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The Black Velvet Gown

1991·Movie
63
DecentGoodWatch score

The Black Velvet Gown fingerprint

Big heart, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace3
  • Spectacle3

Heart

Profoundly sad and moving

Much of it is about family and growing up.

  • Melancholy9
  • Family Dynamics9
  • Pathos8

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Dark Humor2
  • Situational Comedy1

World

History, family, and growing up

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Acting7
  • Narrative Structure7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Music Composition7
  • Music Centrality7
  • Cinematography6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

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.
Victorian Era EnglandFamily SagaRomantic DramaClass and SocietySlow-PacedCharacter-DrivenMelancholic ToneIntergenerational Story

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Black Velvet Gown

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Black Velvet Gown legally?

The Black Velvet Gown is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Tubi TV, and Amazon MX Player. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Black Velvet Gown worth watching?

63
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

Is The Black Velvet Gown based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

What language is The Black Velvet Gown in?

DutchEnglish

It was made in Dutch, with some English. Produced in United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch The Black Velvet Gown?

2CAUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Black Velvet Gown in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.