Best Victorian Era Films

Movies about the Victorian Era have been made in England and Hollywood since the first flickering black and white images of the beloved Queen of London's funeral procession in 1901. They are a personal favorite of mine and many of them are so entertaining that it's difficult to select just a few as the best. No matter which you may choose, it can be a delightful experience just to watch them.

"Around the World in 80 Days"

This 1956 sweeping extravaganza won best picture and four other Academy Awards. However, they're not the only reasons it's the greatest film of all-time with a Victorian era setting. It's filled with wonderful, brilliant Technicolor scenes of exotic travel, a who's-who list of famous actors, and just pure fun.

"Around The World In 80 Days" is a Jules Verne tale is about a venturesome Victorian Englishman, Phileas Fogg. He boldly bets members of his London club he can use the then-revolutionary inventions, steamships and railroads, to circumnavigate the world within those 80 days.

What follows are a series of wild worldwide adventures, harrowing escapes, heroes, villains and just pure movie fun. Of course, you need to watch the movie to see if Fogg wins the bet.

"Mrs. Brown"

In this 1997 film, based on a real episode in her life, Queen Victoria insists on dressing all in black for the rest of her long life and stars Dame Judi Dench, one of my favorite actresses. She refuses to make public appearances and mourns for her beloved husband, Prince Albert, who died when she was 40.

Everyone at court carefully respects the now-60-year-old Queen's attitude, until a brash staff member gradually attempts to bring her out of her mood. He's Scotsman John Brown, a riding aide at Balmoral, the royal castle in Scotland.

As his relationship with the Queen deepens, Brown becomes the self-appointed boss of the castle staff. Because of the spreading rumor that they're lovers, whispers behind the Queen's back call her Mrs. Brown, thus the film's title, "Mrs. Brown." They are two very human people, and despite their great distance in social standing, they find a true loving relationship.

"My Fair Lady"

Of the two great musical films depicting the Victorian Era, the reality of "My Fair Lady" may have a slight edge over the fantasy of Mary Poppins. The George Bernard Shaw story is both entertaining and relevant. The cynical premise is that a London Cockney flower girl can be molded into a lady by teaching her proper English.
Professor Henry Higgins arrogantly tells his friend that he can do it, and he succeeds in ways far beyond his plan. He ultimately falls in love with his creation.

The superb acting and singing of the familiar songs make My Fair Lady the best musical movie of the Victorian era.