Downton Abbey | The Dowager Countess' Final Ball

When the Dowager Countess Violet Crawley (Maggie Smith) learns she doesn't have much longer to live, she takes advantage of a ball at Harewood House to pass on the legacy of Downton Abbey to a new generation.
FILM SYNOPSIS:
The worldwide phenomenon, Downton Abbey, returns in a spectacular motion picture, as 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 unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue that leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance. Written by series creator Julian Fellowes and starring the original cast, this grand cinematic experience will have you cheering for your favorite characters all over again.
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[@Parky1975]

I'd love them to do a prequel when she was younger, the Russian love affair etc

[@peacebenwilliamstv5818]

Me too.

[@Tee256]

Yes! We want it!

[@NoemiCBautista]

who should play her? Natalie Dormer perhaps?

[@Parky1975]

@@NoemiCBautista ooh there's a question. I love Natalie dormer, she would have the glare

[@LLandS18]

That would be so good. I also love to see Robert and Cora beginnings too. Love this show. Had a trip planned to UK last year and Highclere was one of the stop. So disappointed it didn't happen. Hopefully some time in the future.

[@jamescampbell1743]

“I have lived a privileged and interesting life, and now, it’s time to go.” Beautiful line

[@sunnydaze2359]

This was one of the best series ever produced. Don’t make them like this anymore. 😢

[@markoa.e.5398]

Agreed

[@bluerose2682]

Yes, I loved that!

[@rahaa.sh_307]

@@silentsaturn7604 Ah yes. Julian is a genius & I can't wait for s 2

[@yvonnehsu16]

That's true! I wish I can say so on the day coming!

[@cairoinc]

"I'll be fine until I'm not." Hurrah! for Dame Maggie Smith. One of my most favorite moments in all of moviedom!

[@chadwalton8072]

The capture and the very essence of what it means to be British

[@christynorman7288]

​@@chadwalton8072- unfortunately the character that was British has truly been slaughtered and the packing them to the gunnels and political correctness will be the end of over a thousand years of humourous growth. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍀

[@markmh835]

When I was in college (a few decades past), the grand old hotel in our city held "Tea dances" every Friday afternoon, featuring a 14 piece orchestra and dancing in the lobby. Those of us college students from the college's ballroom dancing class would dress up and go downtown each Friday to enjoy a beverage and dancing to great music like this. And -- at least once each week -- we would all fan out toward the rest of the typically elderly audience to ask our "seniors" to dance -- boys and girls alike. While we were not in tuxedos and jewels like here at Downton Abbey (we saved that for Prom!), we were in jackets and ties and cocktail dresses, and made quite a sight swirling on the dance floor. These were some of my fondest memories from college. 😊👍🍾 🍷

[@lordazn]

I'll take this over those frat/soro house parties

[@shidehhafezi6826]

Me too! Frat parties were all about getting drunk. Went to one when I was a freshman and it was the first and the last time.

[@shidehhafezi6826]

Would be so nice to start these elegant dance events again.

[@SmidBeach]

Sounds awesome! I bet the seniors in the audience really appreciated that.

[@kmarch6630]

Sounds lovely!

[@doc_1116]

This hits so different now... She will forever be the very heart of this wonderful show.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

So, I'm a combat veteran. When I was 22 I really did think that 23 was unlikely. I'm now in my mid-50s and every day has been another opportunity to make mistakes, amend them, and find new ones to make. Coming to terms with one's own mortality at a young age has been a gift, really. To quote the Dowager Countess Grantham, "I'll be fine until I'm not." And that really is OK.

[@bluerose2682]

Good lord...50s is still very young.

[@carlhicksjr8401]

@@bluerose2682 True, but I've put a few miles on the chassis. 😀 I haven't given up on life. I appreciate it a great deal. I've just come to terms with the idea that it isn't permanent, that's all.

[@YcatsMartinez]

@@carlhicksjr8401I don’t know why, but as I read your words, a line from an old hymn came to mind. I’m not particularly religious, but as a veteran myself, your words brought a distant memory to my mind from my time as a young scared soldier. The words are simply-It is well with my soul.

