Mrs Henderson Presents (2005)
Nudity, infrequent coarse language
Nudity. Variety. High Society.
Recently widowed well-to-do Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) is at a bit of a loose end in inter-war London. On a whim she buys the derelict Windmill theatre in the West End and persuades impresario Vivian Van Damm to run it, despite the fact the two don't seem to get on at all. Although their idea of a non-stop revue is at first a success, other theatres copy it and disaster looms. Laura suggests they put nudes in the show, but Van Damm points out that the Lord Chamberlain, who licenses live shows in Britain, is likely to have something to say about this. Luckily Mrs Henderson is friends with him.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 103mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (95)
95 Member
Reviews
Alex
says
Judy Dench must be the most versatile actress which makes this excellent film more enjoyable.
kit2035
says
Thouroughly enjoyed this. a good story well told & acted
Moira W
says
I had watched this on TV. Loved it then. Had to see it again. Enjoyed it again. A wonderful film
Clouseau
says
Enjoyable without being truly memorable! Good performances from Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins, but there was no magic between them.
Chookey
says
Fantastic entertainment. No wonder Judi is now a Dame. Delightful.
MandyMc
says
Absolutely delightful film. Judy Dench steals this, but only just, Bob Hoskins is a hoot. Whether you are middle age or enjoying your sunset years like my Mum and are not afraid of a little nudity, you will love this very funny and slightly irreverant film.
Craig Hill
says
I didn't watch it but the missus said it was alright.
Ingmar
says
Quirky enough film, but certainly not Bob Hoskins' or Judy Dench's finest moments......
Carolyn H.
says
Wonderful entertainment with Judi Dench at her best
Jessica
says
Very entertaining.
Keryn B.
says
A very fun movie. Light hearted and very very entertaining. Absolute movie must.
J
says
Different! Dame Judy Dench is always worth watching. Contains a lot of mostly tasteful nudity.
Sarah W.
says
Judi Dench is always fantastic. She saves this movie and makes it classy.
Phil H.
says
Much better than expected. Excellent cast and very entertaining.
Belinda P.
says
I was somewhat disappointed...maybe not in the mood.....it seemed to drag on too long for me and I didn't really care whether I watched the end or not. It didn't really go anywhere for me - and Mrs Henderson's speech about a young man's need to see a woman naked....just seemed ridiculous to me!
Janet B.
says
Yet another "Dench at her best" but this actor is so versitile she can turn any role into her very own as she has done with Mrs. Henderson. This could have been a quite ordinary movie but the cast makes the story and I recommend this movie to all.
Debra
says
We found this film fascinating and was just what was needed for a romantic night in. Judi Dench played the character of Mrs Henderson to a T and Bob Hoskins was a great foil for her as Vivian Van Damme. Poignant and sensitive as well as a bit of comedy all rapped together in one very good movie.
Mal
says
I really enjoyed this one.
Pamela G.
says
Quirky, loved it!
Deborah K.
says
Reasonably accurate portrayal of the nightlife of the time! According to my uncle ,who was there at the time and caught a slight glimpse of those gorgeous women in shadow! The back story of their lives and how they came to be there was of particular interest.
Thoroughly enjoyed Dame Judy Dench's performance. Her sheer delight to be part of the entertainment side and her inability to connect with the lives of those around, her except on a superficial level, was superb! The invincible upper class of that time! She has to be one of my favourites. Totally convincing.
Don
says
Another outstanding success for Judi Dench, with a cast of extremely talented actors/dancers/singers. Based on the real story of a righ widow who in 1937 opened the Windmill Theatre in London, the first time in England that young women featured nude on stage. The result was/is real art. One of the best films of recent years.
N S.
says
Excellent
Kym R.
says
Audrey P.
says
Enjoyed. Didn't realise based on real life. Take care - full frontal male nudity
Kornelis V.
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Lara M.
says
Robin S.
says
I just loved that. My husband hated it and went to sleep but this seems to be an emerging pattern with anything that I pick.
Christine A.
says
100% entertainment and moving in parts.
James K.
says
Wonderful romantic comedy with Judi Dench in a superb role.
Alan C.
says
Frank W.
says
Another excellent acting performance by Judi Dench. Good light entertainment.
Judy W.
says
great movie, really loved it.
Judy W.
says
great movie, really loved it.
Lynlea R.
says
Dawn D.
says
Wonderful picture
Sarah E.
says
Great movie. Beautifully acted by Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins. Lots of laughs and very sweet without being mushy.
Barbara S.
says
A little on the slow side, actors presented story well for the time it was set in.
Steven F.
says
Michele S.
says
Fantastic movie highly recommend wonderful cast and great storyline.
Craig E.
says
great cast and interesting story line.
Emma F.
says
Steve I.
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Claire J.
says
Kirsty P.
says
Who said oldies can't have fun or give better performances then the young ones (and i am a young one so i now how we think). A vey enjoyable watch and a true story to boot.
Rosslyn A.
says
Well acted and entertaining.
Nan L.
says
Loved it. Husband did too!
Thanks, Nan
Sharon K.
says
Brian G.
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J A P.
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David M.
says
A must to include in any queue. The only theatre that did not close in London in WW2. A great story.
Anthony B.
says
Bronwyn H.
says
tiborg
says
Excelent movie about the estabilishing the Windmill theatre in London. Mirroring the life,aspirations and moral outlook between the two wars(to end ALL wars) Acting and directing is superb.The sections showing the bombing of London very good. Worth seeing.
