In association with

Mrs Henderson Presents [2005]
from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
starring Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Will Young, Christopher Guest, Thelma Barlow
directed by Stephen Frears

Features:

• Anamorphic
• PAL

Editorial 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

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• Excellent - a gem of a film!
  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,... more info

• Cockle-warming story
  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
  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
  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... more info

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