richardselfridge2926]

Ah....click bait?

[@flarris7774]

R.I.P Maggie

[@bilaalbadurdeen2733]

0:48 Diana Rigg ( Lady Olenna from Game of Thrones)

[@LGranthamsHeir]

And Emma Peel from 1960's spy series "The Avengers"

[@larryloveless2967]

Mrs. Peel had a good life.

[@CescoCDN]

Damn, I feel so uncouth. Never seen the movie but recognize most actors including one of my all-time fave, James Mason.

[@mcmlxii4419]

I have this movie on VHS tape.

[@carminedesanctis3961]

Not only she was a great actress and a beautiful woman. She also had such a wonderful voice. ❤

[@ronjacobcalumpang]

What a treasure!!!

[@jessem4842]

Love this song 1:34 is the only lyric I could remember

[@simon5005]

OMG...........Sylvia Miles and Roddy McDowell too!!! How did I ever miss this one??? Rental this weekend!!!!!!

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

Pretty sure its on youtube. 😉

[@michaeltraub3614]

The dresses are magnificent.

[@ivancervi1825]

Have a sausage dear..😳😂😂😂😂

[@williamf4544]

R.I.P Diana Rigg - a great actress - with a soft spot for Scotland - All us Scots will miss you so much

[@steerpike66]

The way you end up 84 and still classically adept and talented and full of beans and humor is to keep one foot on the stage, in front of real people, as long as you can, and not fully vanish into a cocoon of television and film. Apsrt from anything else, theatre acting is mad exercise for the body and the mind.

[@JulieAnne17-dn]

Dame Diana , I never missed one Avengers episode, but I am only now hearing your voice. What a phenomenal talent!! RIP, you were simply the best💖

[@doriangraye1971]

That is BEYOND fabulous. Bravo!