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.

• Release date
• June 2, 1991
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• Genres
• Drama, Romance
• Director
• Norman Stone

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