Maggie Smith’s 9 most iconic scenes as Professor McGonaggal in Harry Potter

Maggie Smith's 9 most iconic scenes as Professor McGonaggal in Harry Potter

As a dedicated fan of the Harry Potter series, I must say that Minerva McGonagall’s character is one of the most captivating and inspiring figures in the entire franchise. Her life experiences have molded her into a woman of unwavering integrity, wisdom, and courage – qualities that truly shine through during the Battle of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

Actress Maggie Smith, famously portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall to fans of “Harry Potter,” passed away on September 27 at the age of 89. With a career stretching over seven decades and adorned with two Oscars, five BAFTAs, four Emmys, and numerous other awards, she has left an indelible mark in the realm of film. Whether as the sharp-tongued Violet Crawley in “Downton Abbey” or the complex character of Jean Brodie in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” Smith’s impact on cinema will be felt for generations to come.

Professor McGonagall’s most cherished role, while not the most prominent on her impressive curriculum vitae, is the one that won her the hearts of children, teenagers, and fantasy enthusiasts of all ages. This position also spawned some legendary tales, such as when a child inquired if she truly had the ability to transform into a cat, to which she famously responded, “Pull yourself together.

In various memorable moments throughout the Harry Potter series, Smith skillfully portrayed the character of the stern, glasses-wearing, and awe-inspiring Head of Gryffindor House. For many of us who spent our summers engrossed in the Harry Potter movie marathons and then revisited the books during fall, Smith became synonymous with Professor McGonagall.

In the tale, McGonagall showcases a multitude of impressive moments. Below, you’ll find nine of her most memorable sequences skillfully portrayed by Maggie Smith on the big screen.

9. Professor McGonagall’s first transfiguration class (Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone)

On my first day at Hogwarts, Harry and I (Ron) were running late for Transfiguration class. We burst into the room just as Draco Malfoy smirked, while Hermione Granger sighed in exasperation. A sense of relief washed over me when I noticed the teacher’s chair was vacant, but that momentary peace didn’t last long. In an instant, a tabby cat sitting on the desk sprang to life, transforming into none other than Professor Minerva McGonagall, who gave us a stern look.

For the first time, we witness Professor McGonagall at her most intimidating, and Ron’s exclamation of “Wow, that was amazing!” reflects our feelings perfectly. However, she neither softens under praise nor becomes overly stern with reprimands. Instead, her calculated scolding likely ensures they’ll never be late to class again. In a flash, Smith manages to portray Professor McGonagall as unyielding yet compassionate, without ever making her unlikeable in the slightest.

8. Opposing Headmaster Albus Dumbledore’s plan for Harry Potter (Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone)

In the opening scene of the initial “Harry Potter” film, Professor McGonagall is present, having transformed into a tabby cat as she stands guard outside No. 4 Privet Drive – this occurs following the tragic demise of James and Lily Potter.

Upon Dumbledore’s (Richard Harris) arrival, she scrutinizes every decision concerning Harry up to this point. She doubts if Hagrid was reliable enough to ensure Harry’s safety. She also wonders whether it was wise to leave him with the Dursleys. Furthermore, she mentions that she had been monitoring the family throughout the day and found them to be the most reprehensible muggles one could imagine.

It eventually becomes clear that the mother’s intuition which protected young Harry during his stay with the Dursleys was necessary, as they were indeed guilty of child abuse throughout his time there. While J.K. Rowling often speaks of a mysterious force of maternal love protecting Harry, fans have mixed opinions about this idea. Many believe that McGonagall’s keen instincts suggest that it would have been better for Harry to be placed elsewhere instead of enduring the trauma inflicted by Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

The interaction between Smith and Harris may be short, but it clearly demonstrates the deep trust they hold towards each other regarding a significant matter. In retrospect, this moment reveals that McGonagall is one of the rare individuals who genuinely cared for Harry since his infancy, without any consideration for whether he was ‘The Chosen One’ or not.

