The Black Velvet Gown (1991)

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.
- Released
- 1991-06-02
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
- Status
- Released
- Directed / written by
- Norman Stone
- TMDB rating
- 5.8/10 from 6 votes
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
- Louise Lombard as Lucy Gallmington
- Madeleine Moffat as Jessie Hobson