[@m.layfette6249]

​@@YcatsMartinezIn the lustrous words of the Dowager Countess of Grantham..."Who can argue with that?!?" For your service, bravery and honor, I salute you both and offer my unconditional Gratitude. 💜🙏🏾

[@jimhall1170]

"I'll be fine until I'm not". I love this line.

[@LGranthamsHeir]

7:45 "Do we agree to keep things civil between us, Minerva?" 7:50 "Indeed, Dolores. And don't be so defeatist. It's very middle class!"

[@hunterwang7695]

It’s a bloody truth in our days now lol middle class ->defeatists 😂

[@portiawest1925]

My moms grandmother died a few months after this came out and we looked for hours for the clip where the dowager talks to Mary to use at the funeral as downton was her favorite show. I finally found it today and my mom said it was like a piece of her grandmother was talking to her again

[@patriciajrs46]

I am very sorry for your loss. May you find many such wonderful quotes and pieces to bring joy to brighten your sorrow. God bless you and yours.

[@kath5201]

Favorite part is when mary said Granny would watch from every picture and speak from books..."That sounds exausting! Id rather rest in peace." 😂 Maggie Smith is a National Treasure. Or should be. Loved her from her first syllable.

[@locdemperor4378]

It’s one of the shows that honestly should have been a soap opera that last for decades

[@riyapatel6291]

Nah . This kinda show shows an era that didn't last so the show doing the same is fitting .

[@eugenegm]

Even Maggie Smith said that her character is so old that it defies credibility that she is still living.

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

Er, Maggie Smith has been politely saying, “i enjoyed it, but I’ve had enough.”

[@choryllis6646]

I love that Mary said Edith looked sunny that night, because it made me realize they were dressed to be the sun and the moon. Edith with her gold hair, gold dress and gold jewelry, thinner straps to signify warmth, and her diadem having little spikes on it as the points of light. Mary with her dark hair, silver dress and silver jewelry, thicker straps to signify coolness, and her diadem has stars in it.

[@deborahklinlger8565]

You are correct!!! I didn't notice until u pointed it out🎉❤. Ty😊 I love dancing. I like an occasional waltz or Polka. It's a shame that dancing has gone out of style. I live in North Jersey no place to dance that I know of. I keep waiting for a wedding🎉!!!❤😊🎉

[@movies-mt4so]

✨VULGARITY IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR WIT✨😗true downtown abbey fans will know

[@lower_than_furries9727]

You started it.

[@naomimia3368]

Ah Sybil. She was one of my favs. Her death was so tragic.

[@satlynutz]

@@naomimia3368 still hurts

[@robertd.carver6240]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: "Downton Abbey" is the BEST TV miniseries EVER!

[@philipsmith3084]

Most, if not all, of us have a great attachment to Maggie Smith. I know she has had to deal with breast cancer so I worry about that. It will be a sad world without her Maggie Smith in it. I love you Maggie!

[@philboudreaux9888]

I'm going to miss the Dowager Countess of Grantham, no one can replace Dame Maggie Smith. I bet Lady Mary will give it one hell of a try though.

[@ginadisbrow9324]

Lady Mary definitely has a strong personality, but she has a formidable shadow to overcome to match Dowager Countess Grantham.

[@jessicaschroeder6871]

@@ginadisbrow9324 yeah, bring Charlotte back from the dead, now that would be awesome. But unrealistic, meaning that would be some magical writings to fit into the current storyline

[@rick0e295]

Maggie Smith is as formidable as the Dowager Countess and a delightful LADY. You must see her as Daphne Castle in EVIL UNDER THE SUN, sparring with Diana Rigg. Spectacular cast.

[@Stand663]

Did you know she is a personal friend of the Queen. They regularly meet Buckingham palace or Windsor castle and have afternoon tea together.

[@siegridthomas9674]

Maggie Smith, one name, it says it all...

[@lyndagwyer8842]

Ohhh, I’m crying. Lady Dowagers face the last shot of her, is so sad. It’s so real, such brilliant acting.x😇💕

[@bevb736]

It's nice to see these actors actually know how to dance. So often actors have no idea how to move correctly on a dance floor.

