Talk about your impulse buying; Mrs. Laura Henderson bought herself a theater. Inspired by true events, I felt Judi Dench (Casino Royale, Jane Eyre) was perfect to portray Mrs. Henderson, the woman who opened the famous Windmill Theater in London, England during the 1930’s. With flair, humor and impeccable diction, Mrs. Henderson had the drive and determination to hire theater Impresario Vivian Van Damm, played by Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Vanity Fair). The combination of these two dominant characters created its own theatrical show, as they argued and threatened each other to try and get their own way. Pay attention to their dialog, for it was crisp and loaded with some fun, sly remarks. With the success of the theater, soon other places started copying the windmill’s revues. Being an independent, free thinking woman for the times, Mrs. Henderson came up with a brillant idea–incorporate naked women into the shows. Mr. Van Damm insisted it would never be allowed, but that would not stop Laura Henderson. Not even World War II would stop her as the theater’s famous motto, “We Never Closed” would humorously be altered to “We Never Clothed.”

3 stars — DVD