Mrs Brown
Mrs Brown (also released in cinemas as Her Majesty, Mrs Brown) is a 1997 British drama film starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer, Antony Sher, and Gerard Butler in his film debut. It was written by Jeremy Brock and directed by John Madden. The film was produced by the BBC and Ecosse Films with the intention of being shown on BBC One and on WGBH's Masterpiece Theatre. However, it was acquired by Miramax and released to unexpected success, going on to earn over $13.2 million worldwide. The story concerns a recently widowed Queen Victoria and her relationship with a Scottish servant, John Brown, a trusted servant of her deceased husband, and the subsequent uproar it provoked. Brown had served Victoria's Prince Consort, Prince Albert; Victoria's Household thought Brown might help the Queen who had remained in mourning since the Prince Consort's death in 1861.
Plot
In 1863, hoping to subtly coax Queen Victoria toward resuming public life after two years of seclusion, Scottish servant John Brown is summoned to court. The plan succeeds a little too well for the liking of Victoria's Chief Secretary Sir Henry Ponsonby and The Prince of Wales as well as other members of the Royal Family; the public, press and politicians soon come to resent Brown's perceived influence over Victoria. Brown takes considerable liberties with court protocol, especially by addressing Her Majesty as "woman". He also quickly takes control over the Queen's daily activities, further aggravating the tensions between himself and the Royal Family and servants.
More details
author | Jeremy Brock |
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contentLocation | England |
director | John Madden |
editor | Robin Sales |
genre | drama historical |
keywords | assassination attempt balmoral castle benjamin disraeli betray brag british royal family edward vii even hear henry ponsonby house of commons house of commons of the united kingdom married moniker old friend open pass prime minister punch queen victoria republican sentiment royal family run satirical magazine sexual relationship speech from the throne summon the prince of wales |
musicBy | Stephen Warbeck |
nomination | Academy Award for Best Actress Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling |
producer | Sarah Curtis |
productionCompany | BBC Films Ecosse Films |
publisher | Buena Vista International Miramax |
theme | biographical drama |