The Dowager's Finest Moments | Downton Abbey

We really believe that Violet Crawley has given us the best moments on Downton Abbey. Which is your favourite one? We'll choose the top rated comments and we will do a compilation for you!
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[@DowntonAbbey]

We really believe that Violet Crawley has given us the best moments on Downton Abbey 😍Which is your favourite one? We'll choose the top rated comments and we will do a compilation for you! 🤩

[@polljones8921]

Some of her best moments are when she doesn't really speak, but just allows her eyes and body and facial expressions to do the work. That is what sets her acting apart. I'd love a compilation of all of her looks and grimaces and stares, (some of the various looks she gave Cora's mother were priceless). #maggiesmithisalegend #whatisaweekend

[@nursejoco3242]

It may be because I am American. But I love the interaction between she and Cora’s mother. In fact, anytime she references Americans is the absolute best.

[@andreasoto5205]

I love all her phrases but one that for me is the funniest is when she confusses Robert with a waiter 😅

[@lizzyscorner]

All are my favorites, as she reminds me so much of my late grandmother. Same facial expressions, hands and comments. It was an absolute joy seeing Maggie Smith portraying the dowager!

[@m.layfette6249]

"Vulgarity is no subsituite for Whit."

[@nicolarollinson4381]

The, "I'm sorry, I thought you were a waiter" line, makes me laugh every time. The delivery and timing is impeccable 😅

[@g0nt411]

Yeah me too. I don't even remember why she needed a drink.

[@metadietz8606]

"Why does every day involve a fight with an American?" lol

[@jackpowell8307]

The question I ask myself everyday😂

[@agatagarcia8065]

A FIGHT with American people? NEVER!!!

[@jbvader721]

As an American: How dare- you're right.

[@Izzybaggins]

The story of the last 10 years of my life

[@KTHR56]

As an American I 100% agree with this. 😂😂

[@taylorwiseman8078]

Isobel: I take that as a compliment. Dowager Countess: I must have said it wrong.

[@CroneAnneke1962]

Taylor Wiseman 🤣

[@keelyclevenger]

Haha the flower contest. I loved that the Dowager actually gave away the prize at the end. That was one of her softer moments.

[@lemonlemon7272]

Savage

[@katerossi5432]

Only Maggie Smith could pull the dowager off so well.

[@guessmyname6210]

How right you are! She's perfection.

[@rossen8384]

Only yes 100%

[@calebklingerman7902]

The best character in the show by far

[@jennifermccracken9842]

Violet is absolutely my favorite character from Downton Abbey.

[@mothmagic1]

I must heartily agree with you on that.

[@tfh5575]

“In Essex? Isn’t it terribly damp?”

[@AtlasBlizzard]

I love that. She was not against the idea of a nudist colony, she was just worried it wasn't the most comfortable place to be nude. 😂

[@andresperezroldan8143]

"What is a weekend?" Gets me every time! :D

[@miriamhavard7621]

She looked absolutely mystified. She may have just as well asked, "what IS a spaceship?"

[@keelyclevenger]

Makes me laugh even reading it!

[@Samson-vd8ec]

I don’t get it. 😂😂😂

[@andresperezroldan703]

@@Samson-vd8ec Those people lived effortless lives. Every day was just a laid-back day. That's why they didn't see distinction between, say, a Tuesday and a Sunday.

[@Kathy12Ray]

@@Samson-vd8ec the working class was being entrenched, amd it is workers who needed a weekend to relax. The landed gentry and aristocrats knew no such thing, unless they were running factories and such like

[@maxeyre2024]

Her best moment was when she thought Isobel would leave to get married, and she told Mary she had become used to having a companion. One of the more emotional Dowager moments.

[@sheilaburns8977]

I thought it was so sweet and poignant … the Dowager also said Isobel is her friend and she will miss her company.

[@keelyclevenger]

Yes I did love that. She was actually upset she was leaving.

[@maryannlockwood7806]

Downton 654 I still feel Isobel should’ve married Doctor clarkson. 🇬🇧

[@heathermetz3974]

I just watched that clip again and it was priceless!

[@Rikard_A]

- How you hate being wrong. -I wouldn't know, I am not familar with the sensation. Probably going to use it in a conversation.

