Patricia Routledge in Three Portraits (A Woman of No Importance / A Lady of Letters / Miss Fozzars Finds Her Feet)

Poignant funny warm tragic - the acclaimed monologues of Alan Bennett (The Madness of King George) crackle with wry observations knowing irony and tender understanding. In superb performances Patricia Routledge reaches beneath the surface to reveal unexpected secrets. In these compelling stories what is left unsaid is almost as important as the most intimate revelation.Running Time: 123 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA UPC: 794051191526

After only a few years of watching some current/recent British mysteries and drama-dies, I've managed to remember some of what I've seen. I caught several "connections" amid the multiple episodes in the "A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Series 4." Guest stars visiting during this, the final Series (a/k/a season), are familiar to viewers who enjoy "Hamish Macbeth" and "Blue Murder" and "Waiting for God." If one listens a lot, even while you laugh (or view the pieces more than once !), for viewers who are especially fond of "Keeping Up Appearances" and thus have branched out and also have seen Ms. Routledge in "Three Portraits (by Alan Bennett)," there is a nice surprise! This is all in addition to all the viewers who are happy to see these comedy shows, in order to see more of non-House Hugh Laurie. I'll have to look up some of the `other' things that Mr. Fry has been doing.

Alan Bennett has the unusual knack of capturing moods of everyday people. Whenever I see or read any of his works I'm reminded of people I have known. These three little portraits do the same and they are brought to life by brilliant performances by Patricia Routledge.

This isn't wizz-bang viewing but comfortable armchair stuff that grips the mind and sets it pondering.

I have admired the acting of Patricia Routledge for many years. Her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket is another amazing aspect of her abilities as a great performer. We all know a Hyacinth who puts on the airs and aims for everything to be socially successful and by the book. But my heart has always been captured by her sister Daisy. Hyacinth is horrified by everything about Daisy, but Daisy is the good hearted, down to earth, and honest person who is not caught up in trying to act like something she is not. Great characters in a great series full of many laughs. I love it.

I already was familiar with Routledge from her television roles as Hyacinth Bucket and Hetty Wainthrope, but I hadn't realized what a great actress she was until I saw the three one-woman shows in this set. Absolutely incredible! I can understand how some might find it slow. There isn't any "action" or fast clip editing ... just profound character development which showcased the talent of both Routledge and playwright Alan Bennett.

I was greatly moved by all three portraits. My only disappointment was with a fourth "bonus" performance put on as an DVD extra. The writing and acting were both sensational, but I just didn't like the character Routledge played. But other than that, this was one of the best DVD performances I've ever watched.

I am a fan of Patricia Routledge but have to say that I was very disappointed in Three Portraits. I had our book club over to review the DVD today and three of the five fell asleep in the middle -- and I was one of them. ZZZZZZZZZZZ! I was not a fan of the one-woman performance. I like her interaction with other actors much better.