Most would shiver at the thought of watching Judi Dench star in a movie about nudity. Fortunately for audiences everywhere, she is not the one baring skin in "Mrs. Henderson Presents."
This showbiz movie is based on actual events that took place in England during 1973. Laura Henderson (Judi Dench of "Iris") is a high-society woman, recently widowed, with money and time to invest. On a whim, she acquires and renovates a theater called The Windmill with the intention of capitalizing on new and innovative performances. Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins of "Super Mario Bros.") is hired as the theater's manager.
Dench and Hoskins play off each other with an unfettered naturalness. Everyone loves an old lady with a quick wit using crude language, and Dench delivers racy lines without making them seem counter-intuitive.
After her husband's funeral, Henderson declares, "It was most inconsiderate of Robert to die." Later she wonders why her plans to construct an orphanage are not being completed to "build a home for future bastards."
Hoskins is the more sensible of the two. Though focused on the same goal, Van Damm (who the showgirls call "V.D.") and Henderson often clash. At one point, Henderson declares she will no longer step foot in the theater because of Van Damm's negligence. Henderson disguises herself in a bear suit in a hilarious attempt to infiltrate the theater.
Henderson and Van Damm contrive the idea of bringing back a Vaudeville-style show, and dub their production "Revaudeville." The variety show runs non-stop throughout the day, and is the only one in England to do so. Henderson first enjoys heavy commercial and critical success, but soon competitors copy her idea and steal her audience. In a ploy to once again attract attention, Henderson creates a plot to feature nude women in the show. This is where the bulk of the comedy is centered.
This film isn't afraid to have a little fun while examining the social taboos of body parts and lust. When Henderson tries to persuade Lord Cromer (Christopher Guest of "A Mighty Wind") to allow the nude dancers, Cromer has some reserve about saying the names of certain body parts.
The obligatory comedic audition scene is also included as hopefuls from all over Europe file in for their chance at stardom. However, every applicant appears to be mentally disabled and the film throws a curveball by having a bumbling Russian duo actually make the cut.
Will Young deserves an honorable mention for his debut role as Bertie. He portrays an off-kilter, bubbly, quasi-homosexual theater enthusiast, and it's hard to decide whether he should be rendered unconscious or nominated for an award.
Director Stephen Frears is no stranger to the camera. He is best known for directing hits like "Dirty Pretty Things" and "Dangerous Liaisons."
The big band soundtrack is as quirky as the action it accompanies. Songs from the Windmill's productions sound like they could be actual musical numbers, not just fillers created for the movie.
The quirky comedy, original story, and strong acting make this a film worth seeing. If your friends make fun of you for watching a wartime movie about a theater company, just tell them, "Hey, there's boobies!"
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
