Film: Royal nonsense

But this enjoyable romance doesn't have to make sense | Chris Stamper

Moviegoers curious about the Victorian Era might be drawn to the costume melodrama Mrs. Brown. The "true story," upon which the movie is based, goes like this: Three years after the death of husband Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) was distraught, depressed, and exiled away from the public eye. Enter John Brown (Billy Connolly), a rowdy servant who comes from Balmoral to run the stables and winds up dictating to the entire household. His persistent outspokenness somehow wins Victoria's affections. He soon becomes her closest companion and confidant.

Eventually, Britain's elite decide Victoria must be saved from herself. Prime Minister Disraeli (Antony Sher) tries to rescue the monarchy and his own career by trying to talk Mr. Brown into backing away so Victoria can return to public life. Even as the Queen's long period of mourning and seclusion comes to an end, Mr. Brown remains loyal to his last breath.