[@keelyclevenger]

Oh I have been waiting too... although it would never come out as great as when Maggie said it!

[@IgnisPyro]

I would as well but sadfully the situation in which i'm wrong enough to say hasn't come yet

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

That was my favorite, too. LOL.

[@katerinadicamella]

I must adopt this use on anyone ever trying to sarcastic my egos~🤭

[@fanni24]

One of many favourite lines from her!

[@JamieMcLochlin]

I love the whole scene with the swivel chair. But when she says "I'm a good sailor", that always makes me laugh out loud.

[@nicolarollinson4381]

Me too 🤣

[@B612nian]

"I was right about my maid. She's leaving... to get married. How can she be so selfish?!"

[@jayt9608]

You can hear the slight tongue-in-cheek humor in her voice as she says it. And you know that Lady Cora is playing along with the jest by leaning in and widening her eyes before speaking. Lady Violet will miss her maid, and is not looking forward to hiring another, but she will cover these emotions with light-hearted slightly exagerated sarcastic humor.

[@Sunshine_smile007]

How can we forget that epic dialogue she made to Mathew about the broken vase after his fight with Carlisle "It was a wedding present from a frightful aunt. I have hated it for half a century" 🙂

[@user-gv9nk7oq3o]

“No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else’s house, especially someone they did even know” That’s my favourite one lol A real English gentleman must only die in the appropriate time and place lol

[@keelyclevenger]

@Diana Chino yes I was wondering if that is what she was referring to or just being funny.

[@phalynwilliams4119]

@D C , Thanks for explaining.

[@ashleytrout7452]

Probably the expectations they had for themselves

[@koppsr]

And only AFTER having gotten aquatinted with the owners of said place. 🧐 😉

[@felipeestopado2346]

*looollll that swivel chair had me lmao!*

[@fancybrooks3156]

Me. too! Now that was a piece of acting right there! I first thought she was having some sort of attack! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@guessmyname6210]

Yes, that cracked me up!

[@thelaurels13]

“Edith you’re a lady not Toad of Toad Hall” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@garyjones2561]

A toad? Trevor!

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

What’s sad is that most non Brits/English would not get this supremely excellent joke!

[@BIGBLOCK5022006]

@@jenniferhiemstra5228 Wind In The Willows.

[@hollybrewer608]

“How you hate to be wrong.” “Oh I shouldn’t know. I’m not familiar with the sensation.” I’ve used this line myself a few times, and to some degree it always succeeds in shutting people up.😂😂😂😂

[@destroyerz5646]

"When I'm with her, I am reminded with the virtues of the English." "But, isn't she American?" "Exactly."

[@fni9948]

Shade!

[@Naegahaenaelkkoya]

Savage👏🏻🔥

[@jackpowell8307]

I’m going to use that whenever I’m talking about my American friend😂

[@downtoncatbey8596]

😹😹😹😹😹 Sick burn! 🔥

[@leukemia6175]

I dont understand? Can someone please explain? :")

[@schana96]

The only reaction to a nudist colony in Essex being "Isn't it damp?" is just awesome.

[@elisaronchi672]

Who else is dying to see Maggie Smith's interview like me? Thumbs up if you do👍🏻👍🏻

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

"I wouldn't know. I'm not familiar with the sensation [of being wrong]." Epic.

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Epic, indeed

[@Val-hr4op]

Love this one.

[@glamp63]

“What is a weekend?” hands down!

[@chrishoo2]

Glamp63 “Weak end!”

[@lower_than_furries9727]

Personally, my favorite moment was when she said she had hated that broken vase after Matthew's fight and when she broke down after her granddaughter's passing. It shows how humane she is and it was so heartfelt.

[@keelyclevenger]

How can you not love Violet. She made the show what it was along with everyone else. She always has the perfect timing, response, facial expression, and tone to make the moment as funny as possible. Downton wouldn't have been Downton without her!💕

[@paulovemx2222]

Maggie Smith is probably my favorite character of the show but her counterpart Penelope Wilton was so complimenting to her, their comebacks were hilarious, Penelope was really funny too.

[@4knewt505]

The zingers are one thing, but that flummox at the end with her knife and fork completely take her performance to another level. Hrmph!

