Helen Mirren seemed almost as if she had never been on a talk show before when she joined David Letterman recently to promote her new book, In the Frame. She actually asked Dave which chair to sit in (he motioned to the one nearest him). She then shattered all illusions of the proper British lady when, upon sitting, she commented that this was the first time she had ever sat down in this dress and she admittedly was expecting to hear a big ripping sound from the ultra tight frock. Dave quickly parried with “that would be our good luck.”

They had a quite extensive discussion about her honorary title of Dame and everything that goes with it (literally and figuratively). The best part of this chat was Mirren describing going to Buckingham Palace with her husband in his ill-fitting morning suit and top hat in a filthy cab (most honorees take a private car) that smelled like a pub and cigarettes.

Dave then held up her book and several photos from the book. The book is more photos than text because Mirren always goes to the photos first when SHE reads a book. Of course there were the requisite risqué pix, which tickled Dave and Mirren seemed to relish.

While there was nothing exceptional about her visit, Mirren was lovely and jaunty, and tight dress notwithstanding, still a charming interview.