VIDEO: Watch 'Lost' Footage of Dame Maggie Smith in Early Production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

The BBC has shared recently restoRed Footage of Dame Maggie Smith in the role of Beatrice in Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. The 1967 footage was believed to have been lost forever, but was recently restored after unexpectedly turning up in a library in Washington, DC in 2010. The footage had been on loan to America's PBS network prior to its disappearance.

The National Theatre production, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, is believed to be the earliest British television broadcast of the entire play. The restoration project was completed by BBC Archive Development in a collection of programs from the 50s and 60s which were screened earlier this year at London's Barbican.

Of note, in the production Smith plays opposite her future husband Robert Stephens, who took on the role of Benedick. The actors were married shortly after the production was filmed. Smith went on to an extensive career in stage, film and television spanning over sixty years. Smith has appeared in over 50 films. She is perhaps best known for her starring roles in the HARRY POTTER franchise and ITV's historical drama series DOWNTON ABBEY.

Source BBC