Mrs Henderson Presents Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
Nudity - Variety - High Society
The show must go on, but the clothes must come off.
Recently widowed well-to-do Laura Henderson is at a bit of a loose end in inter-war London. On a whim she buys the derelict Windmill theatre in the West End and persuades impresario Vivian Van Damm to run it, despite the fact the two don't seem to get on at all. Although their idea of a non-stop revue is at first a success, other theatres copy it and disaster looms. Laura suggests they put nudes in the show, but Van Damm points out that the Lord Chamberlain, who licenses live shows in Britain, is likely to have something to say about this. Luckily Mrs Henderson is friends with him.
| Judi Dench | Laura Henderson |
| Bob Hoskins | Vivian Van Damm |
| Will Young | Bertie |
| Kelly Reilly | Maureen |
| Thelma Barlow | Lady Conway |
| Christopher Guest | Lord Cromer |
| Stephen Frears |
7.20 out of 10 (5190 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Revuedeville! -- at the Windmill
posted on 18 Aug 2009There's a marvelous scene early in MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS in which Laura Henderson, just widowed, is seen "rowing her boat gently down the stream" away from the camera, and once she's at a safe distance -- barely a speck amidst the background of green -- does she cry out in pain and weeps. It's the only time we will see her give in to pain and suffering in this way: it's as if widowhood has brought forth an inner steel that may have been there, waiting for the right moment. In her life, death was that right moment.She picks up a pet project which is to get into vaudeville -- it's the hottest thing across the pond, why not bring it to London? -- and so Revudeville is born. But there's a problem: even though the show is a success, it's not long when every other theater in London has the same act, so hers, the first, loses money left and right. Her theater is in big trouble of getting closed. The iconoclast that she is, she suggests the unthinkable -- get naked girls. You can almost see the laughter trying to peal itself out as the camera holds itself tight on her face once she makes her outrageous suggestion: she's touched a testy subject, her partner, Vivian Van Damm, is stunned, but this is what she wants and she's going to get it.MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS from this moment on embraces its newfound sense of nudity in telling the story of the Windmill Theatre and its revue of showgirls who, while presenting live acts, also had naked females posing in the background -- live works of art, nothing objectionable with that, and a trick that due to a loophole in the laws back then they were able to get away with.The movie is mainly lightweight throughout its first half as the Windmill Theatre is gaining its "saucy" momentum. A hoot to watch is the verbal exchange between Mrs. Henderson and Lord Chamberlain, who is appalled at the idea that -- Heaven forbid! -- the public will see the girls' pudendum. (It's one of the many verbal exchanges in this delightful film.) She assures him she'll have the lighting technicians use soft light... and if that doesn't solve the issue, a barber will be on call to take a closer look into the matter. No need for either -- the show is a hit, and everyone is happy with the results.But war arrives not long after and what has become a symbol of underground entertainment now becomes a place where soldiers take refuge. The movie takes an uneven tone from here on because it has to accommodate more dramatic events, set aside the more comedic ones, and keep up with the musical it also is. It's not an easy thing to do, but I loved the way that Frears blended the three, in the great scene when bombers begin attacking London as the Windmill is in full performance. Notice the act of defiance Maureen (Kelly Reilly), the only one of the dancers who gets a storyline in the movie, makes as she "gives them the finger" and poses like it were opening night. It's a moment of dramatic strength, emotional triumph, with a hint of a wink here and there -- the essence of what it must have been like to live in that period of time.It's always a good experience for me to see a Stephen Frears film because he seems to have a good notion of what makes actors work as they work together. Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins do look like they've been married for years and certainly act so, they argue grandly, and tell people they should never interrupt a good argument. Kelly Reilly has more to do here than in PRIDE & PREJUDICE where she played Caroline Bingley, and her role is given the necessary depth without making it maudlin. When she leaves, the film pretty much ends: there is something about her muted storyline I wanted to see more of. Christopher Guest. Will Young, and Thelma Barlow also fill up the cast with funny performances.
