Mrs Henderson Presents Movie Review:


Frears clearly likes to vary his styles, and he's hit upon perhaps his most enjoyably commercial film yet with this 1930s London theatre romp, based on a true story. It's a simple plot, really, but a feisty tone and prickly characters bring it energetically to life.

Laura Henderson (Dench) isn't taking to widowhood very well; needlepoint and charity just aren't her thing, so she buys the derelict Windmill Theatre. Her manager Vivian Van Damm (Hoskins) comes up with the idea of running all-day musical revues, which briefly provides an advantage until everyone copies them. So they turn to France for inspiration, putting on a Moulin Rouge-style show with tableau nudity to get around London's harsh censorship laws. And when the Germans start dropping bombs, the Windmill is the only theatre that never closes.

It's a terrific slice of history, and Sherman spices it with layers of character detail--back stories, surprises, barbed interaction and hilariously sharp one-liners, impeccably delivered by Dench. This is the kind of grand dame Oscar bait she can play in her sleep, but she invests enough subtext to keep Laura interesting, and to keep us on our toes. Her chemistry with Hoskins has a terrifically antagonistic Tracy-Hepburn vibe. They never say anything nice to each other, but their affection is palpable. Of the supporting cast, Reilly is the standout as a tableau girl plucked from obscurity and struggling with stardom. And Guest is great fun as the flustered chief censor.

Without much in the way of actual plotting, the filmmakers are free to concentrate on atmosphere. The effects work is superb (that opening shot of Piccadilly Circus is remarkable). And the lively stage productions happily take up quite a bit of screen time (Young commands the screen nicely in these scenes). This gives Frears and Sherman the chance to weave in pointed historical observations. Newsreel footage of Hitler in Paris and the Blitz in England adds both realism and post-7/7 relevance as we see Londoners refusing to succumb to a climate of fear and repression. All of which lends just a touch of meaning to a film that's otherwise pure bliss.



Rich Cline

After the death of her husband Mrs Laura Henderson (Dench) is a widow with an awful lot of money and nothing to do. Driving through the West End of London, she spots a theatre up for sale and sees this as the investment she as been waiting for and the perfect opportunity to have some fun. Hiring renowned theatre manager Vivian Van Damm (Hoskins), the pair come up with the idea of the Windmill Theatre running continuous revuedeville. When the other theatres follow suit, the Windmill has to do something different to standout again and Mrs Henderson has the perfect idea but it isn’t quite what 1930s London is used to. A nude revue.

Combining quirky humour with keeping the British end up during World War II, can ‘Mrs. Henderson Presents’ become another heart-warming tale that the British film industry does so well?

Acclaimed director Steven Frears brings together an excellent ensemble cast to make a movie that successfully combines musical theatre, comedy and drama and produces a film that you cannot help but like. The combination set against the perils of World War II, has everything that British audiences enjoy and it could easily become a firm favourite.

At the heart of the movie are the excellent performances from Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins. As Mrs. Henderson, Dench creates a loveable upper class widow with a new and free outlook on life. Dench has a real passion for the character and this is reflected in her performance, adding a sense of fun to the role and coming into her own during the more dramatic elements. Bob Hoskins has a similar passion. As Vivian Van Damm we see a little more of him than we should do, but this shouldn’t put you off his captivating performance. As the Theatre manager with an eye for the younger ladies, he becomes the heart of the Windmill and the voice of reason against Mrs. Henderson’s flights of fancy. It is their screen chemistry that drives the film, as the two bounce off each other during their constant arguments and disagreements on how the theatre should be run.

The supporting cast is also extremely good. Kelly Reilly plays Maureen, the lead nude of the troop who was found quite accidentally by Van Damm. This could be another break out role for the actress and one that will get her noticed by Hollywood even more. Pop Idol winner Will Young makes his motion picture debut as Bertie, the lead male vocal performer at the Windmill. We already know that he can sing but he is can also turn his skills to the thespian pursuits. He definitely has a future in musical theatre.

‘Mrs. Henderson Presents’ is a film that you can help but enjoy. Capturing the time perfectly as the War took hold, the power of theatrical entertainment at a time when it was most needed. With exemplary performances and a story that is both touching and funny, this is a fine example of a British film that we should treasure.

Jamie Kelwick

Site Contents Copyright© The Z Review, unless used with permission.This site has no intention to infringe on the rights of the film owners of Mrs Henderson Presents and intellectual copyright holders of the movies mentioned herein & hold copyright over the movie, characters, merchandise & storyline.