Based on a true story, this deliciously witty period comedy from the sure hand of Stephen Frears stars Dame Judi Dench as the wealthy, just-widowed, Laura Henderson who has no intention of quietly retreating to the genteel pastimes 1930's society deems acceptable for her situation. From the window of her chauffeured Rolls Royce, she notices a "For Sale" sign on the dilapidated shell of a London theatre, proceeds to buy it and hires Bob Hoskins to manage it. The sparkling script uses the talents of these two great character actors to wonderful effect as they spar with each other on every level: social, psychological, and sentimental. The luxurious sets and costumes are a delight for the eye, as are the gorgeous women who populate the theatre's groundbreaking nude reviews. They are involved in their own dramas, and soon the opulent musical numbers contrast sharply with the ugly realities of war-time Britain. With high standards in all departments, this film is brilliantly produced by the HFFF's Susan B. Anthony "Failure is Impossible" awardee, Norma Heyman. (Catherine Wyler)

Director: Stephen Frears
Producers: Laurie Borg, Norma Heyman
Cast: Judi Dench

Norma Heyman was the first woman to complete her own solo independent film production in Britain in 1984 when she produced THE HONORARY CONSUL. She went on to produce BURNING SECRET, BUSTER, DANGEROUS LIAISONS (Oscar nomination), MARY REILLY, THE SECRET AGENT and GANGSTER NO 1. Heyman was a founder of Women in Film & Television UK and she was the first woman producer to receive a Lifetime Achievement award from the London Film Critics Circle.