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| THE LADY IN THE VAN |
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| MAGGIE SMITH |
The movie is based on a stage play of the same name written by renowned playwright, Alan Bennett. Additionally the play is based on the true story of Alan's relationship with Mary Shepherd, an indigent lady who lives in her van.(duh)
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| ALAN BENNETT |
Mary movies her van from house to house in the Camden neighborhood where Alan lives. Each of the neighbors can barely put up with her obnoxious personality, the unpleasant smell coming from her and the van plus the trash that accumulates around the van. From time to time a social worker shows up to bring clothes and other assorted items. But the van is Mary's home and even when it quits running she refuses to leave it.
Overtime Mary talks Alan into letting her park the van in his driveway, since he does not have a car. This begins their 15 year tenacious relationship. Alan slowly finds out a few tidbits of Mary's life story. At one time she was a nun but when he appeals to the local nun house for help for Mary, he is turned away as Mary burned too many bridges with them a along time ago.
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| ALEX JENNINGS |
In the movie Alan has conversations with himself about the situation and he really is talking to himself as there are 2 Alan's standing there side-by-side. Sometimes it is hard to tell which Alan is which. As time travels on, Alan does eventually piece Mary's story together from being a nun to being a celebrated concert pianist to a homeless senior and hiding a secret.
But how did Mary end up living in the van? What was the major event that caused Mary's break-down? You will just have to see the film yourself to answer those questions.
SIDE NOTE
Here is a shout out to 3 British actors who have supporting roles in the film and they always provide that extra bit of drama or laughter to any production they are in.
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| Frances de la Tour |
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| Jim Broadbent |
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| Roger Allam |
The Travelling Toe gives this movie 1 big toe up with a hanging pine air fresher.
Disclaimer: The Travelling Toe is not a professional critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.
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