[@SandraNelson063]

Info from a Theater BA holder: Part of our instruction was a lot of movement classes. We learned the basics of dance forms. But part of the rehearsal process for the series would have been classes with a choreography coach. The actors would have been taught whatever dance was needed. But, gosh, it's fab to watch a group of nicely dressed people do proper ballroom!

[@tbwpiper189]

Maggie Smith IS the Dowager Countess....wonderful breathtaking acting.

[@susannahjones6410]

I like seeing Mary and Edith getting along.

[@ncisfan78]

Agreed. It was actually so much better to watch them get along. They need to remember Sybil would want them to act like sisters and care for each other

[@susannahjones6410]

@@ncisfan78 id like to see one of them take Rose under their wing a little more too

[@audreykennedy8891]

@@susannahjones6410 Rose is married and living in the US with Atticus. She is an adult with her own family at this point in the movie.

[@markmh835]

Well now, as a Marchioness, Edith now outranks the rest of the family and has more wealth. She certainly "married up." It would behoove Mary and the rest of the Crawley family to get along with her.

[@robertpitzen1358]

@@markmh835 doesn't necessarily mean she has more money. I don't think the previous marquess was much of a planner.

[@SvanEsch123]

The way I bawled when I found out she was dying. I’m sad we didn’t get to see it happen though, but that probably would have crushed me

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

@Bardenbella120 and she dies. 87 year old Maggie Smith, with her 70 year career, is allowed to retire. Hallelujah.

[@kylie2577]

Comment did not age well

[@amygareis6276]

I think Mary is the next generation's Violet.

[@sidharthmedepalli4564]

Absolutely 😂

[@MsSonnencreme]

Violet is so much more caring and open hearted though

[@amygareis6276]

@@MsSonnencreme I was thinking more along the lines of her snarkiness and humor. She will tell you what's what.

[@cherylannemason]

I've long thought that they are two of a kind--and having them wear a similar shade of lilac here just underlines it.

[@MaggieTheCat01]

The next frightening old lady.

[@irishgirl379]

No one could ever replace the witty violet

[@priscillasolanki6390]

A sneak peak into Downton Abbey's amazing household a dance hall. All the wonderful characters make this hit show a great success. A by gone era never to be seen today but it takes us the fans back in time to a place where traditions along with changing times took centre court. The entire cast must be credited for outstanding performances showing us what it may have been like back then best they could with brilliant scripts & costumes. True masterpiece of our time. Love this show & hope to visit Highclere Castle & relive cherish memories from Downton Abbey ❤ thank you for sharing this video clip 👍😍

[@elliebarrington-denning3218]

Gosh that's just made cry my eye's out. 😢 I just love Downtown, but now this what am I going to do? 😟 such a brilliant cast...Well done!

[@priscillasolanki6390]

@@elliebarrington-denning3218 You crying tears of joy 😂 cheers to Downton Abbey a wonderful time piece in history 🏆now go have an ice cream your feel much better 🍦

[@zyxw2024]

🙄

[@patriciajrs46]

Couldn't have said it any better.

[@priscillasolanki6390]

@@patriciajrs46 Thank You so much for your wonderful compliment ❤ take care may you enjoy the cast in their full glory ☺I've enjoyed the series & movies worthwhile viewing👍

[@gillianmuspic2337]

Edith's dress at the beginning is stunning

[@LGranthamsHeir]

2:38 - 2:50 Tune in to "Downton Abbey Movie 4 (or 5)" in 20 years time, featuring an elderly Lady Mary, her son George (Lord Grantham), and his children as they struggled to keep Downton financially afloat from the early 1950s to the late 1970s.

[@casdunn6707]

I cannot imagine Downtown without her. It just can't be.

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

Rather selfish of you to demand an 87 year old actress, with a 70 year career, to keep working.

[@raew5263]

We all deserve to leave this earth w/the same sentiments; an interesting + fulfilled life. Great line. 👍

[@chris.shamblin]

This is an excellent scene. Fortunately, the trailer for the new film shows us that we can expect plenty more great moments from The Dowager Countess this summer.

