Martha Levinson Gives Downton "extra-drama" | Downton Abbey

[@klausoshaunacey8429]

Cora’s “thank you mother!” Is the most relatable, exasperated phrase uttered in the whole of Downton Abbey

[@chuckbass3641]

Anyone with opinionated parents felt every word.

[@bayoogungbeje4672]

Cora's mother was dripping with sarcasm and disdain of the British way of life from the moment she arrived and stepped out of the car 😂😅🤣. When she opened her arms in Greetings saying Cora's name. Cora hugged her and said mother how lovely to see you. Cora's mother replied "as long as it is" 😂😅🤣 knowing fully well she would get on her daughter's nerves before the visit was over 😂

[@beep7]

Maggie Smith does such a great job looking so uncomfortable lol! 😂😂😂

[@juliuscaesar8152]

" It might be fun " the Dowager Countess probably doesn't like fun

[@phaffner4106]

The Art of Irritation !! Wilde ish , I'd say. Such beautiful timing and delivery!!!

[@HAVENWELLE]

Dame Maggie Smith is one of the best actresses in the United Kingdom if not the world!

[@hernanmunozratto5899]

The joy of watching her alongside Shirley. Two giant actresses

[@jeminmangukiya8655]

even as Maggie Smith She hates American 😂😂😂

[@JakesNotDrinking]

That singing scene between Martha and the Dowager is one of the top three scenes in this show. Absolutely hysterical every time. I might even put it above Edith calling Mary a bitch.

[@fabulouschild2005]

Mrs Levinson was simply amazing in this. She took control and saved the dinner

[@davidreed9849]

A true hostess knows how to save a party in a crisis. I have watched my own grandmother do this a thousand times.

[@ericwierzbinski4993]

Why so many crisis surrounding your grandmother ?

[@l.a.3479]

​@@ericwierzbinski4993 crises

[@nawlincurly]

The Dowager’s reaction to Martha’s serenade...PRICELESS

[@SarahRenz59]

That scene reminds me of when a friend of mine was in the hospital, laid up in traction due to a slipped disc. We were still teenagers, and my friend was very depressed with the pain and being cooped up. One evening, another friend of hers came to the hospital dressed in a silver jumpsuit and platform shoes (it was the late 1970s), playing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" on the accordion! It worked perfectly -- my friend thought it was hilarious and it really cheered her up.

[@pameladavis895]

I'm sure that was Martha's way to say I'm not giving you the money but here's my last word!

[@jules7626]

I’m so sorry, I thought you were a waiter😂😂

[@benwusten5179]

I spit my beer out of laighter lol but that was amazing haha * cleans laptop*

[@albustran4855]

It's not the line that is funny. It's the way she say it and her face :)))))

[@debbxliu]

One of my favorite lines from her. Love her.

[@ApolosaCakau]

Gets me everytime 🤣🤣🤣😆

[@Scotiacottage]

Priceless!!! Lol.

[@Afroman29]

Martha's idea of an indoor picnic was awesome! That's what you need to do when you're in a crisis, and NOT act stuck up and snobby.

[@nelsonvega3444]

…..think out of the box make it work no matter what ….and worked it did …

[@rachelgarber1423]

Exactly and the guests seem to have enjoyed themselves

[@echo.echo08]

I very much love the American touch in this episode! I wish we had more of the Mrs. Levinson and Lady Violet interactions.

[@RaymondHng]

@@1TroyTroy Black tie...carrying cold food on a plate...queuing up for buffet service...walking around the house...singing...The Dowager Countess is so traumatized.

[@Dr.SyedSaifAbbasNaqvi]

@@1TroyTroy Haha. But still I am more greedy to see an uncomfortable Violet. It's just hilarious what she can do looking uncomfortable ❤️

[@buddyobbard2176]

There was that one in a later season where Martha catches Violet going up to bed and tells her “your world is coming to an end, and ours is rising”. Violet looked so shaken hearing that like “um..?”

[@michaeldelisieux]

@Echo Echo The clash of two worlds: one, dying; the other, vibrant and evolving. Completely agree with you! Isobel was this counter point in many occasions. But Martha being American, in the turn of the century would have brought a special touch of lightness, practicality and adaptation to the drama!

