DVD Reviews

Mrs Henderson Presents

• Rating:
• Director: Stephen Frears
• Starring: Bob Hoskins
• Details: UK, 103mins, 15s.

When Mr Henderson dies, Mrs Henderson (Dench) finds herself at a bit of a loose end. In an attempt to cope with widowhood she follows her friend's advice (Mavis from Corrie, no less) and takes up various pastimes, from embroidery to charitable works. However, nothing fills the void - until she whimsically visits Windmill Street and buys its dilapidated theatre.
This is where Mr Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) comes on the scene. Mrs Henderson hires him to run the show for her and the pair strike up a playful partnership, resulting in their legendary nude shows. Mrs Henderson is a classic, eccentric English 'character' and even though Dench pulls her off with aplomb, she becomes rather wearing after a while. The pairing between Hoskins and Dench is an attractive and driving one, carrying the show through its gentle comedy, minor titillation and 'the show must go on' jolly, English upper lip-ness. It is an amusing, but conventional affair, which you could happily watch with your Mum over the holidays but wouldn't recommend to your mates.

Review by Elaine Reilly