I felt ashamed.
posted on 16 Aug 2009One of the funniest lines in the British low humor, innuendo filled, "Carry On.." series came from a sketch, I believe in "Carry On Regardless"(1960). Comic Sid James and another are looking for an escaped bird, a blue titmouse. They poke into a striptease club and shout, "Any Blue Tits in here"? The proprietor replies, "Hell no, we've got central heating"! There are no blue ones either in "Mrs. Henderson...", although one of the naked girls complained about the cold.Alfred Hitchcock reminded us that most movie goers are voyeurs. "Mrs. Henderson" should then appeal to most of us. Yet, somehow I felt ashamed looking at almost totally nude girls, while trying to rationalize that the film was a nostalgic, partly true, look at brave wartime England. What is it with these Brits and nudity,("Full Monty", "Calendar Girls")? Of course Judi Dench is a good actress, but was she supposed to be funny, serious, sarcastic or what? For me nothing is more offensive than an old lady using "dirty" or "vulgar" words. It's about as funny as those moronic movies where someone, mouth agape and in agony doubles over after being kicked in the groin.Most disquieting, however, was Bob Hoskins makeup! Was it Mr. Joyboy from "The Loved One" who gave him that well shellacked look?
Nude vs. Naked
posted on 06 Aug 2009MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS Written by Martin Sherman Directed by Stephen FrearsThe credits roll and instantly MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS is insufferable. A tiresome montage of animation and archival footage of monkeys, cherubs and ladies in suggestive situations introduces the film's players as a flat jazz score attempts to liven the mood and pick up the pace. I felt I might be doomed to sit through a tacky offering from the director of groundbreaking fare like MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE and the writer of the gut wrenching BENT. I began to breathe easy shortly after as Judi Dench took to the screen as Laura Henderson. As a recently widowed lady of England's high society, Dench delivers a sharp, snappy performance that had me jerking out embarrassingly loud fits of laughter while she managed to maintain the tenderness and hope of a woman looking for meaning in a life without her great loves, her husband and her son who died in the first world war. At a friend's suggestion, she takes up a hobby to pass the time after her husband passes and after passing herself on embroidery and charity work, she settles on a project that is nothing short of extravagant and therefore nothing short of fitting for Mrs. Henderson; she buys a theater in London's West End. Though the venture starts out promising, the fickle patrons quickly turn away and Mrs. Henderson decides to do what any proper lady would; she suggests putting naked girls on the stage.The nature of the theater can be one of spontaneity and surprise, especially for those who have no idea what they've signed on for. Though this energizes the theater experience both in the audience and backstage, it does not make for a solid film. Sherman's script is without any consistent story arch, leaving the viewer wondering where this is all going and knowing that the answer is really nowhere. The only constant is the theater itself and subplots run rampant in these wings and dressing rooms. Much like the "Revuedeville" show that runs all day at the Windmill theater, these trivial plots arise and resolve themselves before making way for the next. There is expected banter and emotional tension between Mrs. Henderson and her theater manager, Mr. Van Damme (Bob Hoskins); there is the inevitable controversy over having naked girls on stage; there is even a rising star with a frozen heart who manages to thaw it out in time to fall for a soldier, get pregnant and lose him. The only thing any of these situations has in common is that they all take place in the Windmill Theatre. And all that manages to save this disconnected story from feeling like a mismatched chorus line are the lively, exuberant performances from all the players. They wear their awareness of being naughty very well and parlay it into an amusing and jubilant show while forming the foundation of a family, like only the theater can, that the audience both roots and hopes for in between their hollers.In order for the naked ladies to take the stage, they must remain perfectly still, like works of art in a museum. While naturally hesitant at first, the ladies shed their garb under the guidance of Mr. Van Damme. After all, this is England in 1937. Such things were just not done. Mr. Van Damme asks his girls, and throws the question out at any prudes in the audience as well, "Why do you think God gave you your bits and pieces? So you could be ashamed of them?" He goes on to tell them all that they are works of art. And while he plays the occasional prank that forces the ladies to move on stage when they are not allowed to, he does treat them with the respect and admiration any work of art deserves. The ladies are never exploited and are always incorporated into the acts like set pieces to enhance the song being sung or the dance being danced. It is always about the build up and not about the pay off. In other words, it is the difference between baring your bosom and baring your breast. And while the promise of naked girls may get the people in the seats, it is the show itself they leave with. Perhaps the same can be said of the experience for some of the folks I saw this film with.MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS is inspired by true events and reality must at one point interrupt the fun and games. A few years in to the Windmill's run, Germany begins bombing England. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness falls on the theater and Frears poses another question to his audience. What is the point of some good, clean fun in troubled times? Though Frears' decision to cut back and forth between archival war footage of bombings and fighter planes and the impact of these images on the players and patrons of Mrs. Henderson's theater is awkward at best, it still manages to make a point we all know well even more relevant. The show must go on. Why? Because there must be hope that a life we all know and love will return after the fear and we will feel safe once again. In a simple, and dare I say rather naked moment, one "Revuedeville" star asks, "Who'd ever dreamed that standing on a stage without any clothes on would feel like the safest place to be?" Any revue is bound to have elements that don't work or take you out of the moment but it's moments like this and many other hilarious ones that make it all worthwhile and catch you off guard, as if you were caught unexpectedly with your pants down.
