Despite not knowing the first thing about anything theatrical the recently widowed and very wealthy Mrs Henderson purchases an old run down theatre in London's West End and appoints Vivian Van Damm as the manager.
This is a film based on true events and it is a film that always intrigued me enough to want to watch it. The other evening I finally got the chance.
Mrs Laura Henderson, played by Dame Judi Dench is a 70 year old widow who on losing her husband has just returned back to England from India. She ponders what to do with her life, confiding in her best friend Lady Conway, played by Thelma Barlow, who informs her that wealthy older women in 1930's London can have a lot of fun and she suggests that she buys herself a few things. Whilst Lady Conway might have had jewellery and such in mind for her friend's purchases it is the theatre that Mrs Henderson acquires.
Vivian Van Damm is an eccentric man played by Bob Hoskins, who fails to be intimidated by Mrs Henderson's wealth and constant interfering. He creates a series
of shows for the theatre and announces that the newly named Windmill Theatre will never close, continually showing it shows back to back. This novel idea draws in the crowd and is an instant success but before long other West End theatres begin to copy them and the Windmill Theatre spirals into debt.
Vivien Van Damm is ready to give up and move on but Mrs Henderson tells him that his problem is that he is not daring enough and suggests that they get rid of the clothes like they do at the Moulin Rogue in Paris. However British licensing laws forbids nudity in theatres but Mrs Henderson just happens to be rather friendly with Lord Cromer, played by Christopher Guest. Initially her plans are rejected but spotting a loophole in the law she suggests that her nude actors will be motionless, like statues in a museum and describing them as works of art her plans are eventually reluctantly given the go ahead.
I found Mrs Henderson Presents to be a very enjoyable film. It has a mixture of both serious moments and comical parts too but the balance between the two always seems to be about just right. Judi Dench portrays Mrs Hendeson wonderfully as a headstrong character that is always arguing and bickering with Mr Van Damm, to the point where things get so bad that she announces that she will never step foot in the theatre again, but this is a love/hate relationship that the couple thrive on.
Bertie, the leading male role in the shows is played by Will Young. I am not really a fan of Will Young and I always have my reservations about pop stars turning into actors but I was actually quite impressed with him here. This role was obviously perfect for him since he gets ample opportunity to sing and dance and do a little bit of acting in between.
Lady Conway, played by Thelma Barlow is an excellent role. I suppose most people are familiar with her as Mavis from Coronation Street but this role really stretches her and brings out her true acting talents. As Mrs Henderson's best friend and confidant she has some of the wittiest lines in the film.
Overall I really enjoyed this film. The nude scenes are done with dignity and without an ounce of sleaze and the story of the Windmill Theatre is certainly an interesting one. Due to its location underground it was allowed to continue to operate throughout the Second World War. I was also touched to learn as the credits rolled that when Mrs Henderson 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 - 103 Released - December 2005 Certification - 12 (for nudity and language)
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I wasn't that bothered about seeing this when it came out as it's not my sort of thing but I have to say it's a very good film and was very enjoyable. x
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...
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: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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...
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