Mrs. Henderson Presents (2006)

Sweet, Charming and Poignant

Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) is an unconvential socialite widow who launches into creating a live theatre venue in London in the 1930s. She hires a manager for the theater (Bob Hoskins) and off they go, approaching WWII.

It doesn't take long for their Windmill theatre to become a nude review -- but all done very tastefully -- frequently patronized by the young men going off to war.

Dame Judi was marvelous in this film. Hoskins was even better! Apparently Hoskins worked for years to bring this true story to the screen. He remembers Mrs. Henderson's live review from when he was a boy in London during the War.

Christopher Guest is charmingly funny as Lord Crommer who must grant Mrs. Henderson a permit to operate.

At the end of the film, many of the surviving women who worked at The Windmill -- now in their mid-80s and older -- appear.

Directed by Stephen Frears.

Rated R for nudity and brief language.