A Nutshell Review: Mrs. Henderson Presents
posted on 31 Jul 2009Nudity, gratuitous nudity. But let's not get carried away shall we? Mrs Henderson Presents, based loosely on real events, tells the tale of how an English theatre in London's West End called the Windmill was revived, and showcases the people involved in putting on its productions.Grand English dame Judi Dench plays Laura Henderson, a rich and recently widowed woman who is at the crossroads of what to do with her twilight years. She decides to buy an old theatre on a whim, and hires Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to run it. Despite their differences, they come up with a successful hit, but like all who are the first to market and with weak barriers to entry, their innovative idea of a non-stop revue gets easily copied, and they are faced with the usual slump in their box office.Mrs Henderson then presents another idea of having nudity on stage, modelled after the French's revue, to bring in the crowds and to stand out amongst their competitors. And here's where the comedy picked up a bit, as audition calls look like American Idol and Are You Hot? combined into one. The banter between Henderson and Lord Chamberlain (chief censor at that time) in order to get his permission for such a live act is memorable, as she "innocently" mouths off words that seem too vulgar for Chamberlain to utter.What appeals in the movie is how Hoskins and Dench play off their characters against each other. Their dialogue though at times vicious, are always laced with wit, especially in Dench's retorts. Dench puts up an award winning performance as an eccentric lady who spares no effort in showing her emotions when in solitude, although she does throw a childish tantrum or two around. Hoskins too held his own, though the depth that the filmmakers tried to inject into his Jewish Vivian Van Damm character seemed a little too contrived.The first half of the movie is extremely fun as the cast and crew go about attempting what has never been done before in an English theatre, but midway through the film, the pace gets jarred with the introduction of World War II and Hitler's bombing campaign over London. Subplots get introduced and got rid off faster than you can say "Bomb Raid". You have a quick love affair, and some pondering about the war (with a beautifully light deprived Picadilly Circus, and the raging fire engulfing much of London. But what I felt was a pity of not being played up, was the perceived rivalry between the nude models, and the actual performers who sing and dance. It was suggested at, and then forgotten altogether.While the movie has its shortcomings, Mrs Henderson's revelation will explain why she did what she did. That scene, though predictable and expected to be coming, actually gave the film a much needed closure after dangerously threading on having the plot being too scattered. The song and dance added flavour to the movie, but I hesitate to brand this movie as an outright musical.One thing though, I'm quite surprised that the censors here are quite lax with this movie, nary a cut amongst the nudity, not only of the female form (full frontal, and back too), but full frontal male nudity get passed as well, which I thought was R21 territory. Perhaps it's like what the one character in the movie mentioned, so long as the humans do not move, it can be considered art, and not alluring.Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. (Sorry, weak attempt in trying to be musical here)
Unless you are over 50 you may not be aware of some aspects of this film
posted on 01 Jul 2009I liked this movie; to a point. After that point though I easily lost interest. The problem about this movie is that a knowledge of history (film as well as war) is really required in order to understand the salient points.In the 1880s a very draconian law called "The Comstock Act" was passed by Congress and immediately took effect. This law, named after the reformer Anthony Comstock, severely limited what could be shown in commercial photographs. This was extended to the motion picture industry when it started up about 10 years later. Some nudity was allowed, but not very much. In 1934 Hollywood went one step further in regulating this matter (due to public pressure after the Fatty Arbuckle scandal) and brought about the "Hays Moral Code". This movie briefly mentions similar restrictions at that time in the U.K. with a permit required from government before any play could be shown in a licensed venue. The restrictions in the U.S. and the U.K. lasted for over thirty years; until the late 1960s when nudity was allowed again in movies and on stage. After that point nudity is pretty much allowed; so one would have to be above 50 to have lived in the era when the Hays Code was strictly adhered to in order to understand just what this movie is about (obtaining artistic freedom in an era when that was quite hard to obtain).Until the late 1960s, everything was VERY toned down; the suppression was certainly extreme. In the early 1950s a pregnant Lucille Ball appeared on TV and that caused no end of controversy; as this implied something more than just kissing between her and Desi Arnez- her real life husband (in the late 1970s she was asked about contemporary attitudes to this and laughed saying that "not only do