Mrs. Henderson Presents
Dir: Stephen Frears
2005
****
Mrs. Henderson Presents is an over the top bawdy affair with lots of charm and a sincere heart. It tells the true story of The Windmill Theatre owned and run by Mrs Laura Henderson and Vivian Van Damm respectively. It was bought by Mrs Henderson after her husband died as a hobby project, Van Damm, a successful and respected Theatre impresario ran it for her under the condition that he had full control. It was Mrs Henderson's suggestion that they might include nude girls in the program to sell tickets and it was her that convinced The Lord Chamberlain, Rowland Baring, 2nd Earl of Cromer (played by Christopher Guest) to allow it. It was a first in Theatre and let the way in popular entertainment in the 1930s. The Theatre continued through the War and is famous for being the only Westend London Theatre to stay open during the Blitz. Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins are perfect together in the leading roles. The production doesn't hold back either, giving the overall feel of the film the realism it deserves. Stephen Frears is a dependable director, Martin Sherman's script is well adapted to screen and apart from a few dodgy performances it's a good show all round.