The Black Velvet Gown

The Black Velvet Gown (1991) is a drama, romance film directed by Norman Stone rated 5.8/10.

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.

Cast

Bob Peck

Percival Miller

Janet McTeer

Riah Millican

Geraldine Somerville

Biddy Millican

Jonathan Firth

Paul Gallmington

David Hunt

Laurence Gallmington

Brendan P. Healy

Tol Briston

Jean Anderson

Madame Gallmington

Christopher Benjamin

Anthony Gallington

Wendy Williams

Grace Gallmington

Aran Bell

Stephen Gallmington

Louise Lombard

Lucy Gallmington

Madeleine Moffat

Jessie Hobson