[@Ursaminor31]

I’m happy Mary and Edith get along

[@ginadisbrow9324]

The screen writing, directing, and producing likes of Julian Fellowes, and acting delivery of the great Dame Maggie Smith is extremely rare these days. I am a US native, and long-time fan of English period pieces. This one is the crown jewel. I am currently on binge-watch number four of the series, and number three of the movie. I cannot wait for the sequel.

[@SuzyQ89]

I'm a huge fan of these period pieces as well! Have you watched Poldark? The newer one with Aiden Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson? It was fantastic!

[@ginadisbrow9324]

@@SuzyQ89 No, haven't heard of it. I only get Netflix and Peacock. Is it on either of these? Thanks for the tip!

[@patsmith5947]

I just loved this series I wished it didn’t end.

[@souravgang84]

Oh Maggie Smith ! Two women from this era, the very Brit Maggie Smith and the very American Betty White .... They r just outstanding!

[@spiegel3935]

RIP dear Betty White 😢

[@spiegel3935]

RIP dear Betty White 😢

[@Guardian__Angel]

The most heartbreaking scene of all of Downton Abbey.

[@reginaphalange9316]

Well we have Sybil’s death which was awful. And when Matthew died I nearly stopped watching.

[@pejr1982]

I love Mary and Edith getting along...

[@book_ina8118]

This conversation was really tough. I had tears in my eyes. 🥺

[@Bobrogers99]

Brilliant writing brought to life by a brilliant cast.

[@maria-ceciliapeon5776]

Ahh! THE ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ music!

[@Patrick11030]

So glad to see Tom (Allan Leech ) has finally found love again.

[@infonut]

and a small castle.

[@julierodaway4508]

Not only do I absolutely love Downton abbey the music is brilliant too

[@donnarawiri]

Absolutely love Mary's outfit....sooooo divine...congrats to the wardrobe staff...its simply exquisite...wish I was that thin I would wear it in a heartbeat lol....alas😥

[@kath5201]

I believe you echoed most of our thoughts. Exquisite.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

I forgot how much I loved this show until watching this

[@chadwalton8072]

This dialogue gripped me beyond words I had a similar talk with my granny

[@fc4660]

It feels like they’re saying goodbye as actors too 😢

[@careliz]

Si

[@terrymccahon2665]

The Dowager is a family protector and loves her blood kin LEGITIMATE or not... I LOVE THESE WOMEN!

[@juliam.mallen3181]

Phenomenal writing superb fashion amazing orchestra increadable acting performances I so love this show! 💜

[@cheryllim3272]

She is the best of Downton Abbey

[@olly-kai]

I love Lady Mary and Lady Edith as allies far more than enemies. They're sisters, "and sisters have secrets".

[@MarkHyde]

The merry dance of the pathos life so cinematically depicted in this one sequence. So well staged and acted.

[@pullinthread]

We want another series, not movies. Something to look forward on a Sunday night.

[@asmaashabaan6714]

Funny how quickly she accepted the fact that her granny was dying and just went to dance. When I heard that my granny was dying I could not sleep all night

[@silentsaturn7604]

The Dowager would not approve of an excess of tears.

[@happycook6737]

Mary did her duty and returned to the dance. An absence would be unthinkable. I'm sure privately she cried all night long too

[@julianaylor4351]

Love Lady Mary's twenties hairdo. ❤️

[@colestock9980]

“I’ll be fine, until i”m not” oh boy that might be a quote i use a lot…

[@rick0e295]

Happily Violets health has improved ✨ enough for an adventure in the South of France, where we will learn more about her Privileged EARLIER life. Would be difficult for her to face the loss of the way of life she has known. The magnificent Gilded Age elegance of the series is unparalleled AS is Maggie Smith. So loved her haughty encounters with Shirley McClain on the TV series. Downtown carries us back to a past never to be seen again. 👑 .💜 💖 . 👑

[@markoa.e.5398]

Thank you for posting this. I own the movie and saw it in a theatre but with the 2nd one coming out I needed this. Thanks

[@kmarch6630]

I'm much like the dowager in that I don't want to be bothered over when I'm ill. I usually just keep it to myself instead of seeing the looks of pity from others.