[@HH_The_Great]

I wish Mrs. Levinson had been in at least the first Downton movie.

[@mobeenahmad93]

I’m always confused cuz Martha really didn’t cause extra drama. She saved their dinner! Even in her second visit! And they should’ve taken up her offee to arrange Sybil’s birth plan since their plan is the one that killed her

[@Jamestopboy]

Except in 1920, America had *the* highest death rate in the world...

[@barbarat5729]

@@Jamestopboy Good thing they were in Britain then! I mean honestly, did you think your comment made sense?

[@Jamestopboy]

@@barbarat5729 It made perfect sense; I was referring to the whole thing that Mobeen said about that Sybil should have gone to America. She was actually *more* likely to die there!

[@christinamitchell6796]

Wow I forgot about that, that's true.

[@mrspock1994]

Jamestopboy pro-hi-BITION

[@omgitsBenjamin]

That little cheers she does at the end, the way she waits for him to clink glasses, and when he doesn't she does it herself to his slight astonishment.

[@Sunshine_smile007]

The Dowager's, " I.m sorry, I thought you were the waiter" was priceless and hilarious. Also her reaction to Cora's mother's serenade..I just couldnt stop laughing!

[@madeleinebelle2105]

Shame Martha Levinson's visit was brief...but what a powerful message she brought...so many truths.

[@thomasthomas2418]

Had the impression that when Shirley McClain sang the last stanza to Violet was a true moment of sweetness from Shirley yo Maggie Smith. Lovely scene.

[@glen7318]

I thought just weird....

[@ryanwolff4058]

Agreed. I loved how Shirley delivered the last stanza.

[@Isaiah.2003]

The Dowager Countess looked so uncomfortable 😂😂

[@RaymondHng]

Black tie...carrying cold food on a plate...queuing up for buffet service...walking around the house...singing...The Dowager Countess is so traumatized.

[@l.a.3479]

​@@RaymondHng 3rd time

[@becca5100]

Shirley MacLaine I love you!! Today has been horrible, I tuned in and this is what I found on KZbin, consider this as your having saved a life for what that's worth ( I am almost 70 years old)I think you are the coolest person ever, far out!! I am a Downton Abbey aficionado but have never seen this episode of you leading the Downton Abbey "picnic", hilarious tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks, bless your precious heart!

[@morley247]

The dowager is sleeping!! hahahahaha I love her being uncomfortable.

[@HAVENWELLE]

She couldn't have been too uncomfortable since she was sleeping soundly.

[@georgeprchal3924]

I kinda wanna see the flashback episode where Robert and Cora marry so we can see what happened when these two first met.

[@nina1522]

Yes, I'd love to see their wedding.

[@Acrum99]

@Ber P. No it wasn't. Robert married Cora against Violet's wishes. Even though it was for money on his part, it wasn't an arranged marriage. Also, Cora married Robert for love, not the title.

[@Xerxes2005]

@Ber P. From what I remember, it was her father who wanted a link with nobility.

[@debbie74dj]

I would love to see their wedding. Remember when Robert asked Cora about their daughters marrying fortune seekers and if they'd be happy with one? Cora said she was happy with hers and he apologized to her and told her he was ashamed that's why he married her but that he loved her very much. Aww!

[@debbie74dj]

@Ber P. lust? Why not love as a reason for marriage? A marriage of convenience was usually a partnership and most often a win/win situation for both parties. I may be easily impressed but I just love seeing the good in things. It takes less effort to be kind I think. No need to constantly correct others, put them down or just object to everything that is said. I hope everyone enjoys the videos and I cannot wait to see the Downton Abbey movie !

[@luis_zuniga]

I wish we could've seen more of her.

[@miriamhavard7621]

Me, too!!!!

[@Luboman411]

I love how this woman brings in her American can-do attitude to an emergency. These people came for a party. Let's give them a fucking party! (Also, her American money is what's keeping this whole giant thing afloat, so they all have to listen to her or else!)

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Amen.they are so good at being high handed with other people's money.

[@P3891]

The American money was gone by this season.

