The Duchess (2008)
A lavish and emotionally charged portrait of Georgiana Cavendish, the 18th-century duchess whose dazzling public life concealed a world of heartbreak and constraint.
The Duchess - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Duchess
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Saul Dibb
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 5, 2008 (United Kingdom - 12A), September 19, 2008 (United States - PG-13), March 25, 2009 (Germany - 12), November 12, 2008 (France - 12), December 23, 2008 (Italy - T), October 16, 2008 (South Korea - 15세 이상 관람가)
- Alternative Titles: A hercegnő (HU), La Duchesse (FR), La Duchessa (IT), La Duquesa (ES), Duchess, The (US), Vevodkyne (CZ), Herttuatar (FI), 공작 부인: 세기의 스캔들 (KR)
- Production Companies: Pathé Renn Productions, BBC Film, BiM Distribuzione, Qwerty Films, Magnolia Mae Films
- Production Countries: Italy, United Kingdom, France
The Duchess - Plot
A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life.
The Duchess - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Keira Knightley bring Georgiana's extraordinary story to life:
Based on the incredible true story.
Where to Watch The Duchess
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The Duchess - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Saul Dibb
Main Cast
- Keira Knightley
- Ralph Fiennes
- Charlotte Rampling
- Dominic Cooper
- Hayley Atwell
- Simon McBurney
- Aidan McArdle
- John Shrapnel
- Alistair Petrie
- Patrick Godfrey
Writers
- Jeffrey Hatcher
- Anders Thomas Jensen
- Saul Dibb
Producers
- Gabrielle Tana
- Michael Kuhn
The Duchess - FAQs
Is The Duchess based on a true story?
Yes, The Duchess is based on the real life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire (1757–1806). The film draws from Amanda Foreman's acclaimed biography Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire, chronicling her turbulent marriage, political activism, gambling debts, and scandalous love affair with future Prime Minister Charles Grey.
Is Georgiana an ancestor of Princess Diana?
Yes, Georgiana Cavendish is a direct ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales. Both women were members of the Spencer family, shared striking physical resemblance, and led remarkably parallel lives — loveless aristocratic marriages, public adoration, political influence, and personal heartbreak — a connection the film subtly acknowledges.
Where can you stream The Duchess?
The Duchess is available to stream on Paramount Plus (including Paramount Plus Premium, Essential, Amazon Channel, and Roku Premium Channel) and fuboTV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Who are the main actors in The Duchess?
The Duchess stars Keira Knightley as Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and Ralph Fiennes as the cold, domineering Duke of Devonshire. The supporting cast includes Charlotte Rampling as Lady Spencer, Dominic Cooper as Charles Grey, and Hayley Atwell as Bess Foster, Georgiana's close friend and rival.
What is The Duchess about?
The Duchess chronicles the life of 18th-century aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, who enters a loveless marriage with the Duke of Devonshire. Celebrated by the public yet trapped by social convention, she navigates political ambition, a passionate affair with future Prime Minister Charles Grey, gambling addiction, and profound personal sacrifice.
Did The Duchess win any awards?
Yes. The Duchess won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Michael O'Connor) at the 2009 Oscars. It also received BAFTA nominations and won a BAFTA for costume design. Keira Knightley earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for her lead performance as Georgiana.
What is the age rating for The Duchess?
The Duchess is rated PG-13 in the United States, indicating it may be unsuitable for children under 13. The film contains mature themes including marital abuse, infidelity, and sexual content presented within its 18th-century aristocratic setting. It was rated 12A in the United Kingdom.
How long is The Duchess?
The Duchess has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes (110 minutes). Directed by Saul Dibb, the film moves through Georgiana's life at a measured, immersive pace, balancing lavish period spectacle with intimate character drama across its nearly two-hour running time.
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