We had the pleasure of seeing "Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont" starring Joan Plowright and Rupert Friend. As soon as the movie started I got my kleenex ready. I immediately saw that this was going to be a heartfelt tearjerker. At times it brought tears to my eyes and at other times there were things to laugh about.Mrs Palfrey comes to the Claremont, a retirement hotel in London, to start a new life. When she arrives at the hotel and steps out of the cab I noticed her shoes, I immediately identified with her low heel walking shoes, just like what I wear.
The chubby bellman has difficulty handling her luggage, he's really to old for the job. He shows her to her room, oh my goodness there is barely room to walk around, it's so small, there are lumpy twin beds, one chair and when she pulls up the shade, it's not a room with a view. That scene reminded me of some situations that I have been in but that's another story!
For her first night at the Claremont she decides to "get dressed up for dinner", goes to the elevator and what do you know, it doesn't work. She pulls herself together and walks down the stairs. When she finally makes it to the dining room she is greeted by one of the houseguests who says, "We dress down for dinner." After dinner the residents adjourn to the telly room to watch "Sex and the City." That's the only excitement they have in their lives.
And that's just the beginning of a great movie with an outstanding actress and a great supporting cast. I have seen Joan Plowright in other movies but never in a leading roll. She's going to be 78 this October and from what I read I understand she had to limit her time on the set. She was perfect for the part, regal, sensitive and charming!
Unfortunately they don't make enough movies like this anymore.