[@MandyJMaddison]

Wonderful acting from Michelle Dockery! What a challenge, playing this with Dame Maggie! Yes, Michelle IS the future.

[@margaretdonogriche3195]

Love Maggie Smith, I loved her when she was younger too, she was very pretty.

[@deborahklinlger8565]

Mary & her granny are so much alike it's uncanny really❤🎉😊!! Love this epic masterpirce!!!!❤🎉😊

[@alicekalorian8043]

When I first watched this scene, I felt they were preparing for Maggie Smith's departure from any further sequels/episodes. I'm so glad she is in the second movie, Downton-A New Era.

[@shaunyg4156]

If u ask me it kinda defeated the purpose and gravitas of this scene, they probably should've just saved it for the next movie

[@bernardrubin5816]

Such wonderful acting.

[@stephenharris3762]

Love the two waltzes.

[@patriciaangelavalerio9425]

Maravilha de série, excelente!🥰

[@sjackson9055]

great role she played, looking forward to part two

[@patrisha7487]

As a senior American, Maggie Smith is my favorite female actress of all time! 💗

[@happycook6737]

Beautiful!

[@jonnnyren6245]

Oh Dame Margaret Natalie Smith you are a blessing to hear and an angel to behold. I was always for The Crown but ever since I started watching Dame Maggie Smith's performances oh I don't know nearly a decade ago, I have fallen in love with her and her performance as the Dowager Countess. Unfiltered, and very comedic yet so reserved, regal and royal but she can have moments like this where she's just the ordinary mother, grandmother, and friend that can always be counted on. This scene ultimately paints her as the proud grandmother she is to a girl she has the humbled privilege to witness grow into a wonderful, serene and very beautiful young woman. I love this scene, and Lady Mary's "oh Granny I do love you so much?" That was sincere, part of the script yes but possibly with a hint of real love there between a grandmother and her granddaughter. And it be true because the entire cast of Downton Abbey adores her and loves her.

[@paulfrels3590]

I ADORE Maggie Smith!!! And the Costumes were All So Amazing 🤩!

[@prettypuffprincess]

I love this show

[@maureentuohy8672]

Downtime was the most beautiful show to watch!!!

[@jobob47]

wow. what a great scene in the library. would that we all could go out with such grace and serenity.

[@tomkellycartoons]

“I’ll be fine until I’m not. That’s all there is to it.” In ,y final chapter I quite agree. “There’s nothing sad here.”

[@lillianlyons3395]

Love Tom Branson so much. So glad he found someone almost as sweet Sybil.

[@ImreNagyM]

what hurts that these lines could have been said by Maggie Smith too… sadly she is not getting any younger either :(

[@Prieze868]

You're the best of me that gave me emotions

[@vania7462]

Out of all the characters in downton abbey. I love her the dowager the most

[@ardolexiano1244]

1:05 when she says "I have a medical test" , what I hear is "I have a magical test"

[@Skyebright1]

Professor McGonagall ;)

[@amandaican.2144]

Nice lol

[@davidwhite533]

But wasn't it nice at the end to see McGonagall and Umbridge being nice to each other?

[@tedthepup641]

Looking forward to the movie

[@rbeygarcia]

Bite your tongue, Granny. You’re not going anywhere. No, it’ll be Robert. The likelihood of any future Downton Abbey sequels are, I feel, only plausible if the Mary character is pushed by succession to the top of the pecking order at the estate , which unfortunately requires her father to pass on. This will open up many storyline and casting options moving forward. But she’d need her grandmama there at least at the start of her journey.

[@OfficialRyanx]

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

[@marybazargani6929]

No it's you!

[@sunnydaze2359]

I miss this show so much ! 😢

[@IsabelSilva-kx7fl]

Uma das melhores séries aprende se muito , muita educação eficiência , muita elegância , enfim tem tudo , civismo , impecável

[@Onlyhiphopbrendan]

To be a royal for just a day. Just one. Is it just me that has that fantasy?

