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

Gross USA:

$9,229,808

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,229,808

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

In 1864, the Prince of Wales says he has a new son, Albert Victor, called Eddy. In real life, the future King Edward VII's first son, with the same name, was born that year. The young prince was a scandalous party animal who was reportedly mixed up with the "Jack the Ripper" crowd. In 1890, his grandmother, Queen Victoria, gave him the title Duke of Clarence. In 1892, Eddy, who had just turned 28, died of influenza. His younger brother took his place in the royal succession, eventually becoming King George V.

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Goofs

When Brown and the Queen are in a boat on the loch, from a distance, the vessel has a red flag flying aft. In following scenes shot in the boat, the flag behind the Queen is blue.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Featured in The 70th Annual Academy Awards (1998)

User Reviews

A masterful, touching, gentle piece of history

Absolutely brilliant film. No question, we all seem to agree that Dench deserved the Oscar (ok, Hunt was cute in AGAIG but a long way from 'Best'), Connolly is surprisingly good in this very dramatic role (I'm not exactly a huge fan of his comedic work), and Sher was very clever as Disraeli. All in all, a sterling performance by a wonderful cast. But this movie is just a little bit more that just great acting, it is also a moving story of the burdens of office, the mores of Victorian society, the anguish of the death of a loved one, and the blessing of true friendship. This is a very good movie. Don't expect sex, violence or swearing, but if you're looking for a quality film, this could be for you. 8/10