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Mrs Henderson Presents [2005]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

The blitz-bombing of London in World War II provides the serious backdrop for the uplifting entertainment of Mrs. Henderson Presents, a delightful comedy anchored by the flawless performances of Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.

After losing a son in World War I, and becoming a widow in 1937, the wealthy and respectable Mrs. Henderson (Dench) decides that the best way to support soldiers going off to battle is to give them a wartime send-off they'll never forget. Thus, she buys and renovates the Windmill Theatre in London's Soho district, hires Mr. Vivian Van Damm (Hoskins) as the impresario of an all-day musical variety show called "Revudeville," and secures permission from the censorious Lord Cromer (Christopher Guest) to include naked women in the stage show--on the condition that the ladies remain still onstage to qualify as "art," like nude portraits in a gallery, with the "foliage" of their "midlands" discreetly obscured. "Revudeville" is an instant hit, British propriety remains tastefully intact, and as The Windmill's fortunes rise, fall, and rise again, Mrs. Henderson Presents develops an emotional depth and good-natured nobility that's perfectly matched to the comedy of tweaking British manners.

Working from an eloquently witty, fact-based screenplay by Martin Sherman, director Stephen Frears (High Fidelity) brings out the best in a well-chosen cast, and Andrew Dunn's cinematography (enhanced by judicious use of digital effects to show the London blitz in progress) casts a warm, inviting glow over this winning tale of show-biz tenacity in the best and worst of times. --Jeff Shannon

Editorial
Synopsis

Wartime entertainment takes a new turn when Mrs Henderson decides to offer an all naked female dance troupe to bring some cheer in times of trouble.

Excellent - a gem of a film!
Review date: 2008-01-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

Based on fact, the film begins at the funeral of Mrs Henderson's late husband. Although holding it together for sake of appearances, she is clearly distraught and soon seeks refuge in her own company. Shortly afterwards, we see her discussing with a friend what it is that widows actually do with their time. Mrs Henderson is notified that widowed women are permitted to have hobbies, since they no longer have husbands to look after.

After disastrous attempts at charity work and other 'ladylike' things, it soon becomes apparent that Mrs Henderson is no ordinary lady. Mischievious and incorrigible, she has been shaped by her past and is determined to something worthwhile with her time. And it is on a drive through town that she first lays eyes on the Windmill Theatre. Soon, it is hers, and she sets to hiring someone to manage the theatre. It is then she meets Vivian Van Damm (played by Bob Hoskins), and despite the pair of them continually rubbing each other up the wrong way, Mrs Henderson decides he is the perfect man for the job. And so the Windmill Theatre is re-opened and is shortly hailed as a success. However, other theatres begin to steal their ideas, and soon the Windmill is losing money hand over fist and needs to come up with something new to boost audience numbers once more.

This is when Mrs Henderson decides something more risque is needed to tempt audiences - naked women. This was unheard of in 1930's Britain, which makes Mrs Henderson all the more determined to go through with it. She manages to get official permission to stage her idea - providing the women do not move whilst on stage - their breasts may be visible - but nether regions are strictly prohibited. They are displayed like works of art, and are a huge hit with the theatregoers.

The success of the Windmill Theatre rises still further as World War II begins and London is subjected to brutal bombings by the German Luftwaffe. Being underground, the theatre is one of the safest places to be, and many of the actors and actresses move in whilst the war is raging outside. Young men from Army, Navy and Air Forces attend the performances, determined to enjoy themselves while they still can - as they know many of them will be killed when they go to the front lines. Mrs Henderson approves, and is determined to give the boys nights they will never forget - given her own son was killed during the first World War, having never seen a naked woman and experienced the joy of making love.

Keeping the theatre open is a rollercoaster ride, as many people disapprove of the practises going on under its roof - but thick-skinned as ever, Mrs Henderson doesn't care what anyone thinks and is determined to keep entertaining the people as long as they want to attend. Full of song and dance, this is a nice happy film, despite the more serious backdrop of World War II and its casualties.

Mrs Henderson Presents is a really fun film, with the theatre performances causing you to tap your feet, and the various character relationships and developments causing chaos. Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins were a complete riot in this film, bickering like an old married couple, and Will Young was a ray of sunshine as the male lead on stage. A really watchable film that leaves you with both a smile on your face and tears in your eyes. Excellent.


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Reviews


Cockle-warming story
Review date: 2007-10-28 Rating: 6 out of 10

A good, fun story, which raises a few laughs, and is almost worth 4 stars, in my (and my wife's) opinions. Well worth watching in a nice, warm lounge in deep mid-winter, with a bottle of red wine and some chocolates, cuddled up on the sofa with someone!

Rollicking wartime story
Review date: 2007-10-28 Rating: 8 out of 10

Heart-warming tale of The Windmill Theatre during the 30's & 40's .. Great performances from Dame Judi & Bob (natch!), and surprisingly Will Young as Bertie. A special word of mention also to Kelly Reilly, who not only steals the show as Maureen, but is absolutely beautiful. Of the extras, the 'making off' feature is well worth seeing, and features the real-life original Windmill Girls, all now drawing a pension. What out for Frear's hair in this feature though - it's scary !!

Feel good film about nudity at the Windmill Theatre
Review date: 2007-02-05 Rating: 6 out of 10

Warm hearted film about cuddly "septuagenarian behaving badly" Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) founding the Windmill Theatre on a whim with groundbreaking nude static tableaux.
Bob Hoskins theatre manager Vivian Van Damm interacts wonderfully with Judi in the contentious relationship.

The big surprise is Will Young as Van Damm's assistant Bertie, a brilliant screen debut, and there is all round good acting, production and directing.

For me the main problem is the "feel good" screenplay portrays a very superficial character development of Mrs Henderson and Vivian van Damm.

So an enjoyable but soft centred film.


Loved it
Review date: 2006-11-04 Rating: 10 out of 10

This was a gentle, surprising tale with amusing overtones, which touched the soul, all the more as it is based on a true story, however romanticised. Judi Dench and the supporting cast are truly wonderful and I could watch it over and over again.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Judi Dench
Will Young
Bob Hoskins
Christopher Guest
Thelma Barlow

Creators:
Judi Dench (Primary Contributor)
Bob Hoskins (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5060002834695
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2006-03-20
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 99 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2005
Language: English (Original Language)

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