[@Nat0528]

I’m at work literally screaming 🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂😂😂 that took me out! I’m weakkkkkkkk😂

[@4knewt505]

@@Nat0528 so your reply came in while I'm at work so I had to rewatch it again and now I have laughing tears at my desk! I think it's time to binge the series again!

[@Nat0528]

@@4knewt505 girl I’m now watching season 4 and I simply cannot get enough of her! Lmaooooooooo that seething bristle with knife and fork has me in stitches 🤣

[@maryjanew20]

She is by far my favorite character and no one could have played the Dowager better than Maggie Smith!

[@grease58]

HOWWWW did this cast not bust out laughing at these line deliveries?? BRILLIANT every time!!

[@normadesmond6017]

Ahhh, Maggi Smith can play anything, but she was born for this one, although she won't agree with that. I bet she can play these sort of roles in her sleep. And yes, "What is a weekend,"is priceless. But then again: Maggi Smith can look at a phonebook, than say: "Hmmmm, I can do something with that," and win an Oscar for it the next year. She's that good.

[@takosama6893]

“Wha-what is a weekend?” The best line ever

[@user-xl5hk3te9s]

That line has become my motto for retirement. 🤭

[@cherylb6755]

Each and every single moment the Dowager was on screen was her best. Combined, it all was an exceptional piece of art, a communion between a great actor and fabulous writing. I don’t often laugh out loud at TV (probably because I so rarely watch it), but Maggie Smith and Violet Crawley had the best standup act going. Thank you for sharing this!👏🏻🎁

[@katerinaaqu]

3:30 "Of course she is! She's just not entitled to win it!" Well...she's not wrong at that! XD No one is entitled to win an arguement in a talk XD But the way that she was so upset in this clip is amazing! What an actress!

[@didixtar2863]

OMG she’s the best character in DA, can’t wait for the movieeeeeeeee

[@georgeprchal3924]

Isobel: There's no need to change, it'll only be us. The Dowager: And who are we to merit any courtesy?

[@stephen.]

They should make a spinoff about Violet’s time at Downton and explain the whole Russian prince story.

[@antonioescob6041]

downton abbey prequel?

[@raraavis7782]

stephen Oh, but who would play the young Violet??

[@stephen.]

Rara Avis anyone they cast that could fill the role if there ever was a prequel.

[@4knewt505]

That would be lovely

[@yooringonghan]

Russian prince? But I thought the British (then) hate the Russians for being autocratic & their treatment of the Jews? so far the only one they were indifferent to was Dagmar of Denmark (Alexandra's sister a.k.a. Maria Feodorvna wife of Alexander III)

[@Gauche69]

Can’t we just have a whole series on her adventures? Lady M. Smith is so amazing

[@cambrie7946]

That would be Dame Maggie Smith

[@Plethorality]

​@@cambrie7946thank you.

[@flowergirl850]

Only Maggie Smith can deliver these lines so perfectly

[@guessmyname6210]

Maggie Smith is pure gold

[@m.layfette6249]

Gold. Silver. Bronze. Platinum and Diamond 💎.

[@katg9361]

I love Violet so much. How they didn’t laugh when she said some of her lines I do not know! Maggie is definitely the icing on the cake for Downton. “I never argue, I explain” “my your halo must be getting heavy that it will have to be warn like a crown” 😂

[@carolcoates3750]

Recently, during an interview, Dame Maggie said she has never watched Downton Abbey or anything else she's starred in. Such a shame. Very modest lady and a wonderful actress!

[@thekingsdaughter4233]

Hard to imagine that there might be room for improvement with her, but I often read from actors who _do_ watch their own movies that they keep thinking, "Oh, I could have done _this_ better, and that, what was I thinking, and why didn't I..." - you know, their own worst critics. Doesn't sound like my idea of a nice relaxing night... :-(

[@rossen8384]

I think she's almost embarrassed by the level of attention she got with DA.

[@joannedenney5608]

"What is a weekend?" is one of my favourites 😂

[@raraavis7782]

Joanne Denney I must have seen that scene a dozen times by now and still makes me burst out in laughter 😂

[@deirdresamuelsen3692]

Rara Avis j

[@6ixConfessions]

Maggie Smith is a talented artist of the highest calibre. Her portrayal of the Dowager couldn't have been done better. I found myself watching the series mainly to see her character. Subtle intelligent comedy at it's best.

