All language subtitles for Mrs Henderson Presents

[dramatic music]

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[soft music]

[soft peaceful music]

[soft music]

[upbeat playful music]

- [Pastor] For as much as
it had pleased Almighty God

of his great mercy to
take up to himself,

so will our dear
brother here depart.

We therefore lay his
body to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,

dust to dust.

[soft music]

- So sorry, my dear
Mrs. Henderson.

Your husband was a great
friend to my country.

- That's so kind of you.

Please join us at the house

for a small luncheon
in his honor.

[soft music]

Thank you so much, Leslie.

But I think I'll
take my own car.

[soft music]
[car engines rumbling]

[soft music]

[sobbing]

[soft music]

- Madam.

[soft music]

- And I know that Robert
would want me to be

available to help
you in any way.

- Thank you so much.

- He was an estimable man.

- Yes, yes.

- And a very dangerous

business competitor.
- Yes.

Oh, yes.

Excuse me.

[people murmuring]

I am bored with widowhood.

- My dear, you've just
scratched the surface.

- I have to smile at everybody.

I've never had to
smile at everybody.

In India, there were always
people to look down on.

- People are simply
being sympathetic.

After all, you have
lost your husband.

- Well, I didn't mislay him.

It was most inconsiderate
of Robert to die.

What on earth am I
supposed to do now?

- The first rule of
widowhood, my dear.

Important conversations
occur at lunch.

It's really not so bad.

Widows are allowed hobbies.

- Hobbies?
- Yes.

Embroidery, things like that.

- Are you mad?

- I graduated to weaving.

Would you care to
see my tapestries?

- I'd rather drink ink.

- Committees are
good, of course.

I serve on quite
a few charities.

Once your husband dies,

it's quite permissible
to help the poor.

And now there's no one to
stop you buying things.

Also, of course, there's a
great deal of time for lovers.

- Margot, I'm nearly 70.

- That's true.

But you're also very rich.

The one cancels out the other.

- I don't know anything
about embroidery.

Ow! [groans]

- Now I believe we
may call it a refuge.

Certainly we do not
want any time alluding

to unwed mothers in the title.

Nor do we wish for
the public to know

the purpose of the house.

- But I've told all my friends

that I'm helping to build
a home for future bastards.

[coughing]

Sorry.

- Home, madam?

- I need some fresh air.

Let's drive.
- Yes, madam.

[playful band music]

- I think I should see Alec.

[soft music]

Hello, Alec.

[soft music]

[bells chiming]

Let's return to London, please.

I'd rather like to visit
Old Windmill Street again.

[playful band music]

- [Man] Good day, madam.

[playful band music]

[gasps]

[soft music]

- [Worker] Mind your back.
[gasps]

- Laura!

What on earth?
- Margot.

Renovations, dear.

- It's...

- It's a theater,
it's a theater.

Isn't it delicious?

I own it.

- Own it?

- Well you told me
now there was no one

to stop me from buying
things, so I bought a theater.

- But I meant
bracelets and earrings.

What on earth are you
going to do with a theater?

- Well, I thought musical or

what do they call it in America?

Vaudeville.

Actually, I haven't
thought about it.

Oh dear, what am I
going to do with it?

- Clearly you need
someone to run it for you.

- Oh, you think?

Oh, I knew you'd give
me sensible advice.

But who?

- Oh, that's an easy assignment.

I know just the man.

He's out of work at the moment

but he's very good
at running theaters.

I can't imagine where she is.

She was meant to be
here 20 minutes ago.

- Well.

That's that then.

I can't hang around
here all morning.

I've an important
meeting to go to.

I'm sorry, old chum--

- Oh, he was terribly
ill in the car.

Nerves, I imagine.

Little sweet.

Hello, Leslie.
- Hello.

- Who on earth are you?

- This is Vivian Van Damm.

- Don't be silly.

That's not a British name.

- In actual fact, my father's
a lawyer in Bishopsgate,

although some of his
ancestors are from Holland.

- Oh dear God, you're Jewish.

- As it happens, I'm not.

- Well of course you are,
dear, just look at yourself.

But the show business is filled

with Jewish people, isn't it?

One must make due.

We haven't met, I'm
Laura Henderson.

- Yes, I imagined you were.

You're 20 minutes
late and you're rude.

- [Leslie] Perhaps
he's the wrong man.

- No, I don't think so.

Where are you going?

Leslie, where's he off to?

Do stop him.

I'm here to offer
you a position.

- You can't offer me a position

if I'm walking out on you.

- But that's why I'm
offering it, dear.

You've got gumption.

Oh, don't you adore that word?

And you're smoking a cigar.

Anyone who runs my theater
must smoke a cigar.

It's so manly and so--

- What?

- Jewish.

I have a theater.

I have a theater.

It's just sitting there.

Waiting for a brilliant manager

to come and turn it into
a commercial proposition.

A manager who might bring
some enjoyment and amusement

back into the West End.

A manager with
vision and courage.

And if that isn't you, then
my intuition has failed me.

So by all means, hurry
off, Mr. Damm Van.

- Van Damm.

- Oh, if you insist, dear.

If you insist.

- Whose idea was it
to gut the building?

- Mine.
- Well, well.

- There should be a sign
saying Windmill Theater.

Up there, see?

- You're going to
retain the name.

- Well I find it
helps your driver

if the theater's named
after the street.

- What do you know about
the theater business?

- Oh, almost nothing.

- I have to have total control
of the production side.

Is that clear?

All artistic decisions are mine.

You may voice an
opinion if you must,

but I have the final
say, understood?

- Of course.

I think we'll make
a splendid team.

Let's go and sit down in
that charming little cafe.

I'm sure its
business will improve

when our musical revue opens.

- Who said we were
doing a musical revue?

- Well, I assumed.

- All those decisions
are mine, remember.

- [Laura] That's
perfect, just there.

- Higher.

- No, no, no, no, come back.

Come back to the middle.

- Higher.
- Oh!

Higher.

- [Vivian] Fine.

I've got an idea,
let's go inside.

It is a radical idea.

- Oh jolly good, what is it?

- Nonstop performances.

- Nonstop?

- Yes.

Instead of two shows a day,
we run our show all day long.

Five or six performances a day.

One after another.

It's never been done
in England before.

Every theater here is exactly
like every other theater.

No one is attempting
anything new.

It's good to stir things
up, don't you think?

We'd be a sensation.

- I've no idea what
you're going on about,

but I do admire passion.

- Yes, well.

What else is there?

- How much will this
experiment cost?

I mean, what do I stand
to lose if it fails?

- Well, anything up
to 10,000 pounds.

- What fun.

I'm in a sporting mood
today, Mr. Van Damm.

It must be the weather.

And what'll we do?

- A musical revue.

- What'll we call it?

- Well I thought Revue-de-ville.

- Oh yes.

That's lovely.

[people chatting]

Ladies and gentlemen.

I've invited you here this
evening to sip a bit of sherry.

I'm told cocktail
parties are out of date.

[laughing]
And to announce

the most amusing news.

The Windmill Theater will
open on February the 3rd

with the most revolutionary
program ever seen in England.

[murmuring]
In this enterprise,

I shall be carrying on the
work of my late husband

who spent a great
deal of time and money

helping stage people,

especially of those in
the field of variety.

- Is that true?
- She's making it up.

- As you well know, these
are difficult times.