[@XCarfaxAbbeyX]

I just want to dance at a ball...once in my life...

[@BeanieScooter]

Hollyweird cannot compete with this series. Seems they are out of ideas and just doing remakes. Love Downton. 💘

[@jackwilson9367]

I can’t unsee the orchestra merely pretending to play

[@seawolf365]

Love this-

[@patriciaangelavalerio9425]

Que tempos magníficos !🥰❤🙏

[@robertwatson2605]

I love these people...

[@jessier.cardona6062]

Love it, love it, love it! Violet, 💖🙏🌈✨💫🌟🌈🙏💖

[@SAMANTHAPERKINS]

There will be new Downton Abbey Movie isn't it? I think I saw the trailer somewhere, where Lady Grantham comes to inherit a mansion or plaza and they all get together for one last time. Oh I hope they do release it, it's ever so alluring and exciting. 😍😊

[@rick0e295]

Fear not, Dear Lady! My health has improved a bit. The film will be in theaters on Friday. There is still life in the Old Girl! 😉. 👑

[@TheFiown]

She still lived long enough to make another movie ! I hope that Maggie lives longer still !

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

Yes, let’s be selfish and demand that an 87 year old woman, with a 70 year career, keeping working.

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

@@thousandstreams1 re-read the first sentence. My comment stands, nitwit.

[@michaelwalker4022]

Elegant people from a gracious age and Beautiful Strauss music absolutely lovely wonderful Actors and actresses great legends and great star's✨ ❤️

[@rick0e295]

We seem to share mutual appreciation for great stars and a GRAND way of life never to be seen again! I am a great fan of ELIZABETH II, the last bastion of this life. Even she has been forced to compromise. I fear that with her passing, so much more will be LOST!

[@sandyneedham6499]

Wow, look at the size of the orchestra - production costs are not being clipped for this grand ball!

[@nwbrit-1912]

Even in my day - 50s and early 60s - dance orchestras/bands had up to a dozen musicians and a couple of singers. Then came the discos: one of the first was the Saddle Club I think. Dancing to records...very vulgar!!

[@robertandhollyscorpiofan2697]

Erm, unless the orchestra was filmed elsewhere and spliced in, or filmed remotely at the same time….

[@luai154]

Nothing changed with me still 🔥💪🔥.

[@marymathis9299]

Ahhhh, so lovely...so very lovely. That seems to me to be life all tied up in a pretty wrapper! Thank you! 😊❤🌺

[@1whitetailnut1]

I love all the people ❤️❤️🥰🥰

[@brandonbrooks3033]

Does anyone else think that the Dowager looks a bit cross-eyed here?!

[@helenreidt3315]

Didn't she have a small stroke during this series?

[@Regi-ri2el]

I was thinking the same thing! But that all plays into her supposed illness on the show.

[@audreykennedy8891]

@@helenreidt3315 she did?

[@shulammissaxon4016]

Yes, I actually thought she was going to keel over at the end of the scene!

[@AfoParedes]

I think I read somewhere that her eyes are CGI here

[@Alieh86]

I hate how people hate on Mary. Was she a snotty brat in S1 and some of S2? YES! But she was a teenager who had the weight of the world thrown on her shoulders to marry someone who she doesn’t love at first. Her “snobbish/bratty” behavior is no different than teens of today. But as the seasons progressed she matured as any person does. Her feud with Edith drug on, but generally speaking she funnel her stubborn and feisty personality for good. She started to understand her responsibility as the person who was going to carry on her family’s name. She was even able to start changing the way they ran the estate. I think the scene with Violet represents and passing of the torch. Violet sees that Marry is ready to lead the Abbey into the 20th century. In some ways that was a very modern thing to do.

[@mavisrosemond7346]

Mary is everything of her grandmother ❤

[@alking7655]

Dear Dame Maggie, she knows how to state the facts and not mince words. I can totally picture her saying this to Michelle off screen and believing it.