they show you pregnant but they are about to show how you get to be that way"!). However, artwork was exempt from this exemption (on nudity) as it was considered "artistic" instead of "pornographic". And, there are some films made in the period between 1934 and 1966 that "sneak in" a female nude by panning over a piece of artwork that just happens to be hanging on the wall while something else is occurring during a scene. "The Third Man" (1949) has a notable scene of that sort; so do some other movies in that era."Mrs. Henderson presents" shows a novel way that a play could have been legally produced in that era, in the United Kingdom, with nudity. Whether or not this actually happened is not important; it remains a great idea and for that I give this movie a high rating. However, to somehow link this artistic freedom to something noble in the war (WWII) effort is self hyping that frankly, for me anyway, goes too far. The Allied troops in WWII were not fighting for artistic freedom (ironically that existed in a greater degree in the Axis countries than it did in the Allied countries!); they were fighting for other reasons I assure you. Also, to say that nudity on the stage is somehow noble, when the performances are bringing in a lot of money due to this nudity, is somewhat hypocritical. I will certainly state there is nothing evil or wrong with nudity on stage, but that does not make a nude performer an angel either. This film goes a little too far in that aspect. Enjoy it, but remember the era it depicts.
A Perfect British Confection with Heart
posted on 29 Jun 2009MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS is easily one of the best films of 2005. That it didn't garner an Oscar for Judi Dench is amazing as this is one of her finest roles (in a long line of superb films!). Director Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, Dirty Pretty Things, The Grifters, Liam etc) has put together a film that is at once nostalgic, sophisticated, intelligent, witty, sad, and thoroughly entertaining. This little film is a winner.London, 1937, and Laura Henderson, having lost her only son in WW I is discovered at the graveside of her recently departed husband. Not wanting to be stuck with the British widow stance, she decides on a hobby to occupy her time: she buys, renovates and readies a theater in the West End of London, hires Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to be her impresario and the two successfully begin a music hall type of entertainment. Their efforts are soon so imitated that their income falters, giving Mrs. Henderson a new concept: she will introduce full nudity into her theater to replace the French postcard surrogates the soldiers carry. Mrs. Henderson is indefatigable, has a laceratingly funny relationship with Van Damm, and even manages to cajole the politicians to go along with her 'new concept'. By now WW II is at it s peak and despite the London blitzkriegs the theater manages to survive, but not without some sacrifices and some self-revelations between Mrs. Henderson and Van Damm. There are many little subplots involving the company of performers, but they all blend nicely into the poignant story.Judi Dench is absolutely radiant in this role, a role that allows her to cover a wide gamut of moods, each of which she handles expertly. Likewise, Bob Hoskins gives the performance of his rich career and the other cast members in this ensemble piece could not be better. The music and staged numbers are delightful and the atmosphere of London under siege is very realistic. In every way this is a successful movie, one that deserves a wide audience and one of those DVDs worthy of placing in your film library. A hearty Bravo! to all concerned! Grady Harp
It is rare that a movie can make you laugh and cry
posted on 23 Jun 2009Magnificent performances from Bob Hoskins and Judi Dench make this the film of 2005. It is a fantastic example of British cinema doing what it does best. Combining a period setting with comedy, pathos and tragedy this is a film that takes you from tears to laughter in a matter of moments. Judi Dench's opening scene takes us from the sober and controlled environment of a pre-war aristocratic Englishman's funeral to a moment of pure emotional release in the apparent privacy of a rowing boat on an English river. Mrs Henderson copes with the loss of her father not by attending coffee mornings or charity functions, but by purchasing the Windmill Theatre and putting on a bawdy burlesque revue. Enter Bob Hoskins as Vivian Van Damm, the cigar smoking Dutch Jewish theatre manager. The two have a love hate relationship which is so well acted the chemistry between the two of them is electric. (possible spoiler) At one point Mrs Henderson approaches Vivian Van Damm after he has received news of the round up of Dutch Jews by the Nazis. This scene is underplayed which such sensitivity by both actors it elicited an emotional response in myself and all the people I was watching the film with. Excellent casting from Leo Davis. Kelly Reilly is the one to watch out for in 2006. Thelma Barlow and Christopher Guest were hilarious as Lady Conway and Lord Cromer. Martin Sherman script is clever, witty and deeply moving. I left with a tear in my eye and joy in my heart. Unmissable. And Will Young can act as well as sing.
