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Capturing Maggie Smith And Judi Dench Off Tape

Dench, left, and Smith star in the new film "Ladies in Lavender." (By Helayne Seidman For The Washington Post)

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A publicist, sitting with another publicist at a table in the room, cheerfully interjects that there is a magazine in Minnesota called Lavender, devoted to gay and lesbian issues.

"I tried to change the title," Dance says.

"Yes, you were told!" Smith says.

"No, Charlie!" Dench says.

That, anyway, is what my tape recorder claims was spoken. In an effort to steer the discussion in some direction, I ask, "Is it because of English lavender in the countryside?"

Smith replies, "It means ladies who are slightly past it."

Ah. I try, once more, to excuse my initial minutes of misapprehension about the film.

"I think it's the way your mind works!" Smith says. "What a squalid -- "

Later, Dance takes umbrage at the suggestion that the character Dench plays is neurotic -- she falls in love with the 23-year-old stranger -- and then there is some talk about the lovely catering for the movie, and time's up. I'm a bit lightheaded. I thank the actresses and shake the recorder one last time.

Smith nods at the machine. "I hope that works," she says.

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