So many of our delightful
variety performers

have been forced
onto the milk line.

- Bread line.
- Bread line, bread line.

Revue-de-ville is an
attempt to create--

- Employment.
- Employment.

Employment for these
delightful creatures.

Our productions will
be guided and overseen

by our resident genius,

our brilliant general manager

who comes to us
from Central Europe,

Mr. Vivian Van Damm.

[clapping]

- We won't be able to work
together, you know that.

- You're a perfect match.

- So you found
yourself a continental.

- Nonsense, he's as
English as you or I.

But he's totally
alive, don't you think?

Just something one can sense.

- Laura, you have
an infatuation.

- Oh, don't be ridiculous.

It's the show business
I'm attracted to.

Tomorrow we have auditions,
isn't that exciting?

People come in and entertain us

and we say either stick
around or buzz off.

[giggling]

[smooth jazz music]

♪ You may not be an angel

♪ 'Cause angels are so few
- Thank you, next.

♪ But until the day
that one comes along ♪

♪ I'll string along
- Next.

♪ But when something
kind of one came along ♪

♪ I'll sing along with you

- [Vivian] Next.

♪ You may not be an angel

♪ 'Cause angels are so few

♪ But until the day
that one comes along ♪

♪ I'll string along with you

- Good God.

- Thank you, Miss
Kramer, that'll do.

- The poor thing.
- Next.

- My dear, would you
just wait over there?

Mr. Van Damm, I spent many years

in the Far East with my husband,

witnessing what one
might call pagan rituals.

But I've never seen anything
as barbaric as this.

- Welcome to the theater.

Next.

- Very nice, dear.

Buy yourself a decent meal.

♪ 'Cause angels are so few

- Who's the young
man at the back?

- [Vivian] [shushes]
Concentrate on the auditions.

♪ One comes along

♪ I'll string along with you
- Next.

[playful music]

We'll have him.

- We will?

We will.

[playful music]

- Next.

[playful music]

- Why do you keep
looking at that boy?

- That boy, as you call him,

was the featured
performer at The Pavilion.

We've snatched him away.

He'll be a big help to
me, got excellent taste.

He seems to agree with
all of my choices.

- Including these
demented Pharaohs?

- Book them.

- Right, VD.
- Are you mad?

They're not in the
least authentic.

[shushes]

[playful music]

[clapping]

- And over, over, step
shuffle the change.

Rip, pick up toe.

Tap into the gutter and
five, six, seven, eight.

Pick up, pick up,
pick up, pick up.

Necks forward and heads up.

Thank you ladies,
let's change over.

Quickly, girls.
- See what they're like

on the back of the scores.

And pay attention
to their height.

- And over.

Step shuffle the change.

Lift, pick up toe.

Tap, tap, tap, pick up step,
and now two, three, four.

Pick up, step, pick up, step,
pick up, change, pick, change.

Necks forward and heads up.

- Do you find these
women attractive?

- Some of them are very pretty.

- Oh yes, I can
certainly see that but

do they intrigue you as a man?

- Ah.

I have other inclinations.

- Oh.

Oh, oh!

How delicious.

- [Dance Director] And use
your backs, yes, girls.

Next group.

And use your back, girls.

Yes, last group.

- But Mr. Van Damm seems to have

an intense appreciation,
doesn't he?

[chuckles]

- [Dance Director]
Are the girls ready?

And.

- He's practically
sniffing them.

- [Dance Director]
And last group.

- [Vivian] Some of these
girls are very good.

- Indeed.

- I'm going to call our
chorus the Millerettes.

- Millerettes?

- Hmm, mill as in windmill.
- What's the er for?

- What?

- Millerettes
should be Millettes.

The er clogs it up.

- Millettes doesn't stand.
- But it's accurate.

- [Vivian] But it
doesn't sound right.

- But Millerettes sounds
like a man named Miller

has a chorus line.

- We're doing a vaudeville,

not a dictionary.
- There's still place

for correct English.
- Millerettes is a good name

and it's not your decision.

In fact, it's got
nothing to do with you.

In fact, you shouldn't
be in the theater

until dress rehearsal.

In fact, I'm going to ban you.

- Don't you dare forbid me.
- I'm going to ban you

from all auditions.
- You haven't the right.

- I can do anything

I bloody well please.
- As can I.

I shall cancel the opening.
- Fine!

This show will not go on.
- Indeed.

- They're ready to
start again, VD.

- My dear, you must
never interrupt

a perfectly good argument.

I completely lost
my train of thought.

- So have I.

Come on.

Mustn't keep the
Millerettes waiting.

- Oh, that name is intolerable.

It suggests midgets
working in a factory.

- Millettes sounds like
a medical condition.

[upbeat band music]

♪ Can't you see that
all the dull days ♪

♪ And gray skies are over

♪ Can't you see that
we'll be living ♪

♪ From now on in clover

♪ We're letting
in the sunshine ♪

♪ It's shining everywhere

♪ We're letting
in the sunshine ♪

♪ For all of us to share

♪ For all of us to share

♪ We're letting
in the sunshine ♪

♪ For all of us to share

♪ All of us to share

[clapping and cheering]
[upbeat band music]

[clapping and cheering]

- Stop thanking each other.

Let's find some champagne.

What a wonderful hobby, my dear.

I wonder if there are any
more theaters for sale.

[upbeat music]

[soft awkward music]

- I don't understand.

We were such a success.

- And then everyone copied us.

- Now you're telling
me we're a disaster?

- There's the accounts.

You're losing a fortune.

- You mean in the show business,

you can be a triumph one
week and a disaster the next?

- I'm not certain
it's worth going on.

- Oh, you people make me weary.

You've no courage.

What I say is stick a thing
out and it will come right.

- I'm trying to
save your finances.

- I don't need your protection,
thank you very much.

We put on some good shows,

but they're obviously
not daring enough.

Why don't we get
rid of the clothes?

- Pardon?

- Let's have naked girls.

Don't you think?

Now, this has been on
my mind for some time.

I never dared mention it.

I too lack courage, it seems.

Now what I propose
is that we'd have

nude women in Revue-de-ville,

as they do in Paris.

Like our namesake, the
Moulin Rouge, for instance.

[dog whimpering]
Oh baby, it's all right.

We'll find you some milk.

Paris, after all,
is just filled with

naked women wearing
bananas, and dare I say it,

making everyone else
go bananas in return.

Do keep up, Mr. Van Damm.
- Yeah.

- It would be innovative
and draw the crowds.

I would make back
all of my money,

you, I imagine,
would enjoy yourself

being surrounded as it
were by countless breasts,

and we'd all be happy.

- What you're suggesting
isn't possible.

That kind of thing
isn't done here.

Nudity in England?

- You tend towards safety
sometimes, Mr. Van Damm.

You're rather bourgeois, I
do mean that in a kind way.

But I suspect it's not
advisable in the show business.

- What you're
forgetting is we need

a license from the
Lord Chamberlain

for whatever we
put on the stage.

He'll never approve it.

- The Lord Chamberlain?
- Yes, the Lord Chamberlain.

- What, Tommy?
Little Tommy Baring?

[scoffs] Don't be silly.

Well, I have of course
taken that into account.

He's a very sweet man.

He and his rather dreary wife
are on holiday in France,

but as soon as he returns,
I'll throw a fly at him.

- Pardon?

