Maggie Smith’s beloved period drama hailed an “instant classic” lands new UK streaming home

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Hey, just wanted to let anyone who loves a good classic know that The Secret Garden from 1993 – you know, the one with Maggie Smith – is now streaming on Prime Video! I was so excited to see it pop up there, it’s a really beautiful movie.

I heard The Boston Globe called this movie an “instant classic,” and it’s based on a children’s book from way back in 1911. Apparently, the actress who played a supporting role, Smith, even got nominated for a BAFTA award for it – pretty cool!

The Secret Garden takes place in 1901 on the Yorkshire Moors and tells the story of Mary Lennox, a ten-year-old orphan. After her parents die, Mary, who has a bit of a temper, is sent from India to live with her uncle, Lord Archibald Craven, at his large estate in the English countryside. Once she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, Mary’s life begins to improve when she discovers a hidden garden on the property.

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Joining Heydon Prowse, Laura Crossley, Irène Jacob, and Walter Sparrow, Smith played the role of Mrs. Medlock, the housekeeper at Misselthwaite Manor for the character Lord Craven.

In a 2020 interview with Vulture, Kate Maberly, who played Mary in the film, shared her experiences working with Smith on The Secret Garden.

The actor described Maggie as having a remarkable presence. ‘When you worked with her, you really felt it,’ they said. ‘She inspired you to be your best, and she was incredibly kind, lovely, and had a fantastic sense of humor.’

I picked up a lot just by observing, without even realizing it,” Maberly explained. “Because we filmed many of her scenes early on, I had the chance to really absorb how she interacted with the cast and crew, and how she presented herself.

When The Secret Garden came out in 1993, it received a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning a ‘Certified Fresh’ score of 89%. Roger Ebert, a well-known film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, praised the movie, calling it “a work of beauty, poetry and deep mystery” and saying that watching it felt like stepping into a magical world where you could discover your fate.

Both Empire Magazine and the Boston Globe have praised the film. Empire highlighted the enchanting quality stemming from the children’s unique actions, calling it a beautiful illustration of nature’s power. The Boston Globe described the film as deeply moving, complex, and impactful.

The Secret Garden is available to stream on Prime Video.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can purchase ‘Dolly at 80’ at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-07 16:50