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Cast
Bob Peck
as Percival Miller
Janet McTeer
as Riah Millican
Geraldine Somerville
as Biddy Millican
Jonathan Firth
as Paul Gallmington
David Hunt
as Laurence Gallmington
Brendan P. Healy
as Tol Briston
Jean Anderson
as Madame Gallmington
Christopher Benjamin
as Anthony Gallington
Wendy Williams
as Grace Gallmington
Aran Bell
as Stephen Gallmington
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1991
Runtime—
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresDrama, Romance
Votes6
DirectorNorman Stone
WritersGordon Hann, Catherine Cookson
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.8 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe Black Velvet Gown
About The Black Velvet Gown
In the 1830's in northern England, Riah Millican, a widow with three children, takes a job as housekeeper to a reclusive former teacher, Percival Miller. Miller makes Riah the gift of a black velvet gown, and even educates her children. But when Riah discovers the reason behind Miller's gifts, she vows to leave his house, but Miller has a hold on her, even after his death, when he leaves his house to her on the condition that she never marry. Riah's daughter, Biddy, grows up and becomes a laundress in a large house where her education keeps her from fitting in and makes her a target. But it also catches the eye of a son of the house, and with Miller's legacies, Biddy may yet find her way to happiness.
Directed by Norman Stone, The Black Velvet Gown leans on a strong ensemble — Bob Peck, Janet McTeer, Geraldine Somerville — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1991.
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