The Black Velvet Gown
1991In 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.
Acted in
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
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