Showing:
BBC TWO, Saturday August 18, 7.35pm
Synopsis:
(1997) The grieving Queen Victoria remains inconsolable after the death of her beloved Prince Albert, unable to carry out the public duties expected of her. Her public popularity is waning rapidly, and in desperation the Queen's Secretary summons John Brown from Balmoral in an effort to rouse Victoria from her sorrow.
Brown is a maverick Highlander with little respect for the English or their manners. He quickly becomes the Queen's most intimate and loyal friend, despite the huge social gulf that separates them. But people begin to talk, and the Queen is sarcastically renamed 'Mrs Brown'.
Cast:
- Judi Dench (Queen Victoria)
- Billy Connolly (John Brown)
- Geoffrey Palmer (Henry Ponsonby)
- Antony Sher (Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli)
- Gerard Butler (Archie Brown)
Review:
Mrs Brown is a rather stately and mannered period drama that depends strongly on the interplay between its two charismatic leads to succeed in captivating its audience. Judi Dench's glacial, reserved demeanour contrasts beautifully with Billy Connolly's natural, rebellious exuberance, and their resultant spark of chemistry is undeniable. Judi Dench picked up a Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination for her performance, whereas Billy Connolly established himself as one of the most charismatic and convincing Scottish actors of recent times.
Read the full review on BBC Movies.
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