L. G.
says
Bravo!! What a brilliant film. Judi Dench was wonderful and beautiful, Bob Hoskins was as I have never seen him before and a suprise spot by Christopher Guest, a la Spinal Tap, topped it off. Mrs Hendersons irreverence and the wit and humour of the dialogue made this movie a joy to watch.
sandi
says
A clever script and beautifully acted out. This movie has it all;- a good story, music, dance and a great director, delightful entertainment.
David L.
says
Lewis C.
says
Kathleen S.
says
Great (mostly true) story, great actors, great costumes and choreography. The background history and interviews really added to my appreciation of this movie - would watch it again.
Patricia P.
says
A wonderful movie. Certainly not to be missed. In fact, I could watch it several times over. Judi Dench stars once again.
Lisa M.
says
A thoroughly wonderful film made all the better because it tells a true life story. The perfomances by Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins were brilliant and support from new faces, such as Will Young, was top notch. The scenery, wardrobe,styling and music from the 1930s and 40s was also superb. The screenplay was beautifully written and the bonus features (Making of the Movie) was worth watching. You can watch this one again and again.
Leonard S.
says
Quite frankly apart from Judy Dench this film is a load of you know what. Stilted and unconvincing.
William E.
says
Les H.
says
This Is really Judy Dench& Bob Hoskins @ their Best. A delightful Humourous Story Which borders on Reality My Wife & I thoroughly Enjoyed this Movie
Diane C.
says
Judi Dench is wonderful as always as the posh society widow who has no idea on how the theatre world works but learns in a hurry.
Gail E.
says
Jack C.
says
Another great nostalgia film as only the British seem to know how to make. That it deals with the quirky subject of a strip revue where the talent isn't allowed to move, adds to the charm. Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins are terrific and their "romance" is indeed a treat. The support cast does an excellent job adding to the story's emotional depth and warmth -- a story that will make you both laugh and cry. Definitely, one of the best films of 2005.
PS: It also looks and sounds great -- as the writing is a feast for the mind, these are a feast for the senses. Stephen Frears, take a bow.
Heidi K.
says
Was slightly disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high, still a pleasant movie though as Judi Dench is always a joy to watch
Betsy F.
says
Robyn K.
says
Barbara S.
says
Mrs Henderson Presents is a nice mix of funny and sad. Judy Dench is always a joy to watch.
Denis R.
says
Wonderful good feel movie, couple of teary spots
Glenn R.
says
Peter B.
says
Jack K.
says
What a delight! Judi Dench is the likable (just) eccentric Mrs. Henderson who teams up with Bob Hoskins as testy musical producer Vivian Van Damm. Despite their feisty relationship they transform the pre-war London Windmill Theatre into a successful venue which includes nude tableaus. Eye catching choreography and costumes, joyful music and singing, funny, touching and wonderfully acted.
Vicki S.
says
Megan M.
says
With actors the calibre of Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins, how can you go wrong? This movie will have you laughing and in tears, usuallyl within a few minutes of each other. Excellent performances from all the actors, looking at a fascinating aspect of London theatre.
Kate S.
says
Aderito P.
says
Jenny L.
says
Judy Dench at her best. A fascinating story based on fact.
lakme
says
What a brilliant movie!!! The Brits certainly know how to pull off a great comedy/drama and who better to star in it than Dame Judi Dench. This wonderful actress can do no wrong as the snobby widow with too much money and Bob Hoskins shines as her business and sparring partner. Great music and sets. Altogether, its a damn good bit of entertainment.
Patricia O.
says
Wonderful performances all round- thoroughly enjoyable.
the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more
Joan E.
says
Didn't make me laugh, or feel any other emotions. Was just a movie.
Ron
says
Don't know why we haven't heard more about this, Judi Dench is great as the difficult but understanding widow, the story is different and the vaudeville is very artistic, very entertaining all round.
Lesley L.
says
George T.
says
An entertaining view into the history of the Windmill Theatre
Lyneve C.
says
What a brilliant team - Judi Dench & Bob Hoskins. An absolute treat of a movie - loved it!
quibid
says
Like others we found this a surprisingly refreshing movie that keeps your interest from beginning to end. The actors superb delivery of light humour and wit just sets up the very enjoyable scenario.
Helen M.
says
Terence B.
says
Great story, wonderful acting and relationship between Judi Dench & Bob Hoskins. Very enjoyable
Dianne A.
says
Loved this movie. Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins were brilliant.
geoff
says
THis movie is well written, well acted and damn good fun.
It does brush past some deep issues and anyone who knows a little history will really enjoy the referances to WWI and II.
I am old enough to remember when the Windmill closed for evet, the only time it ever closed.
The movie carries some of the funand sadness of the times and the strange class structure of England then.
Recommend it to anyone and the tasteful nude scenes shouldn't offend anyone.
Marg O.
says
sonab
says
A very entertaining film with a different kind of storyline to the norm. Brilliant acting by Dame Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins (as one would expect). Keeps you interested the whole time. Worth watching.
Katrina T.
says
Judi Dench at her best!!
Mila
says
Sparkling performances from the two principals, who were obviously enjoying themselves. A 'must" for any theatre buff. Evocative of London during the blitz. A leisurely paced, total enjoyment. Recommend the "special features"