Mrs Henderson Presents

Mrs Henderson Presents is a delightfully intriguing period film directed by the accomplished Stephen Frears in 2005. Its central characters are deliciously portrayed by an ensemble cast led by the incomparable Judi Dench and the versatile Bob Hoskins, with notable performances from Christopher Guest and others. The film intertwines the elements of drama, comedy, and music, offering a potent cocktail of entertainment that is as stimulating as it is touching.

Set in the London of the 1930s and 40s, the narrative unfolds around the life of Laura Henderson, a lively, independently wealthy widow. Still, in the twilight of her years, she is beautifully played by Judi Dench, who transforms her into a vibrant, quirky, and irrepressible character who refuses to be confined by the social conventions of her time. With her razor-sharp wit and remarkable resilience, Mrs Henderson is a character who instantly endears herself to the audience.

Upon the death of her husband, Mrs Henderson finds herself with a surplus of time and money but very little to keep her amused. She soon sets her sights on a derelict theatre in Soho, The Windmill, and decides to buy and renovate it, thus setting the stage for a venture into an entirely new world - live entertainment.

Enter the gruff yet warm-hearted Vivian Van Damm, brilliantly portrayed by Bob Hoskins, who she hires as her theatre manager. Despite their frequent headbutting and witty verbal exchanges, the duo develops an unlikely yet deeply respectful friendship. Under Van Damm's management, The Windmill begins producing revues known as "Revudeville," a continuous program of variety acts that gains immense popularity among Londoners.

However, when other theatres start copying their format, Mrs. Henderson comes up with a daring solution to keep their audiences: to put nude women on stage as living, breathing statues of art. She uses her charm and relentless will to convince the government, personified by a rational yet sympathetic bureaucrat, Lord Cromer, played by Christopher Guest. Faced with her tenacity, Cromer relents, owning to Mrs Henderson's argument that their nudity is 'art' rather than 'entertainment', and allows them to proceed with some restrictions.

Once nudes were introduced, the theatre's popularity soared. It becomes a bomb shelter of sorts during the Second World War, as its performances continued throughout the Blitz, preserving the spirit of Londoners under insurmountable challenges. But the war also brings with it a plethora of problems and heartbreaks, which Mrs Henderson and her troupe must face bravely.

The film brilliantly captures the tumultuous era of World War II, using The Windmill Theatre as an evocative backdrop against which the themes of freedom, resilience, and integrity are deeply explored. The narrative is speckled with music and performances that are as much a character in the story as Mrs. Henderson and Van Damm themselves. Brightly lit musical numbers in stark contrast with the bleak realities of war-torn London create a riveting cinematic narrative that enchants and engages.

Moreover, the witty banter and palpable chemistry between Dench and Hoskins lend a charmingly comedic element to the story. Dench breathes life into the effervescent Mrs Henderson with her impeccable skill, while Hoskins adeptly personifies the good-hearted yet grumpy Van Damm. Both actors deliver memorable performances that establish a rapport that is both dynamic and touching.

On the whole, 'Mrs Henderson Presents' is a marvelous melange of music, theatre, history, and human emotions. Stephen Frears directs the movie with the dexterity and finesse that he is renowned for. The narrative swings between the realms of poignant drama and breezy comedy, delivering a well-rounded cinematic experience. It’s a heartening portrayal of the power of art and friendship in the face of adversity, and a nostalgic tribute to the indomitable spirit of London and its people during one of history's most challenging periods.