The oft-voiced complaint that there are no decent roles for women "of a certain age" is partially addressed (or undressed) in this feel-good Brit pic.

A galaxy of home-grown female stars soundly demolishes the myth that audiences couldn't cope with a gang of theatrical dames bringing up mature issues (and getting their kit off).

Leading the cast is Mirren, an actress whose never been averse to cinematic disrobing, as Chris, the subversive galvaniser of a Yorkshire WI group.

Up until now, Rylestone's WI has been happy to get by on a diet of broccoli lectures and baking the best sponge - until the husband of Annie (Walters) dies of leukaemia.

His observation that Yorkshire lasses are at their most radiant in their, er, later years plants the germ of an idea in the mind of mischief-making Chris.

Inspired by a wenches-with-spanners calendar she spots in a local garage, she and Annie set about persuading even the primmest WI member to get 'em off for a good cause.

So, one by one, they start picking off the likes of golf widow Celia (Imrie) and cheated housewife Ruth (Penelope Wilton).

Opposition comes in the form of Marie (Geraldine James), who thinks the WI's true role is still Jam-and-Jerusalem rather than giving Pirelli a run for their money.

However, as the calendar's success grows, friendships and marriages are strained as the media circus surrounding them warps the original idea behind the whole shebang.

Nigel Cole, who directed the sleeper hit Saving Grace, handles the comedy with a light touch but, then again, you can't go far wrong with a cast of this calibre.

Mirren may be just a bit too glitzy to play a Dales florist, but the rest slip into their roles just as easily as they slip out of their clothes.

On the comedy front Walters, together with Imrie, have already shown that, with a Victoria Wood-penned skit, they can blow the likes of Legally Blonde 2 out of the water.

It'll make you laugh. It'll make you cry. And, in Mirren's grandest tradition, it'll have dads across the country coming over all unnecessary.

Make a firm date with the Calendar Girls.

Tim Evans