Mrs. Henderson Presents

Long time viewer of IMDb.com but first time poster. I just HAD to post after that negative listing I saw because I couldn't disagree more! I found the movie hilarious and touching. The history of the Windmill Theatre is extraordinary! I come from a theater background and currently work in production for television and film... and I just loved this movie. From the script, to the costuming, the acting, music and imagery... beautiful. My only complaint would be to the Weinsteins - where is the PR??? Dench and Hoskins are amazing! Oscar contenders for sure! I know it won't be released wide until January and I do hope it picks up speed because there's no good reason NOT to see this movie - there's humor, nudity, history, a little romance, a little violence... it has something for everyone!

As the closing feature of the 2005 St. Louis International Film Festival, "Mrs. Henderson Presents" was shown to a nearly full theatre. Coming from the United Kingdom, the film is not a drama nor is it a comedy. "Mrs. Henderson Presents" is best described as a "dramedy" mixed with a musical. Judi Dench dives into her usual role with ease, playing Laura Henderson. As an upper-class widow left with heaps of money, she decides to purchase a theatre, which she names The Windmill. Through the love-hate relationship between Mrs. Henderson and her theatre manager (the terrific Bob Hoskins), they present the most revolutionary program in England: nude women on stage. "Mrs. Henderson Presents," constantly switches from drama to comedy, but is so skillfully directed by Stephen Frears that it maintains a fluid and graceful tone. This is a film that is told through the eyes of its main character, Laura Henderson, so an unrealistic sense of optimism exists. The message lies in the naïve buoyancy Mrs. Henderson grabs from the continuous tragedy and sadness.

Stephen Frear's new film is truly heartbreaking and tragic, but ironically, is incredibly fun. In "Mrs. Henderson Presents," The Windmill Theatre stands tall like a knight in shining armor to the soldiers and crowds of England. It is also a pleasurable escape that certainly deserves more than one visit.

A film like 'Mrs. Henderson Presents' probably relies most on the performances and this is where it scores. Not to take anything away from Stephen Frears as I very much like his works, but I doubt the screenplay would have been as effective had it not been for Ms. Dench. The title role seems to have been made for Dame Judi Dench as I simply cannot picture anyone else doing justice to the character. In addition to that, Bob Hoskins is equally effective as the stubborn Van Damme and Kelly Reilly is stunningly sensual, innocent and vulnerable. The portrayal of the theatre and its productions are quite spectacular. The set designs though impressive have a theatrical look but perhaps that was the director Frears's intention. The soundtrack is likable. The screenplay feels slightly deja-vu and something seems to be lacking. Though the film is classified as a drama, there are several laugh-out-loud moments, most of which are provided by Dench. Her subtle comedy, her downplaying the intense emotions and her nuances, whether expressed through her dialogue delivery or body language….are enough to form a textbook in acting. Just take a look at her scenes and one can see what I am trying to convey. It is Judi Dench's Mrs. Henderson that stays in mind long after the film's finished. That itself makes 'Mrs. Henderson Presents' a beautiful film to watch.

This little gem was given a bad review by a local newspaper critic and I couldn't disagree more!! I loved it. Judy Dench (the wonderful) and Bob Hoskins are fabulous in their roles and I loved the flirtatious undercurrents. This film made me laugh and cry .... I left the theatre feeling lovely ... what more could you ask for in a movie?? The history of the Windmill Theatre and the (ludicrious) laws allowing the nudes on stage was very interesting. I think Will Young did very well in his first movie, I am an oldie who enjoys his singing. All in all a great movie, Judy Dench fans wont be disappointed, and I hope some younger movie goers give it a go as its well worth the viewing.

Oh isn't she terrific?! As a Brit, I get a bit tee-ed off with the 'heritage' type of movie; the type that present a picture that never existed, but the very presence of the old dame gives Mrs Henderson Presents a really uplifting quality. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, all the performances were excellent, Judes of course, but Bob Hoskins as well... oh, and Will Young - he reminded me of Tommy Tune in The Boyfriend - well worth a few quid of anyone's money! I saw it at a preview screening and had the good fortune to chat with Bob Hoskins after the film. He was wonderful, a pocket-sized bundle of fun (though Bob, you owe me two fags). I asked him what it was like working with the Dame (she has a reputation for being totally committed and therefore can be a bit scary). He grinned a grin the size of the Dartford Tunnel and said 'Judy! She frightened the effing (though he didn't say 'effing')life out of me!!' It was a great moment - he's one of my heroes; stunning in The Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa... and a little, grey-haired old lady terrified him!! He said she on the ball twenty four hours a day and worked like a trouper. Wonderful!!! I would absolutely recommend Mrs Henderson Presents; it's nostalgic, yes; it's a bit contrived; but hey, artistic license is allowed still isn't it? And I'd rather watch this than sit through turgid dross like Notting Hill or Four Weddings. As British films go - this might just signal a bit of a comeback - we can but hope.