cinemel1 Review of Mrs. Henderson Presents

Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)

Judi Dench adds another fine portrait to her gallery of roles

[7/10 · 12 December 2005]

Mrs. Henderson (Judi Dench) is newly widowed just before the Second World War. Being wealthy, she decides to buy a dilapidated old theater, renovate it, and present continuous performances of vaudeville. She hires Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to produce the shows which start off doing very well. When the customers start to dwindle she gets the idea of presenting some of the female performers nude. She applies for permission from the government and the arts commission allows it only if the women don't move. The relationship of Dench and Van Damm is what drives the film. They are great together. The musical numbers are enjoyable. The soldiers who attend the performances are entertained. There isn't much plot to the film, but the cast and direction (Stephen Frears) paint a portrait of life before and during World War II in London during the blitz.