The Black Velvet Gown (1991)

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.

Released June 2, 1991 103 min 15+

Genres: Drama, Romance

Keywords: tmdb.england, tmdb.based-on-novel-or-book, tmdb.housekeeper, mdblist.imdb-tv-movie, imdb.laundry-maid, imdb.reference-to-child-molestation, imdb.reference-to-pedophilia + 59 more, imdb.velvet-dress, imdb.retired-teacher, imdb.horse-drawn-cart, imdb.teaching-reading, imdb.suitor, imdb.interrupted-kiss, imdb.open-stage-coach, imdb.scythe-as-a-weapon, imdb.time-jump, imdb.man-dies, imdb.last-will-with-stipulation, imdb.motherless-child, imdb.going-home, imdb.equal-opportunity, imdb.mother-dies-in-childbirth, imdb.uniform, imdb.ignorance, imdb.whip, imdb.reference-to-percy-bysshe-shelley, imdb.poem, imdb.fiddle, tmdb.servant, imdb.widow, imdb.inheritance, imdb.marriage-proposal, imdb.marriage-engagement, imdb.family-reunion, imdb.new-school, imdb.education, imdb.housekeeper, imdb.england, imdb.school, imdb.homecoming, imdb.france, imdb.wheelchair, imdb.doctor, imdb.literacy, imdb.prejudice, imdb.class-differences, imdb.upstairs-downstairs, imdb.butler, imdb.poetry, imdb.christmas, imdb.christmas-party, imdb.english-country-dance, imdb.dancing, imdb.pregnancy-out-of-wedlock, imdb.mother-children-relationship, imdb.tutor, imdb.durham-england, imdb.manor, imdb.estate, imdb.wardrobe, imdb.empire-fashion, imdb.year-1834, imdb.servant, imdb.1840s, imdb.color-in-title, imdb.based-on-novel