The Black Velvet Gown backdrop

The Black Velvet Gown 1991 Directed by Norman Stone

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.

Language Dutch
Spoken Language English
Gneres Drama , Romance
Production Company Festival Films
Release Date 2 June 1991
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
Val McLane Annie Griston
James Garbutt Doctor Pritchard
Donald Bisset Mr. Morgan
Lizzie McKenzie Fanny Briggs
Margo Stanley Mrs. Fulton
Caspar Berry Older Davey Millican
David Oliver Younger Davey Millican
Hywel Berry Older Johnny Millican
Bradley Malcolm Younger Johnny Millican
Kelly Anne Greenhalgh Younger Biddy Millican
Joe Ging Parson Weeks
Judith Parker Jean Bitton
Jean Southern Mrs. Fitzsimmons
Jon Croft Thomas Froggett
Alan Hockey Lodgekeeper
Suzanne Richardson Florrie McNulty
Jennifer Thorne Madame Arnaud
Ian Cullen Beckett