In association with

Mrs Brown [1997]
from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer, Antony Sher, Gerard Butler
directed by John Madden

Features:

• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

A romantic drama, this John Madden film looks at the relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown, a commoner who, though a servant, becomes her closest friend and confidant. As such, he proves the catalyst to bring her back into public life and out of her private mourning for the late Prince Albert. But the closeness of their friendship sets tongues wagging about the impropriety of what appears to be an affair between queen and commoner (an issue the film never directly addresses). Mrs Brown's charm lies in the flinty give-and-take between the wonderfully starchy Judi Dench as Victoria and the robust Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, here playing it straight as a strong-willed Scotsman who comes to enjoy the power he wields by virtue of having the queen's ear. Antony Sher is also striking as Prime Minister Disraeli, in a performance that all but shimmers with unspoken malice. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• Special friendship
  A clever title and with results a clever story.
  This is no doubt a lovely version of Queen Victoria's life after Albert's death and the government pressure: as praised by many previous reviews.
  The story may suggest infidelity, though I see a beautiful friendship, respect and above all loyalty. There is much to gain aside public's love of scandals. There is also Class division, identity, pride, honesty and power. A battle between the mind and heart of a powerful woman, who is struggling with... more info

• A Class!!!!!!!!!
  Fantasic drama with a great will she wont storey line. Shows an insight to a great queens private life. A must watch!!

• When Two Worlds Meet.....
  A superb adaptation of the story of Queen Victoria and royal servant John Brown, brought together by the untimely death of Prince Albert.After Alberts death it seems Victoria was inconsolable and as Albert was fond of John Brown he was called on to help.
  When John arrives the contrast between him and the royal advisors surrounding the Queen is instantly apparent.Where they are only interested in getting the Queen to return to official duties John Brown is interested in the actual welfare of... more info

• Weak Historical Drama. Billy Conelly excells.
  Billy carries this otherwise lightwieght historical drama. There are some great scenes, but the characterisation of Victoria wasn't concvicing. The director also lost me with the suggestions of infidelity. Victoria had had umpteen children, I doubt she fancied another one. The Mrs Brown comments were an attack on her status not her fidelity. Furthermore Disraeli is badly misrepresented as a cynical politician which he certainly wasn't. Finally the story suddenly jumps to an unsatisfying ending.
  In... more info

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