Mrs Brown **** (1997, Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer, Gerard Butler, Richard Pasco, Antony Sher, Finty Williams) – Classic Movie Review 2979

In a majestic stroke of casting, Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly form a brilliant double act as Queen Victoria and John Brown, her loyal Scottish Highland gillie, summoned down from Balmoral to walk the Queen’s pony.

The Queen remains grief-stricken over Prince Albert’s death and refuses to carry out any public duties, even the state opening of Parliament. Her popularity with the public is waning and there are calls from Gladstone to abolish to monarchy. The cocky Brown’s arrival at court marks the beginning of an extraordinary friendship – tender and caring – as he becomes the Queen’s most trusted companion.

The development of their unlikely relationship is immensely touching and amusing as told by writer Jeremy Brock in director John Madden’s handsome-looking 1997 British heritage movie Mrs Brown. Even those who ask why we need another yet Victorian story may be beguiled by the compelling, nuanced performances of Dench and Connolly, plus Geoffrey Palmer as the queen’s private secretary Henry Ponsonby and Antony Sher as prime minister Benjamin Disraeli.

Mrs Brown is lush, lavish and totally ingratiating. Victoria would certainly have been amused by this right royal film with such regal performances. Dench won Best Actress at the 1998 Golden Globes and Baftas, but had to be content with an Oscar nomination. Deirdre Clancy won the Bafta for Best Costume Design.

Dench’s daughter, Finty Williams, plays Princess Helena. Also in the cast are Gerard Butler, Richard Pasco, David Westhead, Bridget McConnell. Georgie Glen, Catherine O’Donnell, Sara Stewart, Claire Nicholson, Hattie Ladbury, Oliver Kent, Alex Menzies, Simon McKerrell, Rupert Farley, Elaine Collins, Jimmy Chisholm and Jason Morrell.

Judi Dench played Victoria again in Victoria and Abdul (2017). She celebrated her 85th birthday on 9 December 2019.

RIP Geoffrey Palmer, who died on 5 November 2020, aged 93. He played Lionel Hardcastle in the hugely popular TV sitcom As Time Goes By with Judi Dench. He appeared opposite her again in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and in Mrs Brown (1997).

RIP Sir Antony Sher KBE (14 June 1949 – 2 December 2021). He also acted in Yanks (1979), Superman II (1980), Shadey (1985), Erik the Viking (1989) and the 1996 The Wind in the Willows. On stage he starred in the 1985 Torch Song Trilogy at the Albery Theatre, London West End.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2979

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