An almost "perfect pitch" movie of a very rich - definitely upper class - widow who buys a theater and hires Hoskins - definitely not upper class - to run it for her.
posted on 23 Jun 2009Let me state up front that I am a huge fan of Judi Dench and I believe that she deserved the Oscar for Mrs. Brown and not Helen Hunt for As Good as it Gets. The Academy realized its mistake and subsequently gave Ms. Dench an Oscar for best supporting actress for Shakespeare in Love...but it is time for a Best Actress Oscar.I have read a number of reviews by men who found all sorts of itsy bitsy things wrong with it....such quibbling. This is not a "chick flick" movie but a woman reigns supreme. In addition to a fine cast and equally fine acting, the opening credits are worth the price of admission. Add to that the costumes and music and you have an all-around one hell of a movie.To watch Dench and Hoskins in action is to watch actors at the "top of their game". Yes, the movie may be a bit too long...I believe most stories can be told in 90 minutes...and some characters could have been a bit more "fleshed out" but, having said all that, I give it 9 3/4 out 10 or 3 3/4 stars out of 4.
Pretty good film, not the usual
posted on 09 Jun 2009British cinema prides itself on being different from Hollywood, as well it should be. This is a cute little partly-comedic historical drama. Judi Dench is wonderful in this film, and a lot of credit should go to Bob Hoskins, as well. I first saw him in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" and he had the accent down so perfectly, I just assumed that he was an American. Both of these fine actors subsumed themselves completely into their characters and made the semi-farcical believable. The photography was also quite grand, particularly the rooftop shots of London during the Blitz. The nudity was tastefully done, maybe even a bit too much. Overall, this film is most assuredly worth a rental.
Delightful and feisty--the film and its star...
posted on 22 May 2009This film is a lot of fun. Judi Dench is great to watch as a brash, rich, sometimes naive woman who buys a theater as a hobby after her husband's death. She adds fire and life to every scene she's in and has a superb on screen rapport with Bob Hoskins.The nudity is handled very well. The audience was completely silent when the girls first appeared in all their God-given glory. I think that no one wanted to be heard reacting in any way. But after a while the nudity in the film became as secondary to the story as it did to the audience. There are characters and their relationships that you care about and then WWII starts up with all of Hitler's insanity. They become the real focal points.If you go to the movie knowing what you're in for, you'll have a wonderful time. It is well-done and has a good story with terrific actors. There are some lines that are very, very funny. Audience members of all ages were clapping when it was finished and you will too.
Valuable insights and strong performances
posted on 22 May 2009Veteran British actors, Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins have combined their considerable talents in this beautifully moving film about an eccentric upper-class English widow (Laura Henderson) who buys a disused theatre and appoints a crusty but brilliant director to bring back variety theatre to London. After initial successes their venture flounders until Mrs Henderson shockingly suggests that they include nudity in their stage acts. They battle to keep the theatre going with good song and dance routines during the Depression and the Battle of Britain. This is inspiring stuff. Caution: bring a hankie with you. There are also excellent supporting performances from the variety singers and dancers - notably Kelly Reilly who plays the brave and passionate Maureen and Will Young who plays the lead singer/dancer. Another Joel Grey perhaps? The director, Stephen Frears, has succeeded in recreating the feel of London in the 1930's and 40's. This film deserves a wider audience.