7. Yule Ball practice with Ron Weasley (Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire)

The scene where Maggie Smith practices for the Yule Ball with Ron Weasley (Rupurt Grint) is particularly noteworthy as it stands out as one of the most delightfully humorous moments in a film that otherwise foreshadows an impending disaster.

Prior to any downward turn of events, the film “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” contains numerous uncomfortable scenes (with even more in the book) as the characters navigate their awkward teenage period. However, nothing compares to the humor when McGonagall requests Ron to dance with her during a demonstration for the Gryffindor students. Earlier, she cautions the students not to behave like “a noisy, clumsy group of monkeys” at the Yule Ball, which draws applause from George and Fred Weasley, who admire a clever tongue-twister.

The exceptional acting skills of Smith are evident as she masterfully portrays Professor McGonagall, playfully teasing Ron without betraying even a hint of amusement on her face.

6. “Why is it… always you three?” (Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince)

Maggie Smith delivers some of the most hilarious one-liners throughout the entire series, with one particularly amusing remark occurring in “The Half-Blood Prince“. In this instance, a frustrated McGonagall poses the question to Harry, Ron, and Hermione: “Why does it always seem to be you three causing all the trouble?” To which Ron, pondering for six years, responds that he too has been wondering the same thing. This exchange adds even more humor to the scene.

She speaks sparingly, but her eyes tell a story of the last six years, starting from the confrontation with the troll in the girls’ bathroom in the initial film. McGonagall skillfully expresses worry, exhaustion, and a hint of pride at the Golden Trio’s adventures, all thanks to Smith’s exceptional portrayal.

5. Recommending Harry Potter for Quidditch Team (Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone)

Nearly halfway into “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” Professor McGonagall demonstrates her unwavering loyalty towards her house in an unexpected manner. Being a former player on the Gryffindor Quidditch team during her student years, she develops a sentimental attachment to the team and becomes deeply involved in their success throughout the tournament that follows.

Following Harry’s unauthorized flight on a broomstick, breaking the established rules, Professor McGonagall briskly escorts him off the field. Instead of meting out punishment, she introduces him to the team captain, Oliver Wood. It is noteworthy that Minerva McGonagall never shows favoritism, but it’s charming to see her excited at finding a new Seeker for the team. This scene also illustrates her talent in recognizing her students’ strengths and motivating them to nurture those talents.

4. Giving Harry Potter his first broomstick (Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone)

In the midst of the harsh treatment by the Dursleys, the relentless torment from Snape, and the somewhat distant affections of Dumbledore, it’s heartening to witness Harry discover a semblance of a nurturing figure in Professor McGonagall when he sets foot in Hogwarts.

He does not know that she was looking out for him even when he was a few months old and newly orphaned. But when he receives a delivery of a nicely wrapped Nimbus 2000 broomstick after he is selected for the Quidditch team, Harry instinctively looks at McGonagall seated at the teacher’s bench in the Great Hall. Harry gives a nod in acknowledgment as the twinkle in her eyes confirms what he is thinking.

In a wordless manner, Smith shares an exceptional moment of on-screen chemistry with Daniel Radcliffe, whom she suggested for the role of Harry. They had previously collaborated in a BBC adaptation of “David Copperfield”. It’s ironic how their real-life bond mirrored their on-screen relationship.

3. Defying Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix)

In many stories, it speaks volumes about a character when they are disliked even more than the main antagonist who consistently attempts to harm the protagonist. However, in the world of Harry Potter, Dolores Umbridge fills this role quite effectively and possibly with a sense of satisfaction.

In J.K. Rowling’s “The Order of the Phoenix,” I found myself at odds with a strict official from the Ministry of Magic, always dressed in pink and seemingly bent on making life at Hogwarts a challenge. One of her most disheartening actions was meting out harsh punishments for perceived misdemeanors, such as forcing Harry to write “I must not tell lies” with a magical quill that left the words etched painfully onto his skin in what looked like blood.

