The Black Velvet Gown
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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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
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Norman Stone
- Screenplay & Story
- Gordon Hann, Nicole Cauverien, Catherine Cookson
- Original Score
- Carl Davis
- Original Title
- The Black Velvet Gown
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- Unknown
- Production Studios
- Festival Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Norman Stone
Gordon Hann, Nicole Cauverien, Catherine Cookson
Carl Davis
Ken Westbury
John MacDonnell
Ray Marshall, Michael Chaplin
Department Leadership Roster
Norman Stone
Director
Gordon Hann
Writer
Ray Marshall
Producer
Ashley Wilkinson
Production Design
John MacDonnell
Editor
Ken Westbury
Director of Photography
Catherine Cookson
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Black Velvet Gown.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Catherine Cookson Films and Mini- Series
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Romance
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Black Velvet Gown
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Black Velvet Gown about?
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.
Who directed The Black Velvet Gown?
The Black Velvet Gown was directed by Norman Stone.
Who stars in The Black Velvet Gown?
The principal cast of The Black Velvet Gown includes Bob Peck, Janet McTeer, Geraldine Somerville, Jonathan Firth, David Hunt.
When was The Black Velvet Gown released and how long is it?
The Black Velvet Gown was released in 1991 with a total runtime of Unknown.
Who composed the musical score for The Black Velvet Gown?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Black Velvet Gown was composed by Carl Davis.