a fairly serious comedy
posted on 20 May 2009This movie opens, in the pre-World War II years, with a widow in her late sixties (Judi Dench, in the title role) at the funeral of her husband. Dench seems distraught as much by the limitations of the role of a widow as by grief for the loss of her husband. Nevertheless, she is rich and is reminded by a friend of some of the new freedoms she will now enjoy, and, rather unexpectedly, purchases an old theatre in London called the Windmill Theatre. She sets to work (mainly through hired help as she has exactly zero experience in this field) restoring the theatre, and also hires a new artistic director (Bob Hoskins). Hoskins reminds Dench that he has complete control over all artistic decisions. Dench reminds Hoskins that as the investor, she can shut down the theatre at any time. The resulting tension between the two main characters is thereby established and maintained for most of the movie.After Hoskins introduces some modest, but moderately successful, innovations, Dench makes a substantial new business proposal: that the theatre feature bare breasted women in order to make more money. This is likely to be controversial in 1930's England, but with the help of an important contact, Dench is able to win approval for the proposal, but subject to the condition that the topless women remain motionless so that it may be considered art.The movie is, I believe, primarily intended to be a comedy, and certainly this situation sets up some very funny scenes, as for example when we see the inexperienced Dench often fumbling in her role as a theatre investor and frequently stumbling into often hilarious arguments with Hoskins.Underlying the comedy, however, I couldn't help but feel a certain sadness to this movie. Perhaps this was because it is based on true events and therefore is deeply rooted in the difficult historical times in which it is set. One scene that was rather poignant for me was when a number of women are lined up, with bare breasts, on stage, knowing that, it being the Great Depression, their ability to find work and eat depends on performing well bare breasted. And yet the women are also generally treated with respect, so the sadness arises not from the scenario itself but its historical context. There is further sadness when we see World War II soldiers, many of whom have never seen a woman undressed before, enjoying the scene before quite possibly going off to die. Perhaps my reaction is partly a reaction to the context of our own times, too: I imagine many a fresh faced young man taking a last tour of the local strip clubs or internet sex sites before being sent off to Iraq.Dench's character says that she is simply trying to create a fantasy for people for a little while. And perhaps that is true and a laudable goal. Yet it is very clear from the movie that the harsh realities of life are never far away.Mrs. Henderson Presents is an excellent film, and I highly recommend it. It just seems to me that you need to expect to both laugh a little and cry a little when you see this film.
Delightful, with laugh out loud moments!
posted on 20 May 2009MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS received two Oscar nominations this year - one for Judi Dench as Best Actress, and also for Best Costume Design. Inspired by true events, this delightful movie is set in the late 1930s and early 1940s, in London, England. In the title role of Mrs. Laura Henderson, Dench, shines playing a newly widowed English woman of some social and financial standing. Upon her husband's death, she seeks a hobby, something to occupy her newly vacated time. Her friend tells her about crocheting, serving on charity committees, and the usual blasé things she fills her time with. The affable Mrs. Henderson, is bored with all of that, and accidentally stumbles upon an old theatre for sale, but in need of much renovation. She instantly sees a way for her to spend some of her vast fortune, and have an amusing hobby to spend her time pursuing. Clueless about the stage and its operations, she looks into hiring a theatre manager. The thick-skinned Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) makes Mrs. Henderson promise that, if she hires him, she will let him be in charge of the theatre's operations. Much of the movie's fun is in watching these two strong-headed characters bicker, and fight over the way its run, the types of shows they'll do, etc. As so often happens though, they cannot help but come to respect and like each other. The Windmill Theatre opens successfully, doing 5 shows a day, back-to-back, selling out their seats. Then they start to lose money after all the other stages in town rip off their innovative idea. Well, Mrs. Henderson has a very risqué idea: they will feature nude women on stage in their acts from then on, to compete and stand out from other theatres. She approaches the Lord Cromer (Christopher Guest) for his legal approval. Through a loophole they can put on the performances: the girls have to stand still while nude, as classic art, baring all. This is tasteful, and not tawdry, a proper celebration of nature. It certainly gives the men in uniform a reprieve, as they face off against the Nazi's in the onslaught of the Second World War. Judi Dench is mischievous, and playful in the lead role, with Bob Hoskins as the cigar smoking, protective, manager. They are both marvelous, and there are many laugh-out-loud moments in the film.
