Mrs Henderson Presents Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wealthy widow buys a theater and decides that naked ladies standing still is the key to winning World War II.

🍿 Mrs Henderson Presents: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Widow’s Whim

Recently widowed Laura Henderson, portrayed by Judi Dench, finds herself restless in post-World War I London. Seeking a new purpose, she impulsively purchases the derelict Windmill Theatre in London’s West End. With no experience in theatre management, she hires Vivian Van Damm, played by Bob Hoskins, a seasoned impresario.

Revudeville and Nudity

Henderson and Van Damm initially find success with a non-stop revue called “Revudeville,” but soon other theatres copy the format, threatening their business. Mrs. Henderson proposes a daring solution: incorporating nudes into the show, inspired by Parisian revues. This idea faces opposition from the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Cromer, played by Christopher Guest, who regulates live performances.

Navigating Censorship

Leveraging her friendship with Lord Cromer, Mrs. Henderson manages to secure permission for the nude tableaux, under the condition that the performers remain still. This loophole allows the Windmill to create a unique and popular show, attracting audiences and pushing the boundaries of theatrical entertainment in pre-war London. The act gets a lot of media and attracts a large audience.

Wartime Resilience

As World War II breaks out and the Blitz devastates London, the Windmill Theatre becomes a symbol of resilience, remaining open even during air raids. The performances offer a much-needed escape for soldiers and civilians alike, and the theatre faces closure by the Lord Chamberlain.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mrs. Laura Henderson (Judi Dench): A wealthy, recently widowed woman who buys the Windmill Theatre to alleviate her boredom and finds unexpected purpose.
• Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins): The experienced and pragmatic theater manager hired by Mrs. Henderson, often clashing with her eccentric ideas but ultimately respecting her vision.
• Lord Cromer (Christopher Guest): The Lord Chamberlain who initially opposes the nude revues but is eventually persuaded to allow them under strict conditions due to his acquaintance with Mrs. Henderson.
• Bertie (Will Young): A talented and flamboyant performer at the Windmill Theatre.
• Maureen (Kelly Reilly): A young, initially reluctant, performer who becomes one of the Windmill’s nude showgirls and experiences personal tragedy during the war.
• Lady Conway (Thelma Barlow): Laura Henderson’s friend who advises her after becoming a widow.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Laura Henderson: “I’m bored with widowhood.” – Said at her husband’s funeral, expressing her desire for a new purpose in life.
• Laura Henderson: “Well I didn’t mislay him! It was most inconsiderate of Robert to die. What on earth am I supposed to do now?” – Expressing her frustration and sense of loss after her husband’s death.
• Lady Conway: “My dear, you’ve just scratched the surface.” – Responding to Laura’s boredom with widowhood, implying deeper challenges ahead.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,036,366
• Worldwide Gross: $27,876,417

💥 Mrs Henderson Presents Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored this movie! Judi Dench is magnificent, and the story is so heartwarming. The scenes during the Blitz were particularly moving. I found myself laughing and crying throughout, and I loved learning about the real-life Windmill Theatre. Highly recommended!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins”
  • “Those interested in British history and World War II stories”
  • “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming and humorous dramas”
  • “People interested in theatre and the performing arts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “War violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Dench and Hoskins deliver powerhouse performances in this charming and surprisingly poignant tale of wartime resilience and the power of entertainment. A thoroughly enjoyable British film.
• BBC: “A warm-hearted and witty film, Mrs. Henderson Presents is a celebration of British spirit and the importance of art in times of adversity. Dench shines as the indomitable Mrs. Henderson.
• The Guardian: “While somewhat predictable, the film’s strong performances and charming characters make it a worthwhile watch. Dench and Hoskins’ chemistry is a delight to witness.

Audience Reactions

The witty banter between Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins was hilarious!: Most viewers praised the strong performances of the lead actors and the film’s heartwarming story.

The film perfectly captured the spirit of wartime London.: Many appreciated the historical accuracy and the way the film portrayed the resilience of the British people.

Overall Consensus: A charming and well-acted film that celebrates British spirit and the power of entertainment during wartime.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 2006

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Before filming began, a party was held for the production team where many of the original Windmill girls attended, creating a remarkable atmosphere and connection to the theatre’s history.”
• “The movie depicts events occurring after 1937, however, the timeline is compressed. Laura Henderson’s husband died in 1919, she purchased the Palais de Luxe in 1931, and introduced nude ‘tableaux vivants’ in 1932.”
• “Will Young’s performance as Bertie was praised for its authenticity, with Bob Hoskins noting his impressive talent and versatility.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mrs Henderson Presents?

Mrs. Henderson Presents is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local streaming services for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mrs Henderson Presents, you might like these similar films:

• The Full Monty (1997): Shares a theme of ordinary people finding empowerment and camaraderie through unconventional performance art, with humor and heart.
• Shakespeare in Love (1998): Explores the behind-the-scenes drama and creative process of putting on a theatrical production, with historical context and romantic elements.
• Calendar Girls (2003): British comedy about women who create a nude calendar to raise money for charity, exploring themes of female empowerment and challenging societal norms.

🛒 Mrs Henderson Presents Related Products

• Mrs. Henderson Presents [DVD]: Own the delightful movie on DVD and enjoy the bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast.
• Vintage London Theatre Poster: A beautifully designed poster inspired by vintage London theatre advertisements. A stylish addition to any film lover’s collection.
• Judi Dench Film Collection [Blu-ray]: A curated Blu-ray collection featuring Judi Dench’s most iconic performances, including Mrs. Henderson Presents. A must-have for any Denchophile.
• Mrs. Henderson Presents: The Novel: Dive deeper into the story with the novelization of the movie, featuring additional scenes and character development.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mrs Henderson Presents features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “All the Things You Are” – performed by Will Young
• “Babies on Parade” – performed by Original Cast Recording
• “La Marseillaise” – performed by Orchestral Version

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rita Hayworth – Cry & You Cry Alone [TONIGHT & EVERY NIGHT]

Ever wondered about the beautiful voice behind Rita Hayworth in ‘Tonight and Every Night’? This video showcases the singer and even suggests another movie, ‘Mrs. Henderson Presents,’ if you loved the original. I think you’ll really like it!

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