[@glen7318]

True they are not using Martha's money. And She's such an awful character. Partly Shirley Mclaine and partly the wrtiing

[@Pius-XI]

@@P3891 It's what saved it in the first place though.

[@Pius-XI]

@@glen7318 Rubbish!!

[@pidlive]

Carson's face is gold 🤣

[@Eowyn3Pride]

He's so appalled yet, just wants to know what to do next...🦁or🐯

[@mskates2001]

Loved the character of Martha Levinson!

[@felipeestopado2346]

*The coolest character in Downton*

[@KaliSidharth]

I like how cora is all sweet and subtle but she can put her foot down when needed ❤

[@kimidanger1150]

shirley mcclaine was perfectly cast! i wish we got to see more of her.

[@normadesmond6017]

Shirley Maclaine singing for Maggi Smith is priceless! And Maggi steals the entire scene without saying a word. haha. When you see a movie 3 hours long and Maggi Smith is in for 5 minutes, those are the mnutes you will remember .

[@andreasoto5205]

I really like the character of Martha Levinson Her attitud is like, everything is gonna be alrigth 😅 And the Dowager: I would like a drink, Oh so sorry, I thought you were a waiter 😂😂

[@Maaarrina]

Andrea Soto 🍁 so true! Martha is effortlessly classy in an “American” way.😉

[@rodouladoulos1548]

The true mum in law...being there and advizing,BUT leaving to let the air and time pass...I hopethat I can be a real good mother in law when the time comes....Having :other peoples children: consider and respect you is so wonderful!!!!!!

[@uglydemon]

@@Maaarrina Comfortable in her own skin and not worried about the "legacy" or impression that she will leave. She is living her truth to use the parlance of our times.

[@celiaosborne3801]

Dowager dearest looks just like my cat when unexpectedly disturbed

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

So true.

[@l.a.3479]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Mario_1611]

"I thought you were a waiter". That was uncalled for 😂😂

[@ryanwolff4058]

They opened the Reading Room for a moment

[@lareinadebastos]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@deelighted]

I love Cora’s mom! Mary was beyond this episode, so we needed lightheartedness, I think.

[@kilted911]

The very end of the clip! The mother in law wants to clink the glasses for the informal toast, and Robert clearly does not! Nice touch!

[@InFltSvc]

I will always have many years of Sunday night memories preparing special snacks and drinks to settle in with my mother to watch this great show... Thank you Carnival productions...

[@albustran4855]

I miss the opening theme music... The feeling just like when I hear Hogwarts school music

[@sheilaburns8977]

What lovely memories. PEACE to ALL ... and STAY SAFE and HEALTHY.

[@cynhanrahan4012]

She really did save the day. I remember this episode. Her manners appalled the English, but what a character!

[@craigspain2349]

I don't know why Robert so maligns Mrs. Levinson this night! She saved the evening and gave everyone a wonderful party! Flexibility over rigidity always wins! Hooray for Mrs. Levinson!

[@martincook318]

Shirley McLean is a Remarkable actress and she can sing as well and she and Dame Maggie Smith Compliment each other Marvellously and you never get a bad Performance from each of these Actresses only a Brilliant one

[@xstanadu]

Was the very Best show on television Miss this and look forward to the big screen debut of DOWNTON ABBEY !

[@davidreed9849]

Cora’s mother is all of the women who raised me. My grandmother, my mother, the friends. Rich, elegant, American.

[@Eowyn3Pride]

Ah!!! Sound advice for changing times!🥰

[@debbiemclaughlin3460]

She's fabulous

[@scotto9591]

This is one of the episodes I cannot see often enough. The whole premise of people not having a formal dinner when one was expected, has priceless reactions with all the characters. Americans adapt 😉

[@simsandsurgery1]

It’s been a while since I’d seen the show, and I had forgotten that some of my favorite lines were from the same moment. “Oh you two are dressed for a barbecue.” And “Oh so sorry... I thought you were a waiter.”

[@jenkins5265]

The contrast was really well done. Martha is loud, unapologetic and in your face vs. the passive aggressive refinement of Lady Grantham. Each are strong in different ways.

[@rocketmom60]

I had to chuckle in season 4 where she tells the Lord Alsup (I think he's the one after her) that she has a "cottage" in Rhode Island. I bet the upper crust English didn't realize that those cottages rival Downton Abbey and they were just for the summer months.