- That's a fisherman's
term, dear.

It has to do with
hooking a trout.

You do lead a narrow life.

Meanwhile, do begin work
on our marvelous new idea.

- Without permission?

- Oh, we found your milk.

- Mrs. Henderson's
request is, of course,

entirely out of order.

- Of course, I'm
well aware of that.

- Oh, Tommy.

- Laura, how
wonderful to see you.

- You don't look a day older.

- What a touching little lie.

I do know a bit about why
you're here, you know.

- Oh?
- Mmm.

I find that lines have
to be drawn somewhere,

my dear Laura.

And nudity is on the
wrong side of the divide.

I've problems enough with
the length of skirts.

I've had to have
inches added to them

for the new
Offenbach production.

- Well, we won't have that
problem as we won't have skirts.

- Sir, if I may?

We have very strict rules in
these areas, Mrs. Henderson.

- [sighs] This
office is so stuffy.

Why don't we take
a bit of a walk?

- [Assistant] Sir?

- A walk, yes, lovely.

Why didn't you return to India?

- I was only ever
Robert's wife in India.

It seemed a bit absurd
without a Robert.

Now I find it most amusing
to run a variety show

and I'll tell you why.

Robert used to take me
to musical quite often.

He was fond of them.

On the condition
that I stayed behind

the curtain in the box
and was never visible.

In those days, it was
considered terribly improper

for a married woman to
be seen at a musical.

But times have moved on.

And we must move with
them, mustn't we?

Oh look, a tent.

- [Tommy] It's unusual to
see a tent in the park.

- [Laura] Quite so, I had
it constructed this morning.

- [Tommy] Did you
obtain a license?

- [Laura] Oh come
inside, you old fogey.

I've prepared lunch.

- But the be all
and end all finally

is that they are naked.

- Like paintings in a museum.

These sandwiches are
particularly good.

It's an excellent
season for salmon.

- We haven't exactly
reached salmon season yet.

- Tommy, you're so literal.

You're thinking bosoms
but I'm thinking breasts.

- And what, my dear,
is the difference?

- Ah, the difference
is in your soul.

Cheese.

- Thank you.

Of course, paintings in a
museum are still, are they not?

- Still?

- The figures do not move.

I suppose there's
something in that.

Mmm, this cheese is
very good indeed.

If the girls did not move--

- Tableaus?

- Precisely.

Then one might make
a direct corollary

with an art gallery.

I can perhaps see
the possibility

of some artistic merit.

- They never move?
- Never.

- Yes, that would
be like a museum.

- Which was, my dear,
your suggestion.

You must be very pleased.

I'm warming to the idea.

My secretary, of course,

will be appalled.
- More wine then?

- Ah yes, thank you.

Now what about, forgive
me, the foliage?

- Foliage?

- You know, beneath the--

- Beneath what? Try the brie.

- Thank you, beneath the--

- I had it flown in from France.

- Excellent, the
foliage beneath the--

- My husband was
very fond of it.

- Of what?

- This particular cheese.

- My dear, I'm
attempting to address

the disagreeable and
somewhat sordid topic

of the pudendum.

- What on earth is that?

- Good heavens, woman.
- Do have some more wine.

- The female part.

- Oh, the pussy.

Why didn't you say?

- I had not expected you of all
people to use such language.

- That word was rather popular
in the mid 19th century.

Not everyone speaks
Latin, you know.

- Then I'd prefer you refer
to it as the midlands.

- Oh dear.

You men do get into such a state

about the midlands, don't you?

Well, you needn't worry.

Our lighting will be so subtle,

the disputed area will
be barely visible.

And anyway, we'll have a barber.

[coughing]
[laughing]

- You are the most exasperating
woman and you always were.

- I take that to mean you'll
permit us to have a go.

- As long as no one moves, yes.

[gasps]
Perhaps.

I reserve final judgment
until opening night.

- I'm delighted, dear ladies,

that you all wish to be
a part of our endeavor.

Thank you very much.

[soft jazz music]

- Saliva.
- Behave.

- I've never realized how
similar breasts are to shoes.

- What do you mean?
- They come in so many sizes.

I've always personally found
them rather overrated myself.

- Well, you're not a man.

- [laughs] Alas.

- All right, ladies, off you go.

[soft jazz music]

- What do you make of her?

- She's beautiful.
- Yes.

- But the nipples.
- Too large?

- They're not British,
could be Italian.

We must have British nipples.

- And how about her?

- The right one's
bigger than the left.

[giggling]
[shushes]

- Her.

- Fried eggs. [laughs]

Sorry.

[giggling]

- Thank you very much.

Could you all please
wait in the wings?

Thank you.

- So what basically
are you looking for?

- Personality.

Something in their
smile, their eyes.

- Well, I suggest you start
looking in their faces.

- Yes, of course.

We're looking at the
wrong kind of girl.

We shouldn't have theatricals.

Maggie, make a note.

- My dear?

- Bertie and I are going
to tour the countryside

and discover some English roses.

- Oh, good.

Now you're getting
the hang of it.

- It's been an unsuccessful
trip, my friend.

What I'm looking
for is personality.

Youth.

Beauty.

Certainly not talent.

Anyone can have talent.

And they must be
well brought up.

I think many of the young
women we've been seeing

come from rather
awkward backgrounds.

[thunder roars]
[horn beeping]

[dramatic music]

- Shine a light for the water!

[dramatic music]

- Wait, wait, the
young girl is a dancer.

Excellent coordination.

That's it, come on.

Pull her up, that's it.

Come on, there we go.

There you are.

You're all right.

You're all right.
- Let me see.

- Oh my God.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so embarrassed, I didn't
mean to cause any trouble.

- No need to be embarrassed.

You've found a knight.

- Hmm?

- Two knights in shining armor.

My God, what a beautiful smile.

- Exquisite.

- Have you ever considered
going on the stage?

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ So often out of reach

♪ Da da da da da da da

♪ And everyone

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ We often

- Peggy moved.
- You moved.

- She mustn't move.

- I'm sorry, Mr. Van Damm.

- The law insists that
you be absolutely still.

- Why don't we take a break?

- [Vivian] Yes, good idea.

- [Bertie] Rest
your arms, girls.

Get the circulation going.

[girls murmuring]

- There's teacups and
tea just downstairs.

- Oh!

Oh, it's so sweet.

You're perched in the orchestra
bit like little birds.

- It feels safe down here.

- Are you all right?

- Oh yes, thank you,
my arm went numb.

- I would sometimes
see people in India

standing still for
hours on end, my dear.

They were called fakirs.

It was all rather spiritual.

- Oh, I see.

- You must think yourself
onto a higher plane.

- We'd all like to be on
a higher plane now,

Mrs. Henderson.

Preferably flying
over the Channel.

[laughing]

- Oh, you're the one--

- That was drowning.

- Yeah.

- Come on.

- [Laura] I like that
girl you ran over.

- Why don't you and the dog

have a look at the program
proofs in the office?

- You're trying
to get rid of us.

- Yes, we're coming
up to a delicate time.

- All the more reason for

a motherly presence.
- Maggie, take Mrs. Henderson

up to the office.
- Oh!

- Out.
- Well, of course.

You're in charge.

- Right.

Time for you to disrobe.

- Do we have to do
it now, Mr. Van Damm?

- Well, when else?

- I was just asking.

