By the time the car and we had arrived at Gosford Park, and we had met all the upstairs and downstairs people, I didn't want to leave any of them.

There were the nasty and the good, the rich and the wannabe rich, the mysterious and the bitter all mixed up together in a mystery plot that was really of no consequence to the story other than to force secrets to be revealed. What a pleasure it was to watch the unveiling of these, layer upon layer.

How Altman was able to give each of these talented actors and actresses their place in the sun I will never know. But he did, and we learned enough about the lowliest kitchen maid to the lords of the manor to make each come off the screen and take on life.

Everyone was excellent. I remember particularly Kelly Macdonald as the innocent eyes of the film, Kristen Scott Thomas being beautifully shallow, Charles Dance and Maggie Smith with the best lines in the movie, James Wilby as a slimy wannabe, and Helen Mirren and Eileen Atkins as two warring below stairs combatants. Alan Bates played the butler with a secret of his own and tall Emily Watson, with a backbone like steel, triumphed in the end.

Jeremy Northam as the real Ivor Novello was charming, and has an unexpectedly fine voice. As the cool, still center of the mystery, Clive Owen as Robert Parks was a magnetic presence to watch. He took over the screen in each of his scenes.

Those of us who still remember moments in Nashville, or in MASH, or in any of Altman's other unforgettable films, and those who come new to his directorial skills have to cheer at the world he has created at the age of 70 plus. Bravo to all!