Inspired by the Big Screen

Test your knowledge of the Big Screen

With this year celebrating the 35th anniversary of the film Pretty Women, it got us wondering about other films that have parallel storylines of often-unexpected happiness, that could perhaps be likened to that of moving to retirement living, and then, let’s have some fun with it.

The Thursday Murder Club
(2025, Netflix)
“I thought retirement meant slowing down — turns out, it’s just the beginning.”
Plot: Based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, this long-awaited adaptation brings together a sharp-witted group of retirees living in a quiet retirement village with a not-so-quiet hobby: solving murders. With an all-star cast including Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Ben Kingsley, it’s a charming, clever whodunnit that proves life gets even more intriguing after 70.
Question 01: What’s the name of the fictional retirement village where the story begins?

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
(2011)
“I thought this isn’t for me, but I found joy and renewal.”
Plot: British retirees move to a run-down hotel expecting luxury but find something far better — new friendships, purpose, and a zest for life with Maggie Smith’s iconic line “Everything will be alright in the end”
Question 02: Where was the hotel located?

Shirley Valentine
(1989)
“I thought it was too late for adventure, but I was wrong.”
Plot: A bored Liverpool housewife escapes to Greece and rediscovers who she really is. Inspired by real-life Beecham House for retired musicians in the UK, Dustin Hoffman made his directorial debut at age 75.
Question 03: Who were the two main actors?

Enchanted April
“In a new environment unexpected happiness sparked.”
Plot: Based on a 1922 novel by Elizabeth von Arnim, four English women rent a villa in Italy and are transformed by sunshine, serenity, and self-reflection. Following its release, it was nominated for three Academy Awards and praised for its lush visuals.
Question 04: Which year was it released in the UK? Was it 1981 / 1991 / 2001

Under the Tuscan Sun
(2003)
“I feared change, but it was my healing.”
Plot: A recently divorced writer impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany and rebuilds her life. Following its release, tourism to Cortona, Italy, skyrocketed.
Question 5: One of the main actors received a Golden Globe nomination for their role. Was it Diane Lane, Sandra Oh or Raoul Bova?

Quartet
(2012)
“I didn’t expect to find harmony in retirement, but I did.”
Plot: Starring Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, and Pauline Collins, retired opera singers live in a country house for retired musicians — comedy and reconciliation ensue when a famous diva joins.
Question 6: Who played the diva?

Calendar Girls
(2003)
“We’re not done yet. Not even close.”
Plot: WI women of a certain age pose nude for a charity calendar and upend everyone’s expectations, with the main characters played by Dame Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Penelope Wilton.
Question 7: Which pop icon co-wrote the music and lyrics for the musical inspired by the story?

Answers at the bottom – no cheating!

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QUIZ ANSWERS

1: Coopers Chase | 2: India. The real hotel used in Khempur, Rajasthan, has retained its rustic charm and you can still enjoy tea in the courtyard | 3: Tom Conti and Pauline Collins BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Oscar-nominated. | 4: 1991 | 5: Diane Lane. | 6: Maggie Smith. | 7: Gary Barlow (of Take That) with Tim Firth. He also co-wrote ‘Finding Neverland’ for Broadway in 2015 based on the Peter Pan story of J.M. Barrie and worked with Andrew Lloyd Webber to create the royal anthem ‘Sing’ for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

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