Mrs. Henderson Presents:London, 1937. Mrs Laura Henderson, a woman of wealth and ... more
connections, has just buried her beloved husband. And now she's bored. Friends suggest she finds a hobby and to their amazement she buys the Windmill Theatre. Newly appoin...
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Pat O'Connor - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over, 15 years and over - Starring: Geraldine O'Rawe, Colin Firth, Saffron Burrows, Minnie Driver, Chris O'Donnell
I caught this film on telly one night as the only reason this film jumped out at me originally was because Will Young is in it, as I think he has a great voice and after winning pop Idol he deserves it, he makes an appealing debut as Bertie the male lead on stage.
This film is based on a true story.
This film is based in World War II; MrsHenderson is played by Dame Judi Dench, who after her husband passes away buys The Windmill Theatre along with the help of Mr Vivian Van Dam played by Bob Hoskins whom becomes her business partner.
The Germans are bombing London, but the roar of the Windmill is all that can be heard as MrsHenderson gives the soldiers going to war something they will never forget. MrsHenderson then seeks permission for the girls to go on stage naked with little covering their modesty, which in this time was ...
Advantages: Interesting story, good acting Disadvantages: Not everyones idea of a good film
was also touched to learn as the credits rolled that when MrsHenderson died that she left her theatre to Mr Van Damm in her will, reaffirming the kind of love/hate relationship that this couple really had.
Throughout the film there are snippets of songs, which I presume to be original numbers written especially for the film. Whilst some of these sound quite catchy they tend to only be in short bursts so they are not that memorable.
This DVD comes with some interesting extras including a short film about the history of the real Windmill Theatre. This shows some actual footage of the place and also talks to some of the original girls that performed here.
There is also a short film about the making of the film which includes interviews with the director, Stephen Frears, the producer Norma Hayman and Bob Hoskins.
Running time ...
Advantages: Gentle comedy and extemely touching Disadvantages: A little slow getting started
Having wanted to see this DVD for a while and I finally got around to watching it yesterday evening. It was well worth the wait and I hope that you enjoy my review of it.
*** The General Story ***
MrsHenderson's husband has died and she misses him and is bored. She is told by a friend that she is allowed to lunch, serve on committees, sew and take young lovers! All of which she finds boring (well except the idea of the lover!) She is passing a theatre and she decides to buy it, renovate it and then put on shows. She is introduced to Vivian Van Damm who she immediately fights with and then employs. Their relationship is central to the story. The theatre is revolutionary and an immediate hit, until everyone else copies them. So they look for something else to do and there the main story begins.
*** The Director ...
![Female Drama Triple (Mrs Henderson Presents, Separate Lies, Girl With A Pearl Earring) [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78128801.jpg "Female Drama Triple (Mrs Henderson Presents, Separate Lies, Girl With A Pearl Earring) [DVD]")