- Should've left
you in the water.

- Come on, girls, let's do it.

[soft music]

- I can't.

- [Vivian] Where's she going?

- She can't face it.

- What's wrong with everybody?

- I'm sorry, Mr. Van Damm.

- There's no work outside.

I just thought,
well, it's a job.

All of my friends are starving.

I was lucky to have employment.

- You can't imagine
what it feels like.

We're just standing there.

- Not even my boyfriend
has seen me naked.

And we've been to
bed and everything.

- It's like it's medical.

- Do you think I would ever

subject you to anything
improper or tawdry?

I am enabling you to
earn an honest salary

in this most difficult of times.

After a hard week's work,

you can take home enough
to maintain your home,

help out your parents,

and even save a little
bit for the future.

And all you have to do

is display certain blessings
you received from the Lord.

Why do you think God gave
you all your bits and pieces?

So that you might
be ashamed of them?

That you might hide them away?

Isn't great art, after all,
a celebration of nature?

And that's what this is.

- Art?

- Absolutely.

You are the Venus de
Milo, the Mona Lisa.

- The Mona Lisa wore a dress.

- Some do, some don't.

Tomorrow, we'll
go to the museum.

Look at some paintings.

Botticelli.

Now, he was inspired.

Inspired by God.

If I'm placing a weighty
burden on your shoulders,

then I know you have the
moral strength to carry it.

Why don't we try it
again, all right?

I'll see you on the stage.

- Come on, girls,
let's give it a go.

I don't fancy working
in my father's chemist.

- Art.

Art.

[sneezes]

Sorry.

- Actually, there is a
draft in here, Mr. Van Damm.

- Well, you expect that in a
theater, you expect drafts.

- What happens if we catch cold?

- Bertie, get someone
to close the doors

and check all the
windows, will you?

Thank you, all right?
- Yes, thank you.

- Does everyone
have to watch us?

- Who?

- Well, them.

- You're going to have an
entire audience watching you.

- Yes, but they'll be strangers.

And they won't be standing
so close, will they?

- We can hear them breathing.

- Man has to breathe.

- Heavy breathing.

- After all, it
doesn't seem fair

for them to be dressed
when we're not.

- Okey-doke, I know what to do.

Come on, gentlemen.

Come on, you too.

What, fair is fair.

[mumbling]

Come on.

Strip.

[mumbling]
[laughing]

- You too, Mr. Van Damm.

- Don't be ridiculous.

Someone has to maintain
authority here.

- Take your clothes off, please.

- No.

- Off, off.

[chanting]

- All right!

All right!

Bloody child.

- Mrs. Henderson.

Mrs. Henderson.

Mrs. Henderson, you...

- Why, Mr. Van Damm.

You are Jewish.

[dog whimpers]

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ So often out of reach

♪ You come sometime
to each and everyone ♪

♪ Sweet inspiration

♪ We often have to wait

♪ But still you're
better late than never ♪

♪ Everyone

♪ Is in expectation

♪ Sweet inspiration of you

[clapping]

- I think I saw a
priest in the audience.

- Stop it, you're hallucinating.

- Everyone looked so rich.

- Oh, I hope so.

When I take off my clothes,
I close my eyes and think,

this will bring me champagne.

- I think one more day and
it hasn't happened yet.

[giggling and murmuring]

- I brought the
Lord Chamberlain.

He felt he had to say a few
words of encouragement to you.

Now, isn't that delicious?

- Well done.

Well done.

May I be permitted to say

that, oh good heavens,
good heavens, I...

What an artistic
enterprise you have.

[clears throat] A testament
really to the British...

- It's a magical evening.
- Hmm?

- I quite understand
what you were feeling.

I myself have
exhibited my breasts.

I was at a party with the

Duchess of Denver
and Countess Balpy.

And we took off our blouses,
oh, in private of course,

and looked at each
other's titties.

[giggles] My, how we laughed.

[laughs]

- Lord Chamberlain was very
taken with you, my dear.

[giggling]

- Mrs. Henderson.
- Mr. Van Damm.

We've had quite an evening.

The Lord Chamberlain
was very pleased.

- I wanted you to meet Natalie.

- Natalie?
- My wife.

- Vivian's spoken
about you so often.

I just feel that I know you.

- Well.

I certainly don't know you.

Excuse me.

[soft music]

- You can be rude to
me but not to my wife.

- What wife?

When did you acquire a wife?

Why haven't you told us?

- What do you mean?
- You never mentioned her.

- I believe a
figure of authority

must maintain a
sense of privacy.

- Good heavens, a wife.

- What exactly is the problem?

- Well, who on earth
said there was a problem?

Fine, have a wife if you insist.

Just don't let her interfere
with any of your duties.

- Why would she do that?

- Because that's what wives do.

That's their purpose, I know.

I was a wife.

I interfered all the time.

- So sack me then.

If you're unhappy with me,
just say it and I'll leave.

But don't you dare ever, ever

talk to my wife like that again.

- Oh don't you worry,
I'll keep my eye on you.

- You do that.

- I hope you realize I
will never, ever, ever

set foot in this theater again.

- You two behave like
an old married couple.

- Well, it seems that
would make him a bigamist.

- Oh.

Champagne then?

It is rather as I thought.

Your heart has stirred.

- Then I must
consult a physician.

This should've been
such a pleasant night.

[soft music]

♪ You told me there wasn't
a lesson in loving ♪

♪ That you hadn't learned

♪ Oh yeah

♪ Oh yeah

♪ So you met someone who
set you back on your heels ♪

♪ Goody goody

♪ So you met someone and
now you know how it feels ♪

♪ Goody goody

♪ So you gave her
your heart too ♪

♪ Just as I gave mine to you

♪ And she broke it
in little pieces ♪

♪ And now how do you do

♪ So you lie awake just
singing the blues all night ♪

♪ Goody goody

♪ So you think that love's
a barrel of dynamite ♪

- Now, I want you to flank her.

- Flank her?

- Stand either side of her.

- Oh.
- Aren't I in silhouette,

like in the picture?

- Silhouette.
- Silhouette, Harry.

- The sun must rise behind you.

- Orange.
- We see the rays of the sun

like in the picture.

A new dawn over the new world.

[clapping and hollering]
[playful music]

- Goody, goody.

[playful music]

Goody, goody.

[playful music]

Goody, goody.

- And now--

- How--
- Do you do?

♪ So you lie awake just
singing the blues all night ♪

♪ Goody goody

[upbeat music]

[soft angelic music]

[screaming]
[playful music]

[clapping and cheering]

[booing]

- How am I going to explain
this to Lord Chamberlain?

♪ So you lie awake just
singing the blues all night ♪

♪ Goody, goody

♪ So you think that love's
a barrel of dynamite ♪

♪ Hurray and hallelujah ♪

♪ You had it coming to ya

♪ Goody goody for you

♪ Goody goody for me

♪ And I hope you're satisfied

♪ You rascal you

[upbeat music]
[clapping and cheering]

- Coming through.

Excuse me, Mr. Van Damm, sorry.

- I've forgotten me fin.

- [Worker] I'd love to
be in charge of that.

- Good afternoon, darling.
- Afternoon.

- How's your mother?
- Oh she's fine, thank you.

- Have you been writing

to her every week?
- Yes, Mr. Van Damm.

She told me to tell you
that she's very disappointed

that I'm a starfish.

