![Mrs Henderson Presents [2005] [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51CKXT99PYL.jpg)
Product Description Stephen Frears directs this comedy starring Judi Dench as Laura Henderson, a recently widowed socialite who refuses to spend the rest of her days grieving her late husband. When she discovers a derelict theatre in the West End of London she decides to buy it and make it her project. To help her run The Windmill Theatre she hires infamous showman Vivian Van Dam (Bob Hoskins) as her business partner and theatre manager. While the Germans continue to bomb the streets outside, The Windmill quickly provides a haven for those in need of solace and entertainment. Mrs Henderson, however, is not content with just providing entertainment; she wants to provide cutting-edge entertainment in the form of nudity. Will she be able to convince the reserved Lord Cromer (Christopher Guest) that naked ladies on stage will bring in the right customers? The all-star cast also includes Will Young, Kelly Reilly and Thelma Barlow. .co.uk 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
M**T
As described and delivered promptly.
As described and delivered promptly.
M**S
very good
very pleased
S**G
a film of wonderful spirit
Mrs Henderson Presents is an amazing film which I have now come back to for the third time, and with just as much pleasure. Judi Dench is wonderfully funny as the larger-than-life Mrs Henderson who nevertheless remains very human and moving, ultimately. Right from the start you realise that the film operates on several levels, even though the surface is quite 'jolly' with much Carry On-style humour got in ... but at the same time there is a sense of life's harshness, both in Mrs Henderson's bereavement at the beginning, and the hardships of the Blitz. I think it has been a bit overlooked how deftly the film covers these things, and others, to present a wide-ranging picture of life in which the indomitable human spirit is shown as the key to getting through these events, even as characters are aware of the inescapable sadness of life as well. Meanwhile the banter between Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins continues in a priceless vein throughout - it is rare to see all these things so vividly captured in one film, with musical numbers on stage caught with an appealing lack of the slickness that can characterise the genre. It deserves to be as well-known as Cabaret - better-known, even!
P**L
I only expected to half-like this
Over 100 reviews in, and almost 75% of 5 stars it is hard to find anything original to say beyond another 5 stars from me.Stephen Frears' comments re his casting choices are interesting and the outcome is spectacular. His quest for authenticity resulted in some unusual selections such as Will Young (nationally famous, but an unknown to me) and dancers 'without the modern gym body', bold choices, but wise ones.Much easier to understand his selections for the principal roles, Judi Dench being in particularly sparky form and nominated for Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe awards for this part. Bob Hoskins her reliable foil, and Christopher Guest nicely understated in his performance as Lord Cromer.There are numerous musical numbers, which may make or destroy the film, according to your taste. I have no knowledge of how authentic the recreations may have been, but they worked for me although not usually my sort of thing.I only expected to half-like this, but am glad to say it is very good.
P**.
laugh and cry
easy to watch and enjoy
M**H
Entertaining
Entertaining
J**H
a film not to miss
One of her best
M**N
replacement.
This was bought to replace a video which had worn out. I love this film and the actors are brilliant in it. Seeing Bob Hoskins naked was a bonus!!!! A great story and really well acted.
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2 weeks ago
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