Mrs. Brown

Yesterday we recommended The Young Victoria which looked at the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign. Today our Rialto Recommends is 1997's MRS. BROWN starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria following the death of Prince Albert. Thanks to some top notch acting, the chemistry between its stars, and a witty, thoughtful script, Mrs. Brown delivers a nuanced and entertaining, if not entirely factual, account of a seldom explored historical relationship. The New York Times raved "''Mrs. Brown'' transcends its period setting not only with a keenly observed struggle between love and duty but also with the kind of controversy that envelops the Queen and her servant." While the BBC said "Judi Dench's glacial, reserved demeanour contrasts beautifully with Billy Connolly's natural, rebellious exuberance, and their resultant spark of chemistry is undeniable." MRS. BROWN is streaming on Hoopla and BritBox or is available to rent for a modest fee from Apple or Amazon HERE.