Mrs Henderson Presents
Reviewed by Sarah Downing

It is 1939 and Mrs Henderson (Judi Dench) is a wealthy 69 year old lady left bored with life when her husband dies suddenly. Aware that she is in need of a hobby to keep her amused, she invests in an old West End Theatre with a plan to renovate it to its former glory. The only problem is, Mrs Henderson knows very little about the theatre industry.

With the help of professional theatre manager Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins), the Windmill theatre is soon open to the public but immediately struggles to keep up with its competition.

Mr Van Damm and Mrs Henderson’s fiery relationship also puts the Windmill’s future into jeopardy. Mr Van Damm finds Mrs Henderson outspoken, shocking and, sometimes even rude. But, although she is a novice, it is Mrs Henderson who has a burst of inspiration when she decides to put naked ladies on the stage to give the Windmill’s productions an unusual style.

With its non-stop performances for young soldiers during the Second World War, the Windmill becomes a legendary theatre for both the safe environment it provides for the girls employed there and the quality entertainment enjoyed by its male audience, making Mrs Henderson’s hobby a definite success.

Based on a true story, Mrs Henderson Presents is a charming British film that unfortunately lacks any depth. The strength of the film is the character of Mrs Henderson which is held together with a wonderful performance from Judi Dench, who provides a great deal of entertainment in her role as the eccentric busy body. But, although the film boasts other popular stars such as Bob Hoskins and Will Young, it seems they have both been chosen to play themselves; a charming cockney and an attractive gay performer.

It is unfortunate that once the basic storyline is revealed, the film has nothing left to say and, although the music is excellent throughout, it doesn’t help to increase the pace of the movie and prevent it from becoming quite dull.

Mrs Henderson Presents is, disappointingly, an average film which would probably not have been released at the cinema if it wasn’t made with British money and that is dissatisfying as it had such an interesting story to work with.You can always tell when the Oscars are on the horizon because suddenly film lovers are spoilt for choice, with a wide range of excellent movies to choose from.