The fact that Judi Dench opens Mrs. Henderson Presents is apt, as it is truly the good Dame's vehicle from beginning to end. The first scene proffers a tableau of grief – Dench as the titular Mrs. H., standing over the grave of her recently deceased husband and provider, and looking every inch the mourning widow. Some excellent acting gives us a peek behind the tears at the mischievous monkey-face of Mrs. H. – bored already by widow-hood; diversions become the order of the day, and she purchases The Windmill Theatre.

Based on true events, the movie trails Mrs. H. and her attempts to battle the boredom of retirement, and her new venture's theatrical competition, with increasingly diverse productions. Eventually, and famously, The Windmill Theatre began the illustrious talent-fest that would eventually result in Stringfellows – they started using nude models. The shocking (for the time) notion was that Mrs. H., an elderly woman and a grieving widow, would be the one to instigate the concept. She decides on Vivian Van Damm (a trussed-up Bob Hoskins) as her theatre manager, who takes over the task with gusto; asking for complete control, and promising an all-day revue of musical shows, he soon brings the theatre and Mrs. H. to task.

The majority of the first half of the movie bores with it's oh-so-shocking nudity, and introduction to key members – a blandly smiling Will Young, and an equally dull Kelly Reilly barely manage to hang on as interesting players. Christopher Guest, as Lord Cromer, holds his trademarked bewildered look throughout the film, but amply fills the boots of the young whippersnapper who makes decisions on whether the nudity in Mrs. H.'s revues could be considered art or not. The fact that the models didn't move, but merely provided tableau's of famous scenes throughout history, or background decoration for the show, meant that they fell into the category of art, and thus escaped the censor's whip.

The second half brings more excitement, in the shape of World War 2 breaking out – melodrama takes over this tale of nakedness and jingoism. The war meant that theatres must close, as they encouraged congregation and caused risk to lives during a time of constant bombardment. For the Windmill Theatre, however, it meant more business – as not only was the auditorium underground, but the welcome revenue of the troops was hugely increased by the….ahem….'display'!

A huge downfall of the movie is it's rambling story. For Mrs. H's character, it tries to encompass her unrequited love for Van Damm, her fear of death, grief at the loss of her husband, her eccentric love of fun, and her vast array of foibles. Dench tries her hardest, but at her best she could never hope to render such a rambling character completely understandable. Bob Hoskins doesn't quite manage his own role against her, with an accent so forced and 'learned' it grates, and a stance suggestive of imprisonment rather than acting. Judi Dench, however, has such a sense of establishment about her that she manages to hold the rambling threads together to the end.

Made in the style of old dance-hall classics, Mrs. Henderson Presents is an enjoyable and entertaining event. The colour and movement make it ideal for cinema, whereas the story and talent make it more Sunday afternoon fare. The combination of the two angles ensure a welcome treat for older audiences, though it makes a dull exercise for those of more demanding inclinations. Will sit quite comfortably on the rental shelf sandwiched between The Sound of Music and Mrs. Brown!

Rated 15A (see IFCO website for details)
Mrs. Henderson Presents is released on 25th November 2005.
Mrs. Henderson Presents – Official website