Now presenting, burlesque Dench

It is very rare that a movie can make you both laugh and cry, but "Mrs. Henderson Presents" does just that. And, very rarely do you see a film with humor and nudity that stays within a tasteful class range and never crosses the line to sleezy. \nSet in London, circa 1937, Laura Henderson (played by Dame Judi Dench) is an upper-class widow who is left with a large amount of money when her husband passes away. Alone and bored, Mrs. Henderson decides to purchase a theatre, which she names The Windmill. With the help of her hired manager, Vivian Vann Damm (Bob Hoskins), it is soon in business, yet the venture seems to be a failure not too long after its conception. \nIt becomes apparent other theaters have copied The Windmill and it is in need of a fresh new show. Being the nonconformist that she is, Mrs. Henderson thinks of the unthinkable and The Windmill presents the most revolutionary show in England -- live performances of nude women on stage. It seems that nearly no other theaters were ready to follow in The Windmill's footsteps and with the show's attractive young star, Maureen ("Pride and Prejudice's" Kelly Reilly), it instantly becomes a hit. \n At this point, WWII is at its peak and despite a number of air raids and attacks that hit London, the Windmill is able to survive. With its popularity growing, Lord Cromer (played by Christopher Guest) fights to close the theater because it causes too much crowding and commotion on the streets, making it unsafe. \n"Mrs. Henderson Presents" is a delightfully entertaining story that is based on true events. Director Stephen Frears ("High Fidelity") puts this movie together nicely and does a fine job recreating London circa 1930s and '40s. Judi Dench is phenomenal, as always, and delivers a deserving Oscar nominated performance. Bob Hoskins was excellent as well, and the chemistry between he and Dench was fantastic. Kelly Reilly's performance was great as the young Maureen. Lots of young actresses today would not have been able to put on the performance she did along side Dame Dench. \nThe story can best be summarized as a dramedy. The footage included for WWII was very appropriate for the film and not overdone. And though this movie is not suitable for young children (there is a bit of nudity), I would highly recommend it to an adult audience. This wonderful story will entertain and touch your heart.