The Black Velvet Gown

The Black Velvet Gown

Drama, Romance | June 2, 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.

The Black Velvet Gown

Drama, Romance | June 2, 1991

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.
IMDb rating 6.9
Producers Festival Films
Original title The Black Velvet Gown
Directors Neil Calder, Angela Marks, Nael Abbas, Tommy Gormley, Norman Stone, Peter McAleese
Writers Gordon Hann, Nicole Cauverien, Catherine Cookson

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

Louise Lombard

as Lucy Gallmington

Madeleine Moffat

as Jessie Hobson

Val McLane

as Annie Griston

James Garbutt

as Doctor Pritchard

Donald Bisset

as Mr. Morgan

Lizzie McKenzie

as Fanny Briggs

Margo Stanley

as Mrs. Fulton

Caspar Berry

as Older Davey Millican

David Oliver

as Younger Davey Millican

Hywel Berry

as Older Johnny Millican

Bradley Malcolm

as Younger Johnny Millican

Kelly Anne Greenhalgh

as Younger Biddy Millican

Joe Ging

as Parson Weeks

Judith Parker

as Jean Bitton

Jean Southern

as Mrs. Fitzsimmons

Jon Croft

as Thomas Froggett

Harry Herring

as Yarrow

Alan Hockey

as Lodgekeeper

Suzanne Richardson

as Florrie McNulty

Jennifer Thorne

as Madame Arnaud

Ian Cullen

as Beckett