Tea With Mussolini (1999)

-----Well done and interesting film-----

Tea with Mussolini is loosely based on a biography of film maker Franco Zeffrelli. It's the story of several English women, referred to as the Scorpioni who live in Florence, Italy. They are all in love with Italy and happily take advantage of the great art and beauty of Florence. It's home to them!

The ladies have a small close community and a few of them become involved with Luca, who is the illegitimate son of a local man. After his mother dies, he's placed in an orphanage. The ladies are Mary (Joan Plowright), Arabella (Judi Dench) and Hester ( Maggie Smith), and all help to care for the boy in some way. Because Hester is the widow of an English statesman, she tries to dominate the other ladies, but they can usually ignore her snobbish ways. The English ladies are also assisted by two American friends. Elsa (Cher), plays the part of a wealthy art lover from America and quietly fiances Luca's education. Georgie (Lily Tomlin), a visiting archaeologist is also involved in helping Luca.

When World War II breaks out the women are more than overwhelmed with the events. In their naiveté, they are hopeful that Mussolini himself will grant them some type of protection.

This very enjoyable film has everything. A talented and competent cast, some humor, and an interesting story which adds some historical significance. October 6, 2008

Well Worth the Watching

I'm a sucker for this type of movie. The acting was superb; the scenery very interesting; the colors and video crisp and appealing; and the story good enough. This is more a character movie than anything, and it was a pleasure to watch. May 28, 2008

The most beautiful bad movie you'll see

Zeffirelli's artistic eye is evident here; there are tableaux strewn about the movie that are wonderful gems, visual little treats of costume, design, and Italy. Unfortunately, you'll have to tolerate some very spotty acting and weird pacing and awkward plot development to see them. Fortunately, you'll also be rewarded with some very lovely acting by a cavalcade of British lionesses. Look up "withering" in Wikipedia, and you'll see Maggie Smith's picture. And Joan Plowright's puppy eyes are ageless...she is so darling in this film, she acts as salve to Ms. Smith's saltiness. January 24, 2008

A beautiful place going through ugly times

"Tea With Mussolini" on the surface is a women's film. The lead characters are a group of elderly English women and two Americans (Cher and Lily Tomlin). These woman have chosen to live in Florence, Italy during the 1930--1946 time frame which begins with fascism and ends with the Scottish coming to take back the city.

What makes this film is foremost the cast, and the city itself which is a gem, and finally the careful brush of history upon the women's everyday lives. "Tea" is one of the best "Coming of Second Age" films I have seen in a long time. November 19, 2007

Tea with Mussolini

I am a big fan of Judy Dench and Maggie Smith, and Joan Plowright. This was a great movie. Great job of casting. November 11, 2007

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