Mrs Brown (1997)

When Queen Victoria's husband dies, she finds solace in her trusted servant, Mr. Brown, but their relationship also brings scandal and turmoil.

Director:

John Madden

Writer:

Jeremy Brock

Stars:

Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 24 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Judi Dench	...	Queen Victoria
Billy Connolly	...	John Brown
Geoffrey Palmer	...	Henry Ponsonby
Antony Sher	...	Disraeli
Gerard Butler	...	Archie Brown
Richard Pasco	...	Doctor Jenner
David Westhead	...	Bertie, Prince of Wales
Bridget McConnell	...	Lady Ely
Georgie Glen	...	Lady Churchill
Catherine O'Donnell	...	Lady-in-Waiting
Sara Stewart	...	Princess Alexandra
Finty Williams	...	Princess Helena
Claire Nicolson	...	Princess Louise
Hattie Ladbury	...	Princess Alice
Oliver Kent	...	Prince Alfred

Storyline

Queen Victoria is deeply depressed after the death of her husband, disappearing from public. Her servant Brown, who adores her, through caress and admiration brings her back to life, but that relationship creates scandalous situation and is likely to lead to monarchy crisis.

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Plot Keywords:

servant | skinny dipping | male nudity | male frontal nudity | queen victoria character | 

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Taglines:

Queen Victoria, the world's most powerful woman. John Brown, a simple Scottish Highlander. Their extraordinary friendship transformed an empire.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for a beating, language and brief nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site PBS [United States]

Country:

UK Ireland USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 October 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mrs Brown

Filming Locations:

Perth and Kinross, Scotland, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$76,268, 20 July 1997, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$9,217,930, 22 March 1998

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,300,000, 21 December 1997

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Scotland, Ecosse Films, Irish Screen

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Though she was in her early sixties, Judi Dench cites this as the film that really launched her film career.

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Goofs

When the Prince of Wales recovers from typhoid, the Queen commands that a Mass of Thanksgiving be held at St. George's Chapel. Queen Victoria was a devout low-church Anglican/Presbyterian in England and Scotland, and never would have ordered a mass. A Church of England Service of Thanksgiving was held at St. Paul's Cathedral.

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Quotes

[first lines]
John Brown: God save the Queen!
[shoots into the dark]

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Connections

Version of Victoria & Albert (2001)

User Reviews

Fantastic love story

This film is a fantastic love story. You'll note that I didn't say "sex story," because there is absolutely no sex in this film. And yet most people equate "love story" with sex, or at least a beautifully shot kiss at the end, complete with a cheesy song penned by Brian Adams. This, my friends, is a love story with a difference.

It is the story of a servant's love for his queen; it is the story of a woman's love for the man who has given her life meaning; it is a story of two best friends, who ignore social circumstances and care deeply for one another. The story is nearly flawless, combining the historical situation and circumstances with intense and riveting emotion.

The acting is outstanding. Both of the central actors convey exactly what their character is feeling, even if no words are spoken. Billy Connolly lets John Brown's humanity shine through his rough exterior, and he has a naturalness that is quite inspired. And Dame Judi Dench gives a masterful performance, worthy of the Oscar (like that's never been said before). Her portrayal of a queen tortured by her feelings and her position in society is the best of the year by any actor, male or female.

Hands down the best British film of the year. 9/10.