Fluffy Rubbish!
posted on 12 May 2009This movie was about nothing! I thought the movie would at least be enjoyable as it starred Judie Dench, but the lack of ANYTHING resembling a worthwhile repeatable story made for a boring evening. At the heart of this story is a mothers regret that her son only saw nude pictures and not the real thing before dying in the war! What?! We are also asked to believe that the strip joint had only noble reasons for not closing during the London bombings! Profit and exploitation had nothing to do with it....apparently! The story may be "inspired by a true story", but it was not a story that deserved repetition. I have given the movie 3/10 simply because despite the lack of interesting, credible plot the acting was as you would expect from Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins.
Fun, funny but no connection with the audience
posted on 24 Apr 2009This is an enjoyable film about theatre, with Judi Dench giving a feisty performance as Mrs Henderson. She is ably counterpointed by Bob Hoskins, as her manager.There are good song-and-dance routines, which convey the English music-hall/ vaudeville (as was common then). The film is a wonderful pastiche of early musicals; I loved the bold, almost 1940's-type credits at the beginning of the film.The film has some good moments, but it fails to leave a total emotional chord, until Mrs Henderson talks about her (late) son. And that's why the film, though fun, doesn't really stir up admiration in me: it is devoid of heart - there are funny moments, but moments of wit are missing; there are a few "a-ha'moments, but they are rare.It's a good cast, and there is a capable director; it is a fun movie, but lacks a certain spark, and a real connection with its audience.Go and see it, and laugh, be entertained... but this is like candy floss: the sweetness and 'hype' disappear: you are left with nothing.
What An Emotional Wallop!!!!
posted on 14 Apr 2009Reese won the Oscar for Best Actress. I loved the film and her too. She was amazing indeed but the performance I saw yesterday from Judi Dench made Reese's performance pale by comparison. If Dame Judi isn't one of the greatest actresses ever, I'm Napolean and I strongly suggest seeing "Mrs. Henderson Presents" to prove it. I might add that I am surprised by Robert Hoskins's not having received an Oscar nomination because he is not only superb but so important for Judi to play off of.I thought it was going to be a lighthearted romp thru nudesville which is why I was astonished. Nude showgirls? Yes but it's just the tip of the iceberg; in fact the nudity becomes secondary as the real impact of the plot unfolds. It is absolutely a magnificent story, one of courage,love, loyalty, determination and vindication.Perhaps my love for this film is partially due to the fact that I'm an Anglophile. We Yankees owe our very lives to the remarkable Winston Churchill and the remarkable British, the kind whom Judi Dench portrays. The indomnitable Brits, never saying ENOUGH"- never considering surrender as Hitler's Luftwaffe bombed London and other major cities into near rubble. These British waited out torture,fire and death by huddling in their underground(subways) and might I add, into that safe portion of London's Windmill Theatre owned by Mrs. Henderson and run by Mr. Van Dam. I shall write no more about it but strongly advise anyone seeing this fantastic film to appreciate the bravery of all the English during the blitz. Just keep in mind that had they surrendered, Hitler would have used the British Isles to conquer Iceland, then Greenland, then parts of Canadand ultimately Luftwaffe bombs would have fallen on our major east coast industrial cities.God bless our British cousins! In the meantime, don't forget to bring tissues with you because I'm warning you--this picture has a powerful emotional wallop. A tip of my cap to you Mrs. Henderson. You provided us moviegoers with an unforgettable story.
Lovely film !
posted on 14 Apr 2009First of all I want to say that I don't understand some of the comments about this delightful film.It is a very British film and I was in London (although very young) at the time, I know it was very true to life.Dame Judi was excellent in her role of Laura Henderson. The one-liners were so funny especially her remark to Bob Hoskins when she saw him naked. Bob himself played Vivian Van Damm to perfection - their arguments were so plausible. Kelly Reilly was very good as Maureen the "head girl" of the nudes in the Revuedeville.To my mind Will Young was fantastic - his voice singing All The Things You Are was exactly right for the era, some singers did sing higher like that. He sang that in one take and the musical director (George Fenton) was mightily impressed. Bob Hoskins has heaped praise on Will for his performance and says that he can do anything - he is so talented.
