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.
Ratings
IMDb6.9/10
6 audience votes
Key crew
- Norman StoneDirector
- Gordon HannWriter
- Catherine CooksonWriter
Cast
- Bob PeckPercival Miller
- Janet McTeerRiah Millican
- Geraldine SomervilleBiddy Millican
- Jonathan FirthPaul Gallmington
- David HuntLaurence Gallmington
- Brendan P. HealyTol Briston
- Jean AndersonMadame Gallmington
- Christopher BenjaminAnthony Gallington
- Wendy WilliamsGrace Gallmington
- Aran BellStephen Gallmington
- Louise LombardLucy Gallmington
- Madeleine MoffatJessie Hobson
Stills
Themes
based on novel or bookenglandservanthousekeeper