[@sarahtullamore1873]

In my day, a lady was incapable of feeling physical attraction until she'd been instructed to do so by her Mama..!!!

[@latinguy67]

My favorite line is when she comes for Lord Merton's future daughter in law..."you're a cool, little mess, aren't you?" That was a BURN!

[@19jacinta88]

2:26 "Why does every day involve a fight with an American?" That's it. I'm done.

[@eshab3711]

Lady Violet to Robert when he wore wrong clothes for dinner: Oh Do you think I might have a drink? Oh I'm so sorry....I thought you were a waiter. 😄

[@carypeterson9554]

That scene at the dinner table was so funny! She was so angry she couldn’t even eat! Maggie Smith is an excellent Countess! She had almost all the best lines! Isobel can hold her own too! They are just so funny together!

[@jasminagaguliclalic6236]

Dame Maggie Smith performed so wonderfully as the Dowager Countess, I cannot imagine anyone else in this role! She was perfect, from the first to the last minute of the show!

[@Dam_Big_Dawg]

I’m from the US and absolutely in love with the attitude of grandma snarky!

[@pepsiq11965]

@Soham Sharma EXACTLY

[@pollyanne234]

Isn't that comment a bit snarky?

[@Dam_Big_Dawg]

@@pollyanne234 the irony of it all...

[@georganna.2371]

4 minutes 4 seconds of solid gold!!!!

[@luis_zuniga]

My favorite character of the show ❤️

[@KoiYakultGreenTea]

I don’t know how but that flail in the swivel chair is bloody brilliant. I don’t know how you can act nearly falling off a chair and catch herself 😱😱😱

[@loi2007]

Mary: “Granny what do you think?” Granny: “Ohhh..it is you. I thought it was a boy wearing your clothes” Mary: 😧😧😧 Granny serving piping hot tea! ☕️☕️☕️🤣🤣🤣 and I just love how Mary can never outwit her! She always look so stumped when granny is being granny! 😂😂😂

[@miriamhavard7621]

😊

[@arbebitbit9854]

And Mary's face is skskskskks

[@jehannethompson1432]

Arbe Bitbit lol.

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

Lol

[@tanyam5471]

I wish you would show her dramatic side in this video. I always remember the scene when Violet came to Downton after Sybil's death.

[@francesnorred944]

THAT was the Very, VERY B-E-S-T of A-L-L....

[@keelyclevenger]

Oh that makes me want to cry. So interesting howvyhe characters were like people we know and love. How a shoe can do that to you is amazing on their end. She was perfect in that and every scene. I still miss sweet Sybil!

[@sampuatisamuel9785]

All of her scenes were brilliant

[@matthewmartinez3907]

I love freakin love her she made me laugh the most.

[@sheilaburns8977]

The Dowager sitting in the swivel chair … and Matthew's face. So funny.

[@bookerbright3439]

I just finished binge watching all seasons of Downton Abbey on Amazon Prime Videos. Now I understand what all the talk was about this series. Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham are my favorite character. As we Americans would say, she's a riot. She has etiquette and decorum and she is a very funny old lady with a sense of human. I love myself some Violet aka Dame Maggie Smith.

[@christines5430]

I just finished doing the same! Three days of binge watching and now on KZbin going through the clips😁

[@Vibe69909]

I just finished watching the series on Netflix. Loved it. Violet Crawley was by far my favorite character! I’m watching the DA Movie now on Apple TV. Had no idea there was a movie. 😊

[@bimfo]

I love this woman with all my heart. She made season 1-6 so much more for me.

[@MarcyMarcy]

Love her!! Love the side eye and the facial expressions. Also love Ms. Patmore..

[@allbetsRoff60]

What can I say but, I love her she’s so very witty, classy and blunt all at the same time. Need I say more? Enough said!

[@heinzkitzvelvet]

I've loved every performance of Maggie Smith's since Sister Act.

[@alaskacosplay]

When Dowager Countess of Grantham does a put down, I say “The shade of it all!”.