Fantastic movie - most refreshing film I have seen in a long time........
posted on 14 Apr 2009Have been meaning to see the movie since it's release, but for a multitude of reasons, have only just viewed it. It was truly refreshing - excellent acting (from all), demonstrated both compassion/compassionate, historical reference, honesty, modesty, etc., etc., etc....Dame Judi Dench was fabulous, Bob Hoskins surprisingly great in a fairly serious role for him, Will Young - brilliant in his 'virgin' film role (absolute fan of his voice & 30/40's songs suited him down to the ground), Thelma Barlow - great to see her on the screen after many yrs out of Coronation St., played the part extremely well, and to finish, Kelly Reilly (Maureen) - played a special part in the movie for me for many reasons: plucked out of obscurity, became a natural leader of sorts through the diversity of nudity in a society which degraded a person's name readily through nonconforming, and mainly, because the scene of her death portrayed the feelings of warmth/closeness/loyalty and above all respect in a group of people who were 'merely' colleagues!........Well done Peop'sPS I have 'walked out' of a few movies in my time due to lack of attention to detail, BUT, the only thing I found a discrepancy in with the movie was the fact that Bob Hoskins cigar, 'apparently lit at the time', did not burn the carpet when dropped in anger at virtually the beginning of the film....... The acting and dialogue distracted my focus!!! Again, well done.
A Traditional Enjoyment movie
posted on 04 Apr 2009I only heard of the existence of the movie because of a local newspaper story on Januarey 13, 2006. I attended an afternoon showing at "seniors' rate". All audience appeared to be over 60. From the opening credits - which are of an older style - the whole movie was most enjoyable. Already a fan of Judi Dench - we still see "As Time Goes By" on cable TV in Canada - her name was the drawing card which got me to the theatre. I didn't even know the story (apart from the little in the newspaper) until seeing the movie. Wondering what some in the audience thought when Judi utters the one expletive! Only thought that the inserted wartime scenes might have been done a speck better but likely I am being too hard in even mentioning that. All in all - a memorable movie for those who were there and for those - like me- who came along a little later but who enjoy "these were the times" movies!
Entertaining Period Trifle Balances Frivolity and Old-Fashioned Wartime Spirit With Style
posted on 28 Aug 2009Even with the frivolous trailer (included here in the DVD), I was actually surprised to find just how lightweight this 2005 movie is. In fact, until the last twenty minutes or so, it is a relatively inconsequential though charming entertainment, as well as a musical treat and a visual feast of London just before and during WWII. Director Stephen Frears seems an unlikely choice to guide such a confection given his earlier credentials in grittier fare like "The Grifters", but he shows dexterity in handling both the farcical and sentimental elements even when it seems he cannot make up his mind whether this is a stylized recollection or a historical piece.Based on a true story about the Windmill Theater in London's West End (which has ironically ended up as an erotica theater in the more modern sense), the story centers on newly widowed dowager Laura Henderson, who is left with a lot of money to spend and nothing that excites her until see sees a dilapidated theater. She buys and refurbishes it and then enlists theater manager Vivian Van Damm to pull together a variety revue. Copycat competitors take away the initial success at the Windmill, so Mrs. Henderson decides to add statue-like nude females. Despite the constant tit-for-tat arguments between Mrs. Henderson and Van Damm, the theater thrives and inevitably becomes a magnet for wartime servicemen. The war intercedes with the London blitz, and stuffy Lord Cromer provides what there is of a dramatic conflict by threatening to shut the theater down to minimize what he sees as unnecessary military congregations.The title role appears custom-made for Judi Dench, who has already mastered her particular blend of imperiousness and earthiness in a number of recent roles. She certainly holds it together with ease and is ably abetted by a relatively sedate Bob Hoskins, who displays his trademark schlubby nurturing manner, as Van Damm. In a few scenes, Christopher Guest is an inspired choice to play Lord Cromer. The period look of the film is just right thanks to expert work behind the camera - Hugo Luczyc-Wyhowski's production design, Sandy Powell's costumes and Andrew Dunn's cinematography. The DVD contains Frears' lackluster and overly detailed commentary on an alternate track, as well as a solid five-chapter "making of" featurette that first spotlights the real Windmill girls now in their seventies and eighties. Surprisingly not included are any sepia-toned photos of the real Mrs. Henderson and Van Damm.