The Black Velvet Gown

The story

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.

Cast & crew

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 Moffat

Madeleine MoffatJessie Hobson