'Mrs. Henderson Presents': Nimble acting by a pair of pros

Dame Judi Dench tosses her hat — or would that be a tiara? — into the Oscar race with "Mrs. Henderson Presents," a tailor-made showcase for her particular brand of tart good-heartedness. Set in London in the 1930s and '40s. the movie is based on the true story of a wealthy widow and her theater, the Windmill, which became a symbol for British pluck during the Blitz. When the West End theaters closed because of the Nazi bombs, the Windmill stayed open, pretty much 24/7. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Mrs. Laura Henderson may be a widow but she is by no means going to spend the rest her days playing bridge. The Windmill Theater becomes her game and the infamous showman Vivian Van Dam becomes her partner. The Germans are bombing London as Laura convinces Lord Cromer to allow her actresses to be the one thing no one could ever imagine: Nude.

FILM FACTS ...
The Weinstein Company
'Mrs. Henderson Presents'

Director: Stephen Frears
Starring: Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, William Young, Kelly Reilly, Thelma Barlow
Run time: 103 minutes
Release date: Dec. 9, 2005
Rating: R for nudity and brief language.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
   Trailers require Quicktime

Rate 'Mrs. Henderson Presents'
  Go see it
  Make it a matinee
  Wait to rent
  Don't bother


Voter Limit: Once per Hour
View Poll Results
READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B
"... isn't as fusty as it sounds nor as spiky as it intends, but it's an amusing and well-meaning celebration of the stiff-upper-lips that got Britain through the Blitz."

The Palm Beach Post: B
"Dench ... makes the journey back in time worth taking."


Inside AJC.COM

Holiday shopping

Realtime shopping updates for gift bargains in Metro Atlanta. See a deal? Tell everyone!

Holiday Guide

Things to do in Atlanta with family and friends during the holidays.

Weekend Best Bets

International Cat Show, Chante Moore, Magical Night of Lights, chef cook-offs and more!

Obama Inauguration

Travelling to D.C. on Jan. 20? Here's everything you need to know for your planning.

My Style

Cecile Blanco says her clothing style is contemporary with a French twist.

Cheap Travel

No need to drop big bucks. Here are 25 offerings for cruise, hotel and fall travel packages.

Holiday Guide

Here are 10 gifts under $10, including edible candy cane cups.

Top 5 in Atlanta

Skip those drive-thrus. Here are five of best places in Atlanta for a juicy hamburger.

Christmas House

The 2008 edition, with its garlands and wreaths, benefits Alliance Children's Theater.

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name