In the scene, McGonagall challenges Umbridge on the matter and requests that she adhere to conventional methods of discipline. However, Umbridge reprimands McGonagall for challenging her power. The actresses Maggie Smith and Imelda Staunton deliver exceptional performances in this exchange, using their dialogue and physical cues to make the ideological conflict between them seem epic.

In the film, Minerva McGonagall stands firm later on when she aligns with Professor Sybill Trelawney, challenging Umbridge’s decision to expel her from Hogwarts. She bravely shields Trelawney using her own body and delivers a poignant statement, “There are many things I’d like to say,” expressing both sorrow and rage in her tone. Loyalty, a less frequently acknowledged quality of Gryffindor, is clearly demonstrated by Minerva until the very end.

2. Sparring with Severus Snape (Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2)

Minerva McGonagall’s character is predominantly defined by her sharp wit and unwavering integrity throughout the series. However, it’s during the climactic Battle of Hogwarts that we truly see her mettle. Before an all-out conflict between Hogwarts and the Death Eaters ensues, Harry confronts Snape about Dumbledore’s death in a public setting.

As Snape, still shrouded in mystery, lifts his wand, I swiftly feel a protective hand push me aside, revealing Professor McGonagall standing tall. In this silent standoff, there are no words spoken, only the intense gazes of two greats – Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman – filling the air. The briefest flicker of surprise on Snape’s face as he sees McGonagall ready to confront him is a testament to her formidable strength. Clearly, she won’t let a hair on any student’s head be harmed.

In a different phrasing: Professor McGonagall launches spells. Professor Snape blocks them and exits through the window. Although he wasn’t aiming to hurt her or any students, this was unbeknownst to McGonagall. However, in that instant, she took a firm stance, doing what was just, essential, and required. This scene, therefore, offers insight into the fact that Professor McGonagall is someone not to be trifled with when it comes to taking action.

1. “Piertotum Locomotor” (Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2)

Among Maggie Smith’s outstanding performances in the Harry Potter films, this particular scene stands out not only as one of her best but also as one of the most memorable moments across the entire series. As Voldemort and his horde of Death Eaters approach Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall masterfully orchestrates the school’s defense.

In a series of witty remarks, Smith consistently shines, with the professor initially permitting Neville and Seamus to set off explosions. Later, she chides Professor Flitwick for his fear in referring to Voldemort by name. Flitwick counters that ‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’ cannot be held back forever, and McGonagall reminds him that they could at least postpone him.

In this critical moment, I find myself mirroring Professor McGonagall’s indomitable spirit as she gears up for a seemingly unwinnable battle. She refuses to surrender before the war is truly lost. With unwavering resolve, she summons the enchantment “Piertotum Locomotor,” breathing life into the statues of Hogwarts, calling them forth to defend our beloved school.

As I gaze upon the fortress walls, armored statues leap from their perches and trudge towards the entrance, heeding McGonagall’s stern call: “Hogwarts is under siege! Stand guard, safeguard us, fulfill your duties to our very heart!” Just when a shiver runs down my spine, she’s back to her usual chipper self, chatting with Molly Weasley about how thrilled she was to cast that spell. Truly, who else could manage to slip in a joke amidst the heat of battle?

Honororary Mention: “May I offer you a cough drop, Dolores?”

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for one scene from Minerva McGonagall that unfortunately never graced the silver screen in “Order of the Phoenix.” In this missed opportunity, Harry seeks her counsel about his career aspirations, expressing his desire to become an Auror. Their conversation is consistently disrupted by Umbridge’s deliberate throat-clearing, adding a layer of tension and intrigue to their exchange.

It’s too bad we didn’t get to witness Maggie Smith delivering the quintessentially British sarcastic line, “Can I give you a lozenge, Dolores?” instead.

2024-10-12 16:42