Nudity? In England?

At long last, I saw MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS last night. A nice bit of costume drama (is it still a costume drama if it takes place in the 21st century?) starring the formidable Dame Judi Dench (Mrs. Henderson) and Bob Hoskins (Vivian Van Damm).

The story is really theirs - yes, there are lots of people in this film - naked ones, most of the time - but as my friend Erika pointed out, you only know two of the theater performers by name. Hoskins and Dench are well-matched as equally stubborn, equally irritating people who, as in most romantic comedies, love to hate each other. However, unlike a romantic comedy, it does not turn into some tawdry, forced match. Instead, the plots turns slightly, and the characters turn into allies in business and surrogate parents for the performers.

Visually, it's a treat, with gorgeous costumes by Sandy Powell and amazing stage sets. It's pretty light, with some sad recollections of Mrs. Henderson's deceased son, and references to the impending war in Europe (those Nazis again), plus the Blitz is no fun. Christopher Guest is rather funny as Lord Cromer. Plus, everyone gets naked. And what is funnier than a naked Bob Hoskins? Or a man named Vivian?