

02/06/1991
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.

Bob Peck
as Percival Miller

Janet McTeer
as Riah Millican

Geraldine Somerville
as Biddy Millican

Jonathan Firth
as Paul Gallmington

David Hunt
as Laurence Gallmington

Brendan P. Healy
as Tol Briston

Jean Anderson
as Madame Gallmington

Christopher Benjamin
as Anthony Gallington

Wendy Williams
as Grace Gallmington

Aran Bell
as Stephen Gallmington

Louise Lombard
as Lucy Gallmington

Madeleine Moffat
as Jessie Hobson

Val McLane
as Annie Griston

James Garbutt
as Doctor Pritchard

Donald Bisset
as Mr. Morgan

Lizzie McKenzie
as Fanny Briggs

Margo Stanley
as Mrs. Fulton

Caspar Berry
as Older Davey Millican

David Oliver
as Younger Davey Millican

Hywel Berry
as Older Johnny Millican

Bradley Malcolm
as Younger Johnny Millican

Kelly Anne Greenhalgh
as Younger Biddy Millican

Joe Ging
as Parson Weeks

Judith Parker
as Jean Bitton

Jean Southern
as Mrs. Fitzsimmons

Jon Croft
as Thomas Froggett

Harry Herring
as Yarrow

Alan Hockey
as Lodgekeeper

Suzanne Richardson
as Florrie McNulty

Jennifer Thorne
as Madame Arnaud

Ian Cullen
as Beckett
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