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 ***
Mrs Henderson'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 ***
Stephen Frears does a fabulous job in the direction of this film. He is know for other films such as Dangerous Liasons and My Beautiful Laundrette.
*** The Cast ***
The ever wonderful Judi Dench plays Laura Henderson and is just fabulous. Ok I have to say I am biased because I think she is one of the most talented actresses that this country has ever produced! She is funny, yet understanding and you have a great empathy for her during the film.
Bob Hoskins has never been a great favourite of mine, but I have to say that in this role I really enjoyed his performance. As I said before he has s great relationship with Mrs Henderson and this is central to the role and many of the comedy moments are between them.
Bertie, the male lead in the Musical Review that the theatre puts on is played by Will Young, and before you laugh he is actually very good at it. I wouldn't say that the part stretches him terribly but he certainly doesn't embarrass himself.
Thelma Barlow is absolutely hilarious playing Lady Conway. You will never look at her the same way again. She is there as Mrs Henderson's friend and confidant, handing out advice when and wherever needed.
There are several very witty scenes between Mrs Henderson and Lord Cromer (Tommy) played by Christoper Guest. She basically has to manipulate him into giving her a licence to allow nudes on stage.
The naked girls are played by Kelly Reilly, Anna Brewster, Rosalind Halstead, Sarah Solemani and Natalie Tena. They are all portrayed as vulnerable and not at all sleazy and they play the roles well.
*** My Opinion ***
I loved this film. The acting is great, I wouldn't be able to pick anyone out who I thought acted badly. The film is a lot about the relationships of the characters as much as about the story itself. I found myself having great empathy for the girls, many of whom were doing what they did to support themselves through hard times not because they were exhibitionists.
The relationship that Laura Henderson has with Lady Conway is really comical. Thelma Barlow really is as you've never been allowed to see her before, she is truly fabulous.
The whole history of the Windmill is facinating and they had a motto 'We Never Close' was actually true. You come away afterwards thinking thank goodness they were there to do what they did. It is hard to say much more without giving away what happens so i shall leave it there.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
The blitz-bombing of London in World War II provides the serious backdrop for the ... more
uplifting entertainment ofMrs. Henderson Presents, a delightful comedy anchored by the flawless performances of Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.After losing a son in World War...
Postage & Packaging: Check Site. Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
The blitz-bombing of London in World War II provides the serious backdrop for the ... more
uplifting entertainment ofMrs. Henderson Presents, a delightful comedy anchored by the flawless performances of Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.After losing a son in World War...
Postage & Packaging: Check Site. Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
London, 1937. Mrs Laura Henderson, a woman of wealth and connections, has just buried her ... more
beloved husband. And now she's bored. Friends suggest she finds a hobby and to their amazement she buys the Windmill Theatre.Newly appointed manager, Vivian Van D...
Nudity. Variety. High Society. Mrs. Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) may be a widow but she ... more
is by no means going to spend the rest her days playing bridge. The Windmill Theatre becomes her raison d'etre and the notorious showman Vivian Van Dam (Bob Hoskin...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![Mrs Henderson Presents [2005] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78502830.jpg "Mrs Henderson Presents [2005] [DVD]")
Jul 4th, 2006
very helpful by (100%):
