From the BBC archives, before their talents were recognised by royal decree, the early work and career defining moments of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg and Helen Mirren. David Tennant narrates the story of our dames of classic drama, from a golden age of British television drama.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Judi DenchSelf (archive material) | Self (archive material) |
 Maggie SmithSelf (archive material) | Self (archive material) |
 Diana RiggSelf (archive material) | Self (archive material) |
 Helen MirrenSelf (archive material) | Self (archive material) |
 David TennantNarrator | Narrator |