She thinks I should
be a mermaid.

- Ah, I'll send her a note.

And who have we here?

- Catherine the Great.

Have you forgotten the
tableau with the horse?

Come along, Mr. Van
Damm, wakey-wakey.

- [Vivian] You might
show a bit more respect.

I think I should've--

- [Both] Left you in the water.

- Yes.

Afternoon, girls, how are you?

- Better now, Mr. Van Damm.

- Is something wrong?

- My bum cheeks went numb.

- She was leaning
ass over backwards.

- Shush.
- The Alaskan tableau,

of course.
- All that ice.

- But Rupert zoomed
up the blood flow.

- Who's Rupert?
- Well, you might ask.

- Oh, behave yourself.

- We must be cautious
about too much frivolity.

The Windmill is a
very serious business.

- [Girls] Yes, Mr. Van Damm.

[hollering]
[laughing]

- Do I give it to the
students again, sir?

- [Girls] Mr. Van Damm.

- At your own
discretion, dear boy.

- It's beastly.

I can't walk into
my own theater.

I hear the most wonderful things
about the new performances

and I'm missing all the fun.

- Well you did say
that you would never

step foot in The Windmill again.

- Quite right.

The man's a monster, I want
nothing to do with him.

- You're very much
like my granddaughter

who moans about the
boy she has her eye on.

Adolescence and women
in their eighth decade

are strikingly similar.

You obviously require
a battle plan.

My second husband, the General,

always advocated
attacking from the rear.

Which, although it did nothing
to enhance our marriage,

did bring him some
success on the field.

Just slip in there, as it were,

and establish your beachhead.

- Excuse us, this is a
private dressing room.

- It's only me.
[giggling]

I'm sorry, but I did not want
to be seen in the theater.

Oh, I have missed your company.

I thought I'd just drop by to
see if you needed anything.

Actually, if this
may be our secret.

Mister what's his name
doesn't know I'm here.

- We're fine, thank
you, Mrs. Henderson.

- My poor dear, I'm having
some cheese sent up to you.

- Cheese?

- Well, I'm not convinced
you're eating enough.

- Yes, it's terribly sad,
she's just skin and bones.

- Shut up, I weigh
exactly what I weighed

the day I started this
job, an ounce less.

- Something's wrong with her.

She's not eating
chocolate truffles.

- A very, very head girl.

- So sensible.

- Well you see, it's unanimous.

You're positively scrawny.
[laughs]

You may laugh, but I know men.

Men look at bosoms, my
dear, but I notice bones.

[screams]
What?

- Spots.

- No one will notice.

- Now, you must
promise to let me know

if you have any
complaints or problems.

I mean, does Mr. Van Damm,

oh my dear, I wore a similar
wig to a ball in Delhi.

Didn't look nearly as
becoming as it does on you.

- Thank you, Mrs. Henderson.

- You know, you remind me a
bit of myself at that time.

- Too thin?

- You'd be surprised.

Now, remember not to tell
anyone I've been here.

- Of course not, it's
just between us girls.

- You all get on
rather well, don't you?

- Yes, we're like a family.

- And there hasn't been any
improper behavior, has there?

From Mr. Van Damm, that is.

- Oh he's very good
to us, Mrs. Henderson.

- He's like a father,
if fathers were nice.

- He treats us as what we are.

- And what is that?

- Artists.

- I have seemingly
handed him a kingdom,

complete with harem.

- Then, my dear,
you must infiltrate

like a delicious if
overripe Mata Hari.

Might I propose subterfuge?

- Good afternoon.

- Good afternoon.
- Good afternoon.

Amazing, we get all kinds.

- I have a very odd feeling, VD.

[laughing]

- What I really need is
a rubber trumpet, yeah.

I've had enough to
join a rubber band.

- Please, no, please
don't do this.

- Mrs. Henderson,
you are a fraud.

[squealing]

- Don't you dare manhandle me.

- Make a fool of
yourself, if you must.

- Mr. Van Damm--
- But not of me.

[shrieks]

What on earth do you
think you were doing?

- I simply want to make sure

you're doing your jobs properly.

It was must unpleasant of
you to grab my hairpiece.

That's made of
authentic Chinese hair.

- Well, now you'll
have some time.

Calm down, examine
your behavior.

- My husband put me on
top of a cupboard once.

You have so much in common.

[chuckling]

- I'd like you to behave.

[scoffs] No doubt your husband
said that to you as well.

- Oh, Mr. Van Damm,

I just can't help myself.

- Hmm.

Well, cheerio then.

- No, don't you
dare leave me here.

No, don't you dare!

Don't you dare leave me!

[playful music]

- This act's not half bad.

[playful music]

Thank you very much.

Oh. [chuckles]

- We can't have an animal
onstage with naked women.

- Yes, I see that.

It's a shame.

- I've got the new song.

- [Vivian] Let's hear it.

♪ There's a lake in the park

♪ There's a house
by the lake ♪

♪ There's a

Slower.

[soft music]

♪ There's a lake in the park

♪ There's a house by the lake

♪ There's a girl in the house
by the lake in the park ♪

♪ And the girl in the house
in the park by the lake ♪

♪ Is the girl in the
little green hat ♪

♪ And tonight after eight
that's when I've got a date ♪

♪ When the moon's riding high
on the stars like the sky ♪

♪ With the girl in the house
by the lake in the park ♪

- What?

- You better see for yourself.

♪ There's no roof
upon the house ♪

♪ No trees in the park at all

♪ But she'll wait
beside the lake ♪

♪ I'll be welcome at the house

♪ I'll meet her by
the garden wall ♪

♪ There's a ship on the shore,
there's a sailor on the shore ♪

♪ There's a girl in his arms,
she's the girl I adore ♪

♪ So goodbye to the house
by the lake in the park ♪

♪ And the girl in the
little green hat ♪

- Hi, Mrs. Henderson.

[giggling]

[upbeat music]

- Try the river, it's Tuesday.

- Get me a taxi.
- Yes, VD.

- Tea?

- Yes please, to take away.

- We need a lot of
caffeine, we're exhausted.

- You're exhausted?

All you girls do is
just stand there.

- And that, I am told, is
the definition of a star.

[laughing]

- This has got to stop.

We're running a serious theater.

The entire West End
is laughing at us.

I haven't worked for years

to achieve a
position with respect

only to be perceived as a joke.

If all you want to
be is a dilettante,

take your money and
go someplace else.

- I can't hear you.

[ducks quacking]

I'm not simply
frivolous, you know.

And I don't ever, ever want
to be taken for granted.

Actually, I wish to
ascertain that artists

who audition for us
are being treated

with the proper respect.

It turns out they are.

I'm perfectly satisfied.

On another matter entirely,

I was thinking about billing.

The program says Mrs. Henderson
Presents Revue-de-ville.

It's absolutely charming
but perhaps unfair.

Shouldn't it be Mrs. Henderson
Presents Revue-de-ville,

a Vivian Van Damm Production?

I rather like that, don't you?

I'm going to have a joyride
now. Isn't that exciting?

[cheerful music]

- I'm not a servant!

You can't buy me off
with a piece of billing!

Do you hear, bloody woman?

[cheerful music]

- Is it well
stocked with petrol?

- What do you mean?

- Do you think we might
make it to France?

[soft music]

I don't think I'll
be back for awhile.