[@aihara2799]

Edith: I want to drive Dowager Countess: *:0*

[@yooringonghan]

yOu'Re A lAdY nOt ToAd Of ToAd HaLl!!!

[@Terika-]

"when you talk like that im tempted to ring for nanny and put you to bed with no supper!!"....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ZubairAli-xn8ge]

This is pure gold

[@Sage03]

0:50 lmao that is my all time favorite. What a savage. But they forgot about when she was talking to Isobel about how she always finds room for improvement wherever she goes and Isobel said she took that as a compliment, so the Dowager said “ha, must have said it wrong”

[@hannachristore7878]

The "What is a weekend?" one really got me.

[@kerrypitt9789]

I know I am late, but when she counsels Daisy about how she felt about William, so very emotional and it shows the Dowager in all of her wisdom.

[@irenemwrench8594]

I loved her reading Spratt's agony aunt column. Her laughter was infectious.

[@morbius109]

As only the inimitable Dame Maggie Smith could. The Dowager Countess is a one of a kind Old World Victorian battle axe if ever there was one. Lady Grantham doesn’t throw shade - she heaves it with a bloody trebuchet. Every time she appears, I know things are about to get good, haha.

[@Paparonzzie]

LEGEND, LEGEND, LEGEND!

[@adamfontana537]

By far my favourite character!

[@junesmind7325]

"why is everyday a fight with an American?" LOL 😂

[@caligirl2945]

Perfectly done!

[@khfan4life365]

Maggie Smith can put people down with just a look. She is that legendary.

[@patrick4324]

This part was made for her, she slayed it!!!

[@jasonpinson8755]

Great show.thank you.

[@nursejoco3242]

The Edwardian Golden Girl.

[@Xerxes2005]

Well, considering her age, she's the Victorian Golden Girl...

[@yooringonghan]

but Bertie reigned in 1901...?

[@saladspinner3200]

@@yooringonghan yes but by then Violet was already beyond what we call "Middle Aged" today.

[@pepsiq11965]

@@saladspinner3200 So is Sofia and she's considered a "Golden Girl"

[@saladspinner3200]

@@pepsiq11965 who's Sofia?

[@YodaPagoda]

"Edith! You are a lady, not Toad of Toad Hall!" I just love that line, it tickles me!

[@lizzymc1300]

I swear, no one else could have played her better.💗💗💗

[@mothmagic1]

I find it impossible to chose a favourite moment of her performances because she is so persistently brilliant.

[@Mwalteros]

I am so glad a video like this exists! She’s hilarious 😂

[@jimr4319]

What a delightful character.

[@beakittelscherz5419]

The writing was exquisite on this Series!

[@jeannehayes7859]

Every word written for the Dowager is delivered so expertly by Maggie Smith...it is my one of my favorite things about DA. When she’s in a scene, I practically rub my hands together and say, “Ohhhh GOODY!!!” 🥰

[@nobullzone8394]

The granny is what made me fall in love with the show she's simply marvelous🥰🥰🥰😏

[@dannerzme]

What a great compilation lol. Quenches my thirst for sass and pettiness

[@hopewilkes74]

I just love Violet!!!

[@sonumaharjan9690]

There was one where she tells Robert " it is times like this when I want to call your nanny and tell her to put you to your bed" or something like this and I can't forget her expression

[@OOlympus]

The Dowager Countess is absolutely superb!

[@mirandajones7816]

I bloody love this lady.

[@amypatton6730]

Can't wait to see the movie!!!

[@24694104]

Pure gold.

[@nemanjadelevingne4108]

Dame Smith is a true national treasure

[@shayf.1008]

Fave character ❤️ the comedic relief of the show!

[@fannypinto3855]

I have so much to learn from her!

[@TheHop55]

Perfect and played well. She does make me laugh.

[@glyndaallison1825]

Anytime Maggie Smith opens her mouth it is noteworthy. But for me, Violet Crawley's comment that set the tone for the first season of Downton Abbey was ""What is a weekend?" -at the dinner table when Matthew is talking about his freetime on the weekend.

[@isabellelarson1871]

So such a good actress

[@mothmagic1]

Dear Maggie, a national treasure if ever there was one

[@trikaruniaaji7670]

My fav character on Downton😍😍