Film: Mrs Henderson Presents
Stars: Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Christopher Guest and boobies
Writer: Martin Sherman
Director: Stephen Frears
Mrs Henderson Presents is a little jem of a film that slipped out sometime last year. I hadn’t even heard about it until I saw the preview on one of my other recently Netflix’ed DVD’s. The story picks up in the late 30’s in London based around the origins of the real life Windmill theater house. The first theater in England with nude performers.
The story picks up with Laura Henderson (Dench) mourning the passing of her husband. Out of an excess of money and boredome she decides to buy and renovate an old theater. Having no sense for the bussiness herself Mrs Henderson hires Vivian Van Damm (Hoskins) to take over manegerial duties. Their theater opens with a vaudivillian style of musical review, but after a decline in bussiness Mrs Henderson decides to impliment a contriversial plan, to have nude performers.
The final product of this film is a funny, fresh, and warm-hearted vision of a historical landmark. Hoskins and Dench play off each other with perfect chemestry. Christopher Guest is very funny as the straight-laced Lord Cromer and plays some of the best comic bits in the film. Other worth-mentioning performances include newcomer Will Young as Bertie, and Kelly Reily and Maureen.
Even though I enjoyed the movie from start to finish I felt that the story becomes the most enjoyable when London falls under the mercy of the German blitz. During the bombings the Windmill theater stayed open and entertained allied troops before they were to head for the front line.
Overall the music, the acting, writing, directing, everything is top notch. I’d suggest this movie to pretty much anyone who can appreciate the music of the 30’s, history, or naked women (which should cover just about everyone). The film is excellent, give it a shot.
As for the extras, they’re kind of skeletal, but the ones they have are pretty good. You get some historical goodies about the real Windmill theater and the process of making the film and you get a director commentary. Not wonderful, but still solid.
Rating: B+