Mrs. Henderson Presents

Mrs. Henderson Presents is a British comedy-drama film released in 2005, directed by Stephen Frears. The film stars Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins in the lead roles and is based on the true story of a wealthy widow who opens a unique and risqué theater during World War II in London.  

The movie is set in London in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Mrs. Laura Henderson (played by Judi Dench) is a recently widowed socialite who is looking for a way to fill her days and contribute to the war effort. On a whim, she decides to purchase an old theater in the West End, which she names the Windmill Theatre.

Mrs. Henderson hires the flamboyant and eccentric Vivian Van Damm (played by Bob Hoskins) as her theater manager. Together, they come up with the idea of presenting a series of daring and provocative revues that feature nude female performers, known as "The Windmill Girls." This unique form of entertainment gains popularity and becomes a sensation in wartime London, providing a distraction from the grim realities of the war.

As the war progresses, the Windmill Theatre faces various challenges, including censorship issues, financial struggles, and personal conflicts between Mrs. Henderson and Van Damm. However, they persevere and continue to put on shows, even amidst air raids and other wartime hardships.