Two time oscar® winner and star of downton abbey , dame maggie smith, recreates one of her most celebrated roles the singular miss shepherd in the lady in the van, alan bennett's big screen comedic adaptation of his own iconic memoir and honoured stage play.based on the true story of miss shepherd played two time academy award winner® maggie smith best actress, 1970, the prime of miss jean brodie best supporting actress, california suite, 1979, a woman of uncertain origins who temporarily parks her van in alan bennett's alex jennings london driveway and proceeds to live there for 15 years'. '.strtoupper('w')hat begins as a begrudged favour becomes a relationship that will change both their lives'. '.strtoupper('a')cclaimed director nicholas hytner reunites with iconic writer alan bennett to create this rare and touching portrait.special featuresthe making of the lady in the van featurette the visual effects featurette playing the lady maggie smith as miss shepherd featurettecommentary with nicholas hytnerdeleted scenesclick images to enlarge