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Parents' Guide to

Mrs. Brown

By Tracey Petherick, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Tender royal period drama about friendship and loyalty.

Movie PG 1997 101 minutes
Mrs. Brown Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Mrs. Brown Movie: Scene #1
  • Mrs. Brown Movie: Scene #2
  • Mrs. Brown Movie: Scene #3

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What's the Story?

In MRS. BROWN, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is in mourning for her husband Prince Albert and remains withdrawn from public life. The royal household calls upon Albert's former servant John Brown (Billy Connolly) to attend to her. Brown, a straight-talking Scot who treats the Queen with candor, encourages her to go riding in order to lift her spirits. As their friendship deepens, rumors begin to circulate about their relationship. The pair try to rise above the controversy, but the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli (Antony Sher) sees an opportunity to transform the Queen's flagging public image.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Brilliant performances from the two lead actors -- Dench and Connolly -- as well as a witty, intelligent script make this a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking movie. The development of the relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown is a fascinating study of two worlds colliding and of the strength of platonic (or so we are led to believe) love.

The quiet chemistry between Dench and Connolly is compelling while the historical settings and true story factor will leave you enlightened but intrigued to know more -- at the time there was speculation over a sexual relationship between the Queen and Brown, and even a secret marriage, hence the title Mrs. Brown. There is also much to inspire discussion over the role of the monarchy and associated privacy rights -- both then and now.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown in Mrs. Brown. Rumors about their relationship were printed in the media at the time. How does this compare to today? Has the media changed?

  • Queen Victoria remained in mourning for her late husband, Prince Albert, for 40 years. Discuss how grief can affect people differently.

  • Do you think kings and queens have a duty to be in the public eye? How much should the public be told about the private lives of the monarchy? Do you think the monarchy still plays an important role in society? How has it changed since Victorian times?

  • John Brown was among Queen Victoria's most loyal servants. What does loyalty mean? How important is it to be loyal? What other character strengths are displayed in their friendship?

Movie Details

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