She was the ruler of the richest empire in human history. He was a rough-hewn, plainspoken servant from its northern frontier. At the darkest hour of her life, he stepped forward to release her from despair, and enabled her to rule again, yet the bond they shared and the liberties he took became a scandal that rocked the society she ruled.
In human terms, the story of Queen Victoria and John Brown is a love story in the truest sense, and one that illuminates all the paradoxes of the Victorian Era. Dame Judi Dench was nominated for the Oscar as Best Actress for her performance in this Masterpiece Theatre co-production.
“Mrs. Brown” is a love story about two strong-willed people who find exhilaration in testing each other. It is not about sexual love, or even romantic love, really, but about that kind of love based on challenge and fascination. – Roger Ebert
Shown on PBS Masterpiece Theatre.
Starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly and Geoffrey Palmer.