The following contains spoilers for Downton Abbey: A New Era, now in theaters.

The latest Downton Abbey movie contains a not-so-veiled reference to the Hollywood classic Singin' in the Rain, both in the film within a film conceit and a major character, silent film star Myrna Dalgleish (played by Laura Haddock). Much like Lina Lamont in Singin' in the Rain, Myrna is a beauty with a fiery temper and a less refined accent that could prove problematic with audiences not used to hearing their beloved heroine(s) speak. There can be little doubt for anyone watching Downton Abbey: A New Era that writer Julian Fellowes pulled direct inspiration from 1952 classic when the conflict arises that the silent film being shot at Downton must change to a "talkie" if it wishes to keep its production from being shut down. It even resolves in a similar way, all except for a last-minute redemption of Myrna Dalgleish.

The titular starlet in Singin' in the Rain, Lina Lamont, doesn't appear to differ much from Myrna in characterization at first, save the fact that her unsavory accent is a strong Brooklyn variety and Myrna's is London Cockney. Fellowes, however, has created a more fleshed-out character with entirely different motivations. Lina sees nothing wrong with her accent and insists on talking for herself at first, adamantly asking, "What's wrong with the way I talk? Am I dumb or something?" Myrna, on the other hand, is fearful from the day shooting begins that the film will change its course and she'll be forced to speak in a more upper-crust English accent, something she says she's tried and is incapable of doing. Myrna's poor attitude seems to mask her deep insecurities, a layer not given to Lina.

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Lina Lamont and Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain.

Any fans of Singin' in the Rain will be pleased to see other direct references, such as a microphone being hidden in a bush in one scene in particular. A scene shortly after sees Mary Talbot step in as the speaking voice for Myrna in the same way Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) does for Lina. This is the point at which similarities between the two films slowly diverge.

After Lina's talkie, The Dancing Cavalier, proves a success with Kathy dubbing her voice, Lina means to go on having Kathy speak for her by blackmailing the studio. For Myrna, though her initial reaction is anger when Mary's vocal performance proves a resounding success (she even breaks one of Downton's prized vases), she redeems herself. Privately, she expresses her fears to Mary's lady's maid Anna and the assistant cook Daisy. She's horrified her career is over and resigns herself to being a Hollywood has-been.

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Myrna and Guy in Downton Abbey: A New Era

Still, following her tête-à-tête with Anna, and some tough love from Daisy, Myrna feels understood and grateful she was able to finally express her fears to people she could more genuinely relate to. She even says Daisy reminds her of her own sister. With no such insight into Lina's motivations, she remains the firm antagonist throughout Singin' in the Rain from beginning to end and makes no apologies for her behavior. Whereas Myrna, despite her terrible attitude, is driven by worry for her own livelihood and place in the world.

In one of Downton Abbey: A New Era's final scenes, Myrna sports an American accent taught to her by none other than Cora (Lady Grantham), effectively saving her career potential and putting Myrna once more at ease. She bids a final farewell to the servants downstairs before leaving Downton. In the end, Downton Abbey: A New Era definitely presents a more fulfilled and nuanced ending for Myrna which offers audiences a fitting homage to Singin' in the Rain along with a new perspective.

To see Myrna's story play out on the silver screen, watch Downton Abbey: A New Era exclusively in theaters now.