In 1937 the wealthy and recently widowed Mrs. Henderson (Dench), who had lived in the shadow of her late husband in India, has returned to London and is wondering what to do with her life. Upon receiving the advice that widows are allowed to have hobbies, Mrs. H. purchases the Windmill theatre, restores the interior, and hires an out-of-work manager, Vivian Van Damm (Hoskins), to manage a musical review. Initially the musical review is a success, but after a while attendance at the Windmill sags. Mrs. H. comes up with an idea that would save the theatre: show naked girls on stage. As this had not been done before on the London stage it required a special dispensation from her friend the Lord Chamberlain (Guest). Though resistant at first, he eventually warms to the aesthetic idea on the condition that the women do not move (thus they would resemble nudes in art galleries). The arrival of World War Two and the subsequent aerial bombardments force most theatres to close, but the Windmill continues to operate. The story is a little threadbare, and the film is uneven when shifting from comedic to somber moments, but this is a perfect vehicle for Judi Dench. She is given plenty of great lines which she delivers with relish.Tony Fidanza