Tea With Mussolini (1999)
Baird Wallace, Charlie Lucas, Cher, Joan Plowright, Judi Dench ... (see more) , Lily Tomlin , Maggie Smith , Massimo Ghini , Michael Williams , Paolo Seganti
Taken from a chapter in the autobiography of acclaimed filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli, TEA WITH MUSSOLINI is written by British novelist and playwright John Mortimer and Zeffirelli, drawing on the latter's published memoirs. The film tells of Luca Innocenti (born out of wedlock and not officially recog... (read more) Taken from a chapter in the autobiography of acclaimed filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli, TEA WITH MUSSOLINI is written by British novelist and playwright John Mortimer and Zeffirelli, drawing on the latter's published memoirs. The film tells of Luca Innocenti (born out of wedlock and not officially recognized by his father) and his struggle to assert his independence and find his way into a life of art. The coming-of-age tale is also a haunting evocation of a vanished world: that of the quiet city of Florence on the brink of World War II. Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith portray the eccentric, colorful and strong-willed ladies - called the "Scorpioni" for their biting wit - who, along with a free-spirited American art collector (Cher) and archeologist (Lily Tomlin), raise the youth and fashion him, though Italian, into "a perfect British gentleman."
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PG, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed by:
Franco Zeffirelli
Release Date: May 14, 1999
DVD Release Date: Nov 16, 1999
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Florence, Italy, in 1935 was joyful and predictable. An eccentric band of retired Englishwomen reign with snobbish dignity over the town. Taking tea precisely at 4 pm in the local restaurant, holding a graveside celebration at the tomb of a dead Engl... (read more) Florence, Italy, in 1935 was joyful and predictable. An eccentric band of retired Englishwomen reign with snobbish dignity over the town. Taking tea precisely at 4 pm in the local restaurant, holding a graveside celebration at the tomb of a dead English author, and sticking their nose into the personal business of a local businessman are all in a day's work for them! But along comes Mussolini the dictator and things start to come undone. WWII erupts and they are taken to an internment camp because they have now become "the enemy". A young Italian boy (Luca) whom they had befriended comes to their aid supported by a wacky American socialite/art collector (Cher). Things get tense when Germans arrive to join Mussolini's soldiers and their beloved frescoes are endangered. A wild ride and an enjoyable treat!
World War II epic centered in Italy. Beautiful scenery and a wonderful cast makes this movie so great.
Though this film lacks very much action, one can feel the tension build as the war unfolds. I love Maggie Smith.
when i first turned this movie on i thought i wasn't going to like it, but i was suprised to find a good movie based around a solid female ensemble cast.
Excellent cast & I LOVED all of them. Cher is HILARIOUS as is Lily Tomlin. Maggie Smith is the typical society lady & Judi Dench is pretty darn good too. Joan Plowright is SO good! Certainly an enjoyable film set during WWII Italy and certainly a dif... (read more) Excellent cast & I LOVED all of them. Cher is HILARIOUS as is Lily Tomlin. Maggie