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| Tea With MussoliniSynopsis: In a sort of a who's who in British theatre, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Joan Plowright head up an ensemble in this semi-autobiographical film by renowned Italian director, Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo & Juliet). The sweeping drama concerns a group of English women living in Florence in the mid-1930s. They have not altered their lives one iota, they barely speak Italian, and take tea at the usual time every day. Until a little boy comes into their lives. He is Luca Innocenti (Charlie Lucas, Deceit), the son of a dressmaker. Luca's mother has died. She and Luca's father were never married, which leaves Luca in a bit of a spot. Mary (Plowright, Global Heresy, Callas Forever) and her friends decide to pitch together and take the child in. Arabella (Dench, Iris, The Shipping News) supplies his education in the arts. Elsa (Cher, Mayor of Sunset Strip), a brash American, gives the boy a trust fund for his future, Georgie (Tomlin, Orange County) an outspoken lesbian archeologist, ensures that Luca learns sports and Lady Hester (Smith, Gosford Park), the unofficial head of the group, teaches the boy social skills. But as the true nature of fascism becomes apparent, the women are compelled to examine their beliefs while Luca learns he has some growing up to do. Check out the travelogue-worthy sights, including the Italian landscape, the prewar art all shot with perfection by photographer, David Watkin (Out Of Africa). |