[soft music]

[blades whirring]

[intense music]

[bombs exploding]

[soft dramatic music]

Mr. Van Damm.
- Mrs. Henderson.

- Welcome back.
- Thank you.

[singing in foreign language]

[soft music]

Do you mind if I
sit here for awhile?

- Suit yourself.

[soft music]

- I'm so sorry, Mr. Van Damm.

I imagine...

You have family.

- Yes.

- I can't bear feeling helpless.

I always think there's
something I can do.

Sometimes, of course,
there's nothing.

[soft music]

- [Server] Champagne, madam?

[hollering]

- Don't you feel
a bit over-safe?

- Caution, my dear, caution.

Though we're not certain what
to do about the theaters.

- Whatever do you mean?

- They're a frivolous
distraction.

- Exactly what young soldiers
need, wouldn't you say?

[soft music]

- There are other
considerations.

Our intelligence tells us the
Luftwaffe will bomb London.

- My dear, my intelligence
tells me that.

- Well then, it
would be dangerous

for people to
congregate, won't it?

- Oh, Tommy.

Don't be silly.

Congregate underground?

Remember, my theater's
beneath street level.

It's the safest place to be.

Now, let's have no more
of these foolish ideas.

Oh, Tommy.

[sirens blaring]
[dramatic music]

[rumbling]
[dramatic music]

♪ We stand in awe and
ask what part to find ♪

♪ In spite the sculpture
of such flawless art ♪

♪ For there is life in
every covered line ♪

♪ To charm the eye and satisfy

[rumbling]
[intense music]

♪ There is no time

♪ No space of endless years

[rumbling]
[screaming]

[clapping and cheering]
[soft inspirational music]

- [Announcer] Fires
were started again

last night in the East End.

London has awoke after
the 10th consecutive night

of bombardment by
the German Air Force.

- We have a huge
challenge before us.

It's up to us, Revue-de-ville,

to fortify London in a way

that sandbags and their
aircraft cannot do.

They may bomb our city,

destroy our homes,

kill our friends and neighbors.

But through it all,
our show will continue.

We will never stop performing,
and we will never close.

- [Bertie] He thinks he's
bloody Winston Churchill.

- Some of our family
are going, called up.

- Yes.

- Thank God our Bertie
has a heart murmur.

It may be wise for some of
you to move into the theater.

We have room, and because
we're underground, we're safe.

Of course, we'll all
have our war duties

as well as theatrical ones.

But we will pitch in,
and we will do our bit.

- That was beautifully
put, Mr. Van Damm.

I'm sure we will all make
the necessary sacrifices.

Yesterday I wanted
to buy a new hat.

I desisted.

I put the money in
national savings instead.

We shall come through.

♪ Poor old London
Town is falling down ♪

♪ Lots of places
going up in flames ♪

♪ But if you're in the know

♪ And find out where to go

♪ You'll find the lovelies
very much the same ♪

[upbeat music]
[cheering and clapping]

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ Our boudoir's blown to bits

♪ We're living underground

♪ And over-drawn
and on our wits ♪

♪ By day we're
knitting mufflers ♪

♪ Or cutting canteen cakes

♪ But nightfall
doesn't ruffle us ♪

♪ For we've got what it takes

♪ It's no longer safe to
tarry at Cafe de Paris ♪

♪ So we're ladies
in waiting now ♪

♪ To do our little bits

♪ Though we're in dungarees-es

♪ To hide our silken knees-es

♪ Keepin' your flag flying

♪ We're the babies
of the blitz ♪

♪ Tin hats may hide our
coiffures for a while ♪

♪ And shelter boots
conceal our dainty feet ♪

♪ But 'neath this
tough external ♪

♪ There's something
that's eternal ♪

♪ Ask the Air
Force or the Army ♪

♪ Or the Fleet

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ And when their leave permits

♪ We welcome back the boys

♪ Who fly the
hurricanes and spits ♪

♪ Whilst bosses of munitions

♪ And tired businessmen

♪ Must park their inhibitions

♪ And make whoopee,
and make whoopee ♪

♪ And make whoopee
now and then ♪

♪ We'll lend sophistication

♪ To well-earned procreation

♪ We're what the
doctor ordered ♪

♪ After chasing Mecherschmitts

♪ So long as there is rhythm

♪ And good meals and
we are with 'em ♪

♪ They won't exterminate

♪ The babies, the babies,
the babies, babies, babies ♪

♪ Of the blitz

[clapping and cheering]

[rumbling]

- Ken said you were up here.

I didn't believe him.

- Why ever not?

- It's bloody
dangerous, that's why.

Come on down.

- Oh dear, oh dear.

The aircraft have passed.

Look, you can see them
over the East End.

You're ever so
cautious, Mr. Van Damm.

One shouldn't be overly
so at times like these.

- Everyone should be cautious.

[guns blaring]

[rumbling]

You don't seem to take war
too seriously, Mrs. Henderson.

- I wonder what you were
like when you were young.

Rather dashing, I dare say.

And filled with hope.

My mind turns towards
young men these days.

You see, Mr. Van Damm,

I take war far more seriously

than you can ever dare imagine.

[soft music]

[people chatting]
[soft music]

[clapping and cheering]
[soft music]

♪ That's all blue nightfall

♪ Above me

♪ Bring me that someone

♪ To love me

- No, you'll have to cover
her faster than that.

- You need to be a lot faster.

- Those things
weigh a ton, Bertie.

- Go on, take five minutes.

[murmuring]

- Oh my dear, how generous.

My goodness.

- Gin.

Helps steel our nerves
for the air raids.

- It does seem they're no longer

bombing during the tableaus.

- Well that's
because Mr. Van Damm

sent Hitler our program.

Professional courtesy
between fuhrers.

[laughing]

- You're all so
energetic and courageous.

We're the only theater still
playing in the West End.

Then you all go out with
the soldiers after the show.

It's admirable.

- Oh, but I don't.

Well, I never go out.

- My dear, why ever not?

- Before I started
stripping off for a living,

I was always falling in love.

I was hopeless.

Never again.

So I've become a
right little priss.

A naked spinster.

And that's the way I like it.

Who would've dreamed
that standing on a stage

without any clothes on would
be the safest place to be.

♪ Then deep in my arms

♪ What can he say but yes

♪ That's all blue nightfall

♪ Above me

♪ Bring me that
someone to love me ♪

♪ To love me

♪ To love me

[clapping and cheering]

[people chatting]

- Could you come this way, sir?

Mrs. Henderson would
like to speak to you.

- Who's the flower for?

- The girl inside the fan.

- Speak up, dear.

- The girl in the fan.

- Oh, yes.

How old are you?

- 21.

- 21?

- Too young for her, I suppose.

- Come back tomorrow night.

Sweet.

- I was always
afraid that some day

I'd end up working
in a florist's shop.

- And now you are.
- I'm getting hay fever.

- And who is Paul?

- I have no idea.

- Are you girls decent?

Oh good, I brought someone.

This is Paul.

[giggling]
- Oh, I see.

Girls, can you...

[giggling]

- I was looking forward to--

- Speak up, dear.

- Would you mind if
I had a moment alone?

Thank you.

You've sent all these flowers.

- Don't be foolish, my dear.

- I recognize the
name of your florist.

He can't afford
this sort of thing.

- Actually, he comes from a
very distinguished family.

- Mrs. Henderson.

- Well, truth is so prosaic.

He's young, that's all.

And rather well put
together, wouldn't you say?

That face.

He's young.

And in five days,
he goes to the front.

- And he may not come back.

And it's so lonely
out there in the--

- Trenches.
- Yes, I know the word.

Books have been written about
the last war, Mrs. Henderson,

and I have actually
read some of them.

And I suppose he saw me
on stage and fell in love.

Mrs. Henderson, one night my
bicycle went off the road.

And the next thing I
knew, I was an illusion.

Because that's all
we are up there.

But the odd thing is,
I'm still in that river,

and I want to be rescued,

but not by some drum
roll or applause

or a soldier's fantasy.

- Oh dear.

You're such a
tiresome generation.

You all want love.

We got along very nicely
without it, thank you very much.

I don't see why
that boy's fantasy

is any more foolish than yours.

- Oh, damn.

- She loved your flowers, dear.

- What flowers?

[soft music]

♪ You are

♪ The promised kiss
of springtime ♪

♪ That makes the lonely
winters seem long ♪

♪ You are

♪ The breathless
hush of evening ♪

♪ That lingers on the
brink of a lovely song ♪

♪ You are the angel glow

♪ That lights a star

♪ The dearest things I know

♪ Are what you are

♪ Some day

♪ My happy arms will hold you

♪ And some day

♪ I'll know that moment divine

♪ When all the things you are

♪ Are mine

♪ Time and again I've
longed for adventure ♪

♪ Something to make my
heart beat a-faster ♪

♪ What did I long for

♪ I never really knew

♪ Finding your love,
I've found my adventure ♪

♪ Touching your hand,
my heart beats a-faster ♪

♪ All that I want in all
of this world is you ♪

♪ You are the angel glow

♪ That lights a star

♪ The dearest things I know

♪ Are what you are

♪ Some day

♪ My happy arms will hold you

♪ And some day

♪ I'll know that moment divine

♪ When all the things you are

♪ Are

♪ Mine

- Trouble, boss.

- Is it that bloody woman again?

- I don't know
what this time, VD.

[knocking]

- Open up.

Do you want me to
knock the door down?

- You'll hurt your shoulder.
- Get inside.

You can't do this.
- Why not?

- You're part of our family.

- That's a terrible
choice of words.

- What are you talking about?
- I don't want to discuss it,

Mr. Van Damm.

- But you have to tell
me what's behind this.

You owe it to me.

- My concern for the
aesthetics of Revue-de-ville.

- What?

- I don't think you want a
nude on stage who is pregnant.

- Christ.
- Excuse me.

- We were having a
private discussion.

- We have a quick change.

[muffled clapping]

- That was a particularly
fine program, Mr. Van Damm.

I'm so very pleased with
myself for recognizing

your latent talent.
- Please, go back to the

theater, Mrs. Henderson.
- However, I do have a couple

of notes of comedy routine.
- We don't have time.

We have a crisis.

- Why? Whatever's wrong?

- Maureen has just sent me
her letter of resignation.

- Don't be ridiculous,
why would she?

- 'Cause she's pregnant.

- [Worker] Two minutes, girls.

Two minutes.
- Oh, my dear.

- I need some air.
- Look.

You can work in the
show as a singer

for the next few months.

We'll keep you on salary until--

- I can't think clearly,
I simply need some air.

- I'm so sorry, was it?

- Well, who else would it be?

He sent me a letter.

After he's deemed off, he's
going back to his girlfriend.

His girlfriend, they
all have girlfriends.

Crazy thing is, I fell for him.

Oh, it's not your
fault, I'm a grown girl.

I knew what I was doing.

- He had such a sweet face.
- They all have sweet faces.

You live in your own
world, Mrs. Henderson.

I'm sorry, excuse me.

I don't want to say
something I shouldn't.

I need some tea and some air.

- She said it's not your fault.

That can only mean one thing.

- Which is?
- That it is your fault.

What have you been up to?
- Nothing.

- Have you been
giving your advice?

- I don't like these questions.

Excuse me, Mr. Van Damm.

I will take some air as well.

- You can't go out, Mrs.
Henderson, sirens went.

- [Vivian] I didn't
hear anything.

- A few minutes ago.
- Maureen's gone out.

- Oh dear.
- When?

- Just now.
- Why didn't you stop her?

Where's she going?
- For some air.

- [Laura] No, tea, she said.

[rumbling]

[soft ominous music]

- You foolish, foolish woman.

Look what you've done.

I thought, yes well, she's
selfish and rude and eccentric,

but that goes with her class.

I can live with that.

I was a fool.

You don't know anything
about the real world, do you?

[soft music]

[smooth music]

♪ Oh tropical charms,
lend us your loveliness ♪

- It's not the same,
let's cut the number.

- [Maggie] The
boys love it, boss.

[clapping and cheering]

- Mr. Van Damm.
- Yes.

- I'm from the Lord
Chamberlain's office.

This is for you, going to
have to close your theater.

- What?

- [Assistant] It's
causing too many people

to congregate in front
of it, I'm sorry.

[clapping and cheering]

- Telephone the newspapers,
get them down here.

- Yes, boss.

- Maggie.

- I know where to find her.

- Tell her to come to
the theater immediately.

[clapping and cheering]

Mrs. Henderson would
like to see Lord Cromer

as soon as possible.

Here at the theater.

- I don't think the Lord
Chamberlain is available.

- Nonsense, Mrs. Henderson
wishes to see him.

Pass the message.

There's nothing I can do.

The theater is closed.

- Manners, clear a path, please.

Please, clear a path.

[shouting]

- We ain't moving until
you open up the theater.

- There's nothing I can do.

- I see the press
are here, Van Damm.

- Yes, I don't know how
they got hold of it, sir.

[yelling]

- Good afternoon,

Mrs. Henderson.
- Maggie.

[yelling]

- This way.

- There seems to be
a nationwide desire

to keep this theater open.

- Nationwide?

Please don't be delusional.

I have learnt in these many
years of dealing with artists

to detest imagination.

- Excuse me, excuse me.

[yelling]

- This street must be clear.

It presents a very
clear public danger.

I may have to ask
the police to interfere.

- I'll talk to them.

- What a commotion.

- They think the
theater encourages

what they call, excuse
me, over-congregating.

Seems that we're too popular.

- You mean, we'd stay
open if we were a failure?

How ridiculous.
- Listen, everybody.

We have no choice.

The government is
forcing us to close.

One more light dimming
in the heart of London.

- He's turning
into Winston again.

- What Herr Hitler
was unable to do,

our own leaders are
determined to accomplish.

They're going to
close The Windmill.

[sighs]

- Excuse me.
- Excuse me.

Would you let me through.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, that's so
kind of you, thank you.

Thank you, oh that's
most kind, thank you.

Thank you, excuse me.

Hello, everybody.

May I, oh hello, Tommy.

May I introduce myself?

I'm Mrs. Henderson.

You might see my name on
the billboard over there.

Mrs. Henderson Presents.

Well, I am
that Mrs. Henderson,

and I've presented The
Windmill for four years now.

Now let me tell you why.

Are you able to see me?

[murmuring]

- Here you are, ma'am.

- [Laura] Oh, that's so
sweet. Are you American?

- Yes.

- Strange people,
lovely manners.

Thank you, dear.

Now.

There was a war before this one.

It was meant to end all wars.

I lost my son in that war.

My only son, Alec.

He was 21.

He perished through
poison gas, I believe.

On a field in France.

After, some time after,

I went to his room to
clear away his things

and I discovered
the most amazing thing.

What I believe you
call a French postcard.

[laughing]

Photograph of a naked woman.

He'd been hiding it.

And I realized that Alec had
probably gone to his death

without ever seeing a
woman naked in real life.

Well, I thought that was
the most awful thing.

When you lose a son in the war,

you do know, no matter
what anyone might say,

that his death has been in vain.

It won't stop others from
following other wars,

other young men.

Years later, after
my husband had died

and I was on my own,

I decided to buy a theater
and put on a nude revue

so that boys like Alec

would never be in
the same predicament.

As long as The Windmill exists,

there's no need for
a sad little postcard

stashed underneath
a bed, is there?

[laughing]

Sometimes, my feelings towards
our young men in uniform

have led me to foolish actions,

which I do in my
very soul regret.

But I do know this.

That my desire to present
this gift to our young men

has not been wrong.

If we are to ask our youth
to surrender their lives,

then we should not ask
them to surrender joy

or the possibility of joy.

And if, along the way,

we cause too many people to
congregate in the street,

who gives a fiddler's fuck?

[clapping and whistling]

There, I've said it.

[sirens blaring]

Oh dear, another air raid.

Don't you think everyone
would be so much safer inside?

- [Crowd] Yes.

- Oh for Christ's
sake, Van Damm.

Take down that stupid sign
and let your public in.

[clapping and cheering]

[upbeat music]
[cheering]

♪ The sails of the
windmill were turning ♪

♪ For years o'er
the war had begun ♪

♪ And we know they'll keep
turning for many years more ♪

♪ When the war will
be over and won ♪

♪ Blow winds from the south

♪ Blow winds from the north

♪ Turn the sails of
the windmill round ♪

♪ Blow winds from the east

♪ Blow winds from the west

♪ Oh the wind is
a welcome sound ♪

[smooth jazz music]

- I thought so.

- You're going to ask me
to come down, aren't you?

- I wouldn't dream of it.

- Now you know my secrets.

- Yes.

- And I know none of yours.

- No.

Well.

Actually, I think you do.

- We had made rather
a go of it, hadn't we?

- Yes.

You're a very irritating woman,

but I wouldn't have
missed this for the world.

- I feel quite the same.

Even though you're
a very irritating man.

[laughs]

So we'll continue?

- I'm game if you are.
- Oh, yes.

Passes the time of day.

[chuckles]

- Let's watch the
rest of the show.

- You go inside.

I'll stand here for awhile.

- As you wish.

Would you fancy a dance?

- A dance? Where?

- Here.

- Won't it be dangerous?

- You're quite right,
I'm a very cautious man,

but it won't be dangerous.

Not tonight.

Just one dance?

- Mr. Van Damm.
- Mrs. Henderson.

♪ Blow winds from the south

♪ Blow winds from the north

♪ Turn the sails of
the windmill round ♪

♪ Blow winds from the east

♪ Blow winds from the west

♪ All the wind is
a welcome sound ♪

♪ Blow winds from the south

♪ Blow winds from the north

♪ Turn the sails of
the windmill round ♪

♪ Blow winds from the east

♪ Blow winds from the west

♪ All the wind

♪ Is a welcome sound

[clapping and whistling]
[grand band music]

[laughs]

[soft music]

- Ow, you've severed my toe.

- Nonsense, I didn't touch it.

- You're rather clumsy.

- That's not something you say

to a dancing partner.
- You should've taken lessons

before issuing an invitation.

- I'm a very good dancer,
thank you very much.

[soft music]

- [Laura] In India, only
delicate men are good dancers.

The ungainly are not so.

- [Vivian] Listen,
you old battle-ax.

- [Laura] Don't you dare
speak to me like that.

[soft music]

[upbeat music]

♪ There's a lake in the park

♪ There's a house by the lake

♪ There's a girl in the house
in the park by the lake ♪

♪ And the girl in the house
by the lake in the park ♪

♪ Is the girl in the
little green hat ♪

♪ And tonight after eight,
that's when I've got a date ♪

♪ When the moon's riding high
and the stars light the sky ♪

♪ With the girl in the house
by the lake in the park ♪

♪ The girl in the
little green hat ♪

♪ There's no water in the lake

♪ There's no roof
upon the house ♪

♪ No trees in the park at all

♪ But she'll wait
beside the lake ♪

♪ I'll be welcome at the house

♪ I'll meet her by
the garden wall ♪

♪ There's a ship on the lake,
there's a sailor on the shore ♪

♪ There's a girl in his arms,
she's the girl I adore ♪

♪ So goodbye to the house
by the lake in the park ♪

♪ And the girl in the
little green hat ♪

[upbeat music]

♪ There's a storm on the lake,
there's a ship in the storm ♪

♪ There's a girl on the ship
in the storm on the lake ♪

♪ And the girl in the lake
on the ship in the storm ♪

♪ Is the girl in the
little green hat ♪

♪ As the ship starts to tip,
she is losing her grip ♪

♪ Every dip makes her tip,
not the girl but the ship ♪

♪ But the girl on the ship
has the pip from the trip ♪

♪ The girl in the
little green hat ♪

♪ She's been sailing
quite enough ♪

♪ She's been clinging
to the rails ♪

♪ She's been dying to
be home once more ♪

♪ 'Cause the lake
is rather rough ♪

♪ And the girl is rather pale

♪ She's glad to get
her feet on shore ♪

♪ Ah, she gave up the ship
and the captain and his men ♪

♪ For a round ticket trip
to my arms once again ♪

♪ Now I'm back in the park
with the house by the lake ♪

♪ With the girl in
the little green hat ♪

[upbeat music]

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ Our boudoir's blown to bits

♪ We're living underground

♪ And over-drawn
and on our wits ♪

♪ By day we're
knitting mufflers ♪

♪ Or cutting canteen cakes

♪ But nightfall
doesn't ruffle us ♪

♪ For we've got what it takes

♪ It's no longer safe to
tarry at Cafe de Paris ♪

♪ So we're ladies
-in-waiting now ♪

♪ To do our little bits

♪ Though we're in dungarees-es

♪ To hide our silken knees-es

♪ Keepin' your flag flying

♪ We're the babies
of the blitz ♪

♪ Tin hats may hide our
coiffures for a while ♪

♪ And shelter boots
conceal our dainty feet ♪

♪ But 'neath this
tough external ♪

♪ There's something
that's eternal ♪

♪ Ask the Air
Force or the Army ♪

♪ Or the Fleet

♪ We're babies of the blitz

♪ And when their leave permits

♪ We welcome back the boys

♪ Who fly the
hurricanes and spits ♪

♪ Whilst bosses of munitions

♪ And tired businessmen

♪ Must park their inhibitions

♪ And make whoopee,
and make whoopee ♪

♪ And make whoopee
now and then ♪

♪ We'll lend sophistication

♪ To well-earned procreation

♪ We're what the
doctor ordered ♪

♪ After chasing Mecherschmitts

♪ So long as there is rhythm

♪ And good meals and
we are with 'em ♪

♪ They won't exterminate

♪ The babies, the babies,
the babies, babies, babies ♪

♪ Of the blitz