“Mrs Henderson Presents” takes an intriguing premise and dresses it up in layers of nostalgia and charm, yet it struggles to fully deliver on its potential. Directed by Stephen Frears, the film promises a blend of historical drama and comedy, set against the backdrop of pre-World War II London. The concept seemed promising: a high-society widow opens a risqué theater, bringing a bit of scandalous flair to the conservative British stage. However, the film falls into the trap of being overly respectable, never quite achieving the audacity it teases.
The Setup: A Scandalous Idea in Conservative Times
The story revolves around the real-life Windmill Theatre and its flamboyant owner, Laura Henderson (Judi Dench). After her son’s death in World War I, Mrs. Henderson finds herself restless and decides to buy a theater. She hires Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to manage it, and together, they revolutionize the London stage by introducing a nude revue. Their aim is to offer something different during the tough times leading up to and during World War II.
Respectability vs. Risqué
Despite its premise, the film plays it safe. Instead of diving into the potential for outrageous comedy or deep drama, it maintains a polished, almost sanitized portrayal of the events. The film could have ventured into “Carry On” territory with bawdy humor or embraced a more serious biopic approach. Instead, it treads a middle path that leaves it feeling neither here nor there. The narrative unfolds predictably, with bio-pic clichés and period-piece tropes that fail to surprise or deeply engage.
Character Arcs and Performances
The film introduces its characters with backstories that aim to add depth but often feel like distractions. Mrs. Henderson is a wealthy widow haunted by her son’s death. Van Damm is a gruff, Dutch-Jewish theater manager. Maureen (Kelly Reilly) is the English rose starlet with a troubled past. These backstories are presented dutifully but often lack the emotional resonance needed to elevate the film. They feel like boxes ticked rather than integral parts of the story.
Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins, however, are a delight to watch. Dench’s portrayal of Mrs. Henderson brings a blend of upper-class brusqueness and hidden vulnerability. She balances the character’s eccentricities with moments of genuine warmth. Hoskins, on the other hand, plays Van Damm with a gruff charm. His performance, especially the memorable scene involving male nudity, provides some of the film’s few genuine laughs.
The Nostalgic Charm and Missed Opportunities
The film’s recreation of the music hall era, while charming, lacks the vividness seen in other period pieces. It doesn’t capture the essence of the time as effectively as films like “The 39 Steps” or “Topsy-Turvy.” Instead, it opts for a style reminiscent of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” where the wealthy go on whimsical adventures, and everything feels just a bit too cute and sanitized.
The narrative touches on interesting themes, such as the transformation of British society during the 1930s and 1940s, but it handles these themes with kid gloves. The attempt to draw a line from the bohemian, anything-goes sensibility of the 1930s to modern Britain is intriguing but ultimately feels forced. The film’s stylistic choices, including a relentlessly upbeat musical score, keep it from diving deeper into the era’s complexities.
The Heart of the Story: A Safe Haven in Turbulent Times
At its core, “Mrs Henderson Presents” tries to celebrate the Windmill Theatre as a rare haven for servicemen during the war. Mrs. Henderson, with her Roaring Twenties background, brings a touch of daring to the staid British populace. The idea of offering risqué entertainment as a form of wartime escapism is a fascinating one, but the film doesn’t fully explore its potential. It remains a pleasant, mildly entertaining story rather than a bold statement on art, society, or history.
Final Thoughts: Entertaining but Unremarkable
Despite its flaws, “Mrs Henderson Presents” remains an enjoyable film, largely due to the performances of its leads. Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins bring charm and gravitas to their roles, ensuring that the film never becomes dull. However, it never quite rises above its respectable facade to deliver the daring, memorable experience it promises.
In the end, “Mrs Henderson Presents” is a film caught between two worlds. It wants to be both a respectful period piece and a cheeky comedy, but it doesn’t fully commit to either. As a result, it feels like a missed opportunity—a film that could have been truly remarkable if it had dared to be a little less respectable and a little more risqué.
