Customer Reviews

Mrs. Henderson Presents [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When you leave the movie theater whistling the music, you know you have a winner. The score is set out just like a theater musical with an overture that presages the rest of the show. While the film couldn't possibly go wrong with Dame Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins, the music was so good, so evocative of the times, and yet unobtrusive (unlike many films which attempt to control the audience through the music and not the story line), it helped to reinforce the story line and enhance the feeling--you could understand how the British survived the Blitz on nothing but sardines and pluck.

Unlike "The Producers"--another film-to-Broadway success (which we saw twice), this music is family-friendly. As soon as we came home from the theater, I hopped on the computer at near-to-midnight to purchase this CD. A perfectly wonderful score!

George Fenton has put together a musical score for the completely delightful MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS that is a combination of original music deeply influenced by the time of the film (London during WW II) and some of the best 'old favorite songs' from that time. In the film the music is always present, whether in the performances on the Windmill Theater stage or in the lyricism of the acting by Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and crew.

Fenton includes such terrific oldies as Johnny Mercer's 'Goody Goody', Charles Harris' 'After the Ball', Noel Gay's 'Letting in the Sunshine', Frank Loesser's 'Blue Nightfall', and Jerome Kern's 'All the things you are'. He segues these pieces with his own fine orchestrations and the result is a score that not only enhances the mood of the film, but one that stands alone as a recording. The various performers include Camille O'Sullivan, Charlene Ford, Ciaran Connolly, Elise Audeyev, Frances Garvey, Frank Lawson, Joseph McMurray, Kate Power, Matthew Hart, Melody Squire, Rachel Lawrence, Sir Thomas Allen!, Sophie Brown, The O'Brien Sisters, Vanessa Barmby, Vicki Davids, and Victoria Hay.

This is a recording to conjure up memories not only of a successful film but also of a time when music conveyed a lot of emotion during times of stress. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, April 06

Love this CD for the nostalgia! My favorite track is "All the Things You Are" by J.Kern and O.Hammerstein. This year's Oscar telecast produced a montage of film clips to this track including the last scene from "Mrs. Henderson Presents" and it was so emotion granting as is the song. Many of the other songs are from a time period right before WWII, but they are just fun and upbeat -- it was the depression, people needed to be uplifted with such such songs as "Letting in the Sunshine" and "Goody Goody." Judi Dench was asked by someone in the bleachers at the Oscars how it felt to be nominated this year for Mrs. Henderson, and she answered back, "just listen to the soundtrack darling!" How great is that???!!!!

It's been a while since a musical score complimented a movie as much as this one does. From the opening overture to the closing "Windmill" number the music carries the feeling and times during which Mrs. Henderson bought The Windmill Theater and brought it to life. If you haven't seen the movie, you will want to once you have listened to the score. Oldies as well as songs written just for the movie blend into as enjoyable a sound track as you can ask for.

Met ALL my expectations, having seen/loved the film - especially the orchestration, arrangements, and vocals. Sound quality superb.
I've played this CD for others - of all age groups - all agree it's a defininte winner.

i absolutely loved this cd. the music is so evocative of the era it is about. it is lively, calming and lovely all in one. an absolute must for everyone who loves to dance or who loves to listen to dance music with a bit of nostalgia thrown in.

From start to finish, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS is the finest collection of solid standards and George Fenton's own recreated time-period evocations,fully fleshed and skillfully performed and recorded.The talents of singer Will Young will not go unnoticed, especially in his heartbreaking rendition of ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE.Your toes will be tapping,your lips will be smiling and you will be glad that this soundtrack and wonderful film are yours!You will be transported to WW2 England and you will be humming these tunes day and night.

The music associated with this film is outstanding, both the vintage songs of the 1930's and early 1940s, and the original score by George Fenton. This charming, moving film is well-served by its score which effectively captures the flavor and spirit of its time. For those who have seen the film, the soundtrack is a welcome reminder of the film's emotional highlights -- for those who have not, it will be an equally pleasant experience and is likely to make the listener want to see the film. All in all, an excellent soundtrack.

The music from movie "Mrs. Henderson presents" will bring you to the mystical world of music shelter, where people kept their souls during the terrible world war.
Pure voices, talanted retro music, unforgettable lyrics...

Just lysten to Will Young singing "All the things you are" and you'll fall in love with this album.

This is a very good movie especially if you like musicals. Although my husband is not a huge fan of muscials and he thought it was very good. Great acting, great music and the story line is good. Liked it so much I ordered the cd for the music!