Moviola > Films > Mrs. Henderson Presents

Mrs. Henderson Presents (12A)   103 mins

"The show must go on, but the clothes must come off"

Stephen Frears's film is a loving portrayal of London's Windmill Theatre whose motto "We never closed" (or, as some wags used to say, "We never clothed") sustained them through World War Two and at least into the 60s.  Judi Dench stars as Laura Henderson, a rich and bored upper-class widow who in 1931 buys an old theatre in Soho and appoints Vivian van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to run it for her. Looking for a gimmick to give her the edge over her competitors, she comes up with the idea of having her showgirls strip off like they do in Paris.  This leads to a run-in with the Lord Chamberlain (Christopher Guest), until between them they cook up the typically British compromise that as long as the nudes do not move they can be considered "art".

"A must for Denchophiles, Anglophiles, nude lovers, showbiz types, and anyone who likes a good yarn well told. " 

"There are plenty of laughs and numerous highlights along the way in this charming and well-staged affair: not least Hoskins and Dench who are excellent as the warring leading couple."  Tiscali UK

www.mrshendersonpresentsmovie.co.uk

Last modified: 20-Jun-2008

Send mail to info@moviola.org to comment on the website or find out more about Moviola.