Joan Plowright

Long considered one of Britain's finest stage actresses, it wasn't until the 1980s that Plowright came into her own as a character actress in films. She trained at the Old Vic Theatre School and made her stage debut in 1951, later appearing in such groundbreaking productions as John Osborne's "The Entertainer" and Ionesco's "Rhinoceros." She received acclaim for her title roles in "Major Barbara" and "Saint Joan" and won a Tony for her Broadway performance in "A Taste of Honey."

She made her film debut in Moby Dick (1956), but received more attention when she recreated her stage role in the film adaptation of The Entertainer (1960), playing the daughter of Laurence Olivier, whom she later married in real life.

While raising a family, she has worked sporadically over the years, appearing in such films as Enchanted April and 101 Dalmations. However, it is in Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont that Plowright has finally been given the chance for the richest, most dramatic role of her film career.

Rupert Friend

London's newest young actor, Rupert Friend attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, and has already made a name for himself in such films as "The Libertine" and "Pride and Prejudice."

In Mrs. Palfrey, Rupert has risen to the challenge of playing a lead role - and when your co-star is someone as seasoned as Joan Plowright, that's saying something.

Zoe Tapper

Another of England's up and coming young stars, Zoe came to life in cinema via a stunning debut as Nell Gwynn in Richard Eyre's "Stage Beauty," alongside the likes of Claire Danes and Billy Crudup.

In Mrs. Palfrey she plays the role of Ludo's love interest - the first of many leading roles, we suspect.

Anna Massey

An actress since her youth, Anna Massey was one of Britain's leading ladies during the 50s, and by the age of 19 had already won a Tony award for her role in "The Reluctant Debutante." She has also starred in such films as "Peeping Tom," and Alfred Hitchcock's "Frenzy." In 1983 she was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in "The Importance of Being Earnest."

Subsequently, it is only appropriate that she play a supporting role in Mrs. Palfrey alongside Joan Plowright , the very wife of Laurence Olivier himself.

Robert Lang

Robert Lang, one of England's leading actors, was often called upon by Laurence Olivier to share the stage with him during productions in the 1960s. From there he went on to act in numerous British film productions, such as "Four Weddings and Funeral." It was Joan Plowright who recommended him to director Dan Ireland for the part of Mr. Osbourne in Mrs. Palfrey.

Tragically, Robert Lang passed away 2 weeks after the film was done shooting. We therefore dedicate the film to his memory. He will be missed.