Robert Altman directed this 2001 film, and with such spirit, subtlety and a sense of fun that it’s well worth revisiting many times to relish the performances, the subplots and the surprises, large and small. But at this particular moment in television, it’s also fascinating to watch because Altman, 13 years ago, was basically serving up what could be considered a template for today’s Downton Abbey. And lest you think that’s too much of a stretch, in this mannered comedy/drama about the upstairs and downstairs folks at a country house in England, just look who’s holding court as Constance Trentham: the marvelous Maggie Smith, who stars as Violet Crawley on Downton. Oh, and we may as well win the argument outright: Altman’s co-writer on this film is Julian Fellowes. You know, the creator of Downton Abbey. So dive in, Downton fans. Other stars in this wonderful Altman film include Michael Gambon from The Singing Detective, Charles Dance from The Jewel in the Crown and Kristin Scott Thomas from The English Patient.