The Governess (1998)
The Governess (1998), a British period drama film by Sandra Goldbacher, takes place in the 1830s. It tells the story of Rosina da Silva, the cultured eldest daughter of a prosperous Jewish family in a small community of Sephardic London Jews. After her father is killed and leaves behind significant debts, Rosina rejects an arranged marriage to an older man and vows to support her family through any means necessary. Against the wishes of her family, she decides to work as a governess, masking her identity as a Jew by posing as Mary Blackchurch – a half-Italian Protestant. Through her education and skills, she secures a position as governess for a Scottish family living on the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides.
Patriarch Charles Cavendish is a man of science, determined to solve the challenge of preserving a photographic image on paper. Meanwhile, his wife is lost in a sea of boredom and pretension. Their daughter Clementina initially resists Mary’s strict ways, but eventually grows to see her as a friend and companion. Mary, well-educated and unusually curious for her time, surprises Charles with her interest and ability, becoming his assistant. He is thrilled to finally find someone who shares his passion and they form a strong bond. While secretly observing Passover in her room, Mary accidentally spills salt water onto one of Charles’ prints, stumbling upon a technique that preserves the image.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Minnie DriverRosina da Silva  Tom WilkinsonMr. Charles Cavendish  Harriet WalterMrs. Cavendish  Jonathan Rhys MeyersHenry Cavendish  Florence HoathClementina Cavendish  Ofra HazaFeatured Vocalist |
The Governess (1998), a British period drama film by Sandra Goldbacher, takes place in the 1830s. It tells the story of Rosina da Silva, the cultured eldest daughter of a prosperous Jewish family in a small community of Sephardic London Jews. After her father is killed and leaves behind significant debts, Rosina rejects an arranged marriage to an older man and vows to support her family through any means necessary. Against the wishes of her family, she decides to work as a governess, masking her identity as a Jew by posing as Mary Blackchurch – a half-Italian Protestant. Through her education and skills, she secures a position as governess for a Scottish family living on the Isle of Skye in the Hebrides.
Patriarch Charles Cavendish is a man of science, determined to solve the challenge of preserving a photographic image on paper. Meanwhile, his wife is lost in a sea of boredom and pretension. Their daughter Clementina initially resists Mary’s strict ways, but eventually grows to see her as a friend and companion. Mary, well-educated and unusually curious for her time, surprises Charles with her interest and ability, becoming his assistant. He is thrilled to finally find someone who shares his passion and they form a strong bond. While secretly observing Passover in her room, Mary accidentally spills salt water onto one of Charles’ prints, stumbling upon a technique that preserves the image.