[@keivefy]

@Adaneth Oh yes you can, with bucket loads of ready cash. A house with history is fine but if its old, draughty and cold it's no comfort and no use. The Rhode Island 'cottages' were new and built with comfort in mind.

[@jws1948ja]

At the end, the best advice Lord Grantham ever got.

[@kevinward4268]

"I'm so sorry. I thought you were a waiter" has to be the funniest line in the whole series.

[@becca5100]

Dressed in black tie-- as if for a " barbecue" I am laughing so hard I can hardly breathe. Stellar!!!

[@iniyers6679]

Shirley and Maggie! ❤️

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Both Oscar winners.

[@albustran4855]

@@SymphonyBrahms both legends.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Maggie wins.

[@HAVENWELLE]

Two legendary actresses!

[@Hallows4]

"If it's the end of your undignified campaign I won't be sorry!" That's the politest vitriol I've ever heard. Elizabeth's delivery was gold :)

[@kerriethompson2073]

Shirley McClain and Maggie Smith in a scene together! Awesome!

[@AlexS-oj8qf]

I can see it now, Edith takes on Martha and Mary takes on Violet. Edith is Modern and all about Progress and Change, while Mary is all about Traditions and Conservation.

[@vijaythasathyanarayanan2486]

Always thought that too! They clearly favour one grandma over the other. The grandmothers show both girls affection but spend more time with the one favouring them. Even Rosalind is split among her nieces- her social persona and cold affinity for drama went to Mary and her penchant for oddities and humanity went to Edith

[@msinvincible2000]

Mary has inherited the worst of Violet.

[@jehannethompson1432]

Not exactly. Mary helped modernize the estate

[@yohandrys]

Mary was everything but conservative. Ask Pamuk.

[@jehannethompson1432]

Dahiana Colás lol. She wasnt racist like Edith tho lol

[@marcosgarcia2643]

3:55 - very nice conversation!

[@GeoCrockerPot]

Britain loves America and America loves Britain, end of story!🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@logiciansvlog5800]

That's very true, we do really love eachother. It's funny how Britain was the first enemy America ever had and now Britain is the strongest ally America has ever had. We love the Brits over here in America! 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@willturner1865]

🇬🇧💓🇺🇸 Let me tell you about my best friend they’re a humongous country that’ll back me up until the very end.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

It's not 1812.

[@patcola7335]

The USA is the offspring of England so there will always be that bond.

[@bluemercy297]

I've been in situations where I felt blah and thanks to my mom in-laws she's been there here everywhere. Oh I lv her so😂😂

[@jimwise4307]

I so love this show.

[@luisfedericosala1354]

Shirley McLaine is a wonderful actress. I am her fan, after seeing her on the sixty playing “Irma La douce “with Jack Lemon.🌷🌹🌺🍀❤️

[@shazenmaire]

I wanted more Martha!!!

[@CJ-im2uu]

Martha models the 1920's attitude: "It's broccoli my dear and I don't give a damn".

[@andrewjones-productions]

From this scene, what I find interesting is that Martha refers to the buffet style dinner as an 'indoor picnic', so I looked it up. It seems, that the modern style buffet became popular in the 1920s. Although the roots of the buffet are actually far, far older it seems. These tiny details that Julian Fellowes introduced into Downtown Abbey are actually quite fascinating and genius too. Obviously, there was some dramatic license as in those days, a buffet, which consisted of warm dishes was intended for a luncheon not a dinner where as we see, a 'cold buffet' was likely served as the oven in Mrs. Patmore's kitchen wasn't working.

[@marcosgarcia2643]

1:22 funny clothes and no food! It should be a quite evening!

[@hecate3062]

The singing part when the Doweger countess and lady Granthams mother sit together makes me feel like my 2 grandmothers. One ahed of her time and one still going for traditions. But they get along fine☺️

[@bogdancristea9270]

I really don't understand what Robert, Mary, Violet and Carson wanted to do. What exactly was their backup idea? Their house was full of guests, yet they couldn't put any posh food on the table. However, when Martha comes up with a plan to avoid sheer humiliation, they sneer at her and talk behind her back, worrying that the party she has organised to save their dignity is not grand enough for their standards. What planet are these people living on?

[@andrewjones-productions]

Oh, that's easy. It's a planet called 'Tradition'. It's where everyone goes when they want to avoid the future (even the immediate future) and cling onto the past.

[@AllAmericanJock]

They're huge snobs. But we love them anyway.

[@thezord6686]

This is the most funniest and the best episode in Season 3 😂😂😂

[@pegaga1618]

Shirley Mc Lain is awesome

[@sabrinan4792]

Carson's remembering his days in vaudeville...

[@virginiabotha3545]

Shirley McClaine is awesome in this role.😊

[@martincook318]

I love Shirley McLean as she is such a Versatile actress who can do Musical,Comedy and Drama and who never seems to have changed and she like Dame Maggie Smith must be in her 80's and God bless you Shirley you are a icon

[@colttodd522]

no water . she ain't a punk

[@becca5100]

"Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you", 🎶 Now I'm crying...

[@brendanwaters3275]

2:04 The intense way Cora says that 😆

[@EmmelineSama]

Oh, that song!! Loved it in "Anne of Green Gables: The continuing story", such a long time ago!

[@InFltSvc]

The BEST TV series viewed on American TV in decades, thanks to the British. I have many wonderful memories of making special snacks, wine and teas every Sunday night for my mom.. it was all so good looking forward to it every week planning and getting ready for the evening ....Thank You Britain.....

[@l.a.3479]

You've already made this comment.

[@lisajames295]

I can’t watch anything with Shirley McClain without hearing “Weezer, you know I love you more than my luggage.” Or “He’s a real gentleman, I bet he takes the dishes out the sink fore he pees in it.” LOL 😂 When she says “well, ya gotta spend it on something.” In this episode I always go back to Weezer in Steele Magnolias. ❤️❤️

[@Eowyn3Pride]

That was a great movie also!🥰

[@l.a.3479]

🤣

[@jennyvanniekerk9600]

Shirley was and will always be a great actress

[@tigertail68]

I love this episode with Downton Abbey. It shows that sometimes the elite can be shown another way to do things by the hoi polloi, and that it is just fine!

[@popelgruner595]

That's how to create momentum.

[@Fee212]

Carson's face throughout this unsophisticated affair.... hahaha We all knew Mrs Crawley would be so pleased for the Granthams to be more like the "common man."

[@tomsmith2013]

"This evening has made me homesick for America. I'd love a whiskey. No water." Proof that history repeats itself - especially in the age of SCUMp. Make mine a triple.

[@rolasiasilva4845]

Esta série foi sem dúvida o melhor que a tv apresentou no Brasil. Infelizmente não poderei assistir por causa da legenda não falo inglês, que pena, mas agradeço mesmo assim

[@m.layfette6249]

I'm STILL reeling from the Shock of how in the world could Dame Maggie Smith and Shirley McClaine did that scene without Bursting into complete, non-stop, uncontrollable Laughter!!! 🤭😂🤣🤭😂🤣🤭😂🤣🤭😂🤣

[@pedanticradiator1491]

Because they are such great actors

[@m.layfette6249]

@@pedanticradiator1491 They're beyond Great... they're Legendary!! Maggie and Shirley are the epitome of of what acting is all about. To Not play a character, but embody that character till they become a person. Someone whom relates to you on multiple levels You didn't even know existed.

[@l.a.3479]

Probably between takes they were rolling. 😂

[@ytcarol]

I'm only sorry that Martha Levinson didn't appear in the excellent full length movie just out. Shirley MacLaine was perfect in the role of Cora's mother.

[@CheersNE]

She truly was. It may be my imagination but I feel like many Brits still cringe at the thought Or sound of a strong Jewish American woman. I can almost hear it in the comments.

[@pedanticradiator1491]

@@CheersNE I'm British and have loved Shirley for years and neither her or her character are Jewish. Her characters late husband was though

[@CheersNE]

@@pedanticradiator1491 Thanks Carl.

[@Adino1]

3:31 not going to lie, I watched this entire series because of that scene's gif image

[@melaniekendall4903]

This has made me homesick for America! Well seeing you're American where else would be home!!!

[@jamiecee4960]

I thought that Lady looked familiar. Shirley Maclaine. Wow..Awesome. A lot of funny parts in this show. Its so fun.

[@margo3367]

I love Shirley MacLaine. She's a pistol. Americans are the new kid on the block. We like being the new kid on the block, but I have a deep respect for the English. Their civilization goes back thousands of years. I find their history fascinating.

[@gerardcollins80]

Poor Carson looks on the verge of fainting.

[@anushkasharma102]

Violet crawley 😂😂😂😂😂🤣

[@eroche913]

So the 1920s equivalent of a polo shirt and cargo shorts, is a satin tuxedo, black silk bow-tie and wing collared fine linen shirt. I'd hate to see the formal occasions.

[@aa1944-k2r]

Martha is so fucking cool, when she first came I thought she would be very harsh and judging but turns out she is very open minded and willing to accept and embrace things. hope will see her again later as i continue to catch up with the show (a few years late)

[@agnesmartinez3433]

American innovativeness and trouble shooting skill night the night out of a possibly huge embarrassment.

[@martincook318]

Good on Martha on taking charge of a bad Situation and Shirley McLean can also sing and she is a Icon

[@flyboy152]

3 posts and you still can’t get her name right? 🙄

[@andrewaway]

Brilliant.

[@Pius-XI]

Gilded Age America.....Yes, please 😁

[@rocketmom60]

I always wondered why Cora never went to the U.S. to visit her mother, especially when Robert went to help her brother.

[@audreykennedy8891]

Yes her brother didn't meet his nieces until they were all in their twenties. Strange!!

[@TheKkf1015]

Transatlantic travel in these times was primarily by boat, which could take at least a month depending on the ship. Even people as rich/influential as the Crawley's and Levinson's would have to make plans to be gone for months to a year at a time to make travel worth it. Many times it just wasn't worth the expense or time it would take unless it was for immigration or business.

[@RaymondHng]

She's now a Crawley, not a Levinson.

[@glen7318]

When you see her Mother, are you surprised she didnt visit often

[@LeenaStark]

I found it somewhat disappointing that the writers didnt allow the characters of Mrs. Levinson and her son Harold ( _Paul Giamatti_ ) more scenes and _growth_ on the series; I believe both would have added more _spunk_ & laughter to the show.

[@brontewcat]

It may have been too expensive. But the attraction of Downton Abbey is its Britishness. Some contrast is fine, but too much and the show loses what it was about.

[@salina8653]

I agree it would have been nice to see clips from their European tour and maybe a popover back to the big house on their way back to America. Paul Giamatti is a great actor and I did like him in the brief episode he was in. But British ain't going to take that from America they don't want to be overshadowed LOL

[@flyboy152]

@@salina8653 Just FYI, they didn’t go back to Downton on their way back to America. They must have sailed back directly from Rome, or whatever their final European destination was.

[@raniseema2003]

Where did the chicken come from if the oven was broken 🤷‍♀️

[@iamwaterur2296]

Smoked

[@Jrr592]

It was smoked

[@christinamitchell6796]

Lol!!!😂

[@bronwyn9082]

It could be that they had leftover roast chicken, boiled ham, beef, and pickled fish...its quiet common in those days

[@danielalvarado9019]

It was leftovers from the larder or smoked.

[@litoboy5]

LOVELY LADY

[@themarquis336]

What a character. They were beautifully shrewd to make their most American character as stereotypically annoying as it could be for the British family, but also incredibly smart and modern and the healthy antithesis of what Downton represented. And Shirley MacLaine. How perfect.

[@Angel-nu7fm]

Considering her money kept them afloat in the first place and they were after it again when Robert messed up, they are pretty snooty..glad she turned them down.

[@Jiskpirate]

Watch this at 0.5 speed. Makes the kitchen scene even better

[@marksurgeon3088]

hahahaha it really does

[@dariusanderton3760]

0:17 yes I agree :) "they'll be no souffles tonight"

[@Davey-TheDJ]

Oh I just absolutely love Downton Abbey!!! Im in love with me! 😁LMFGAO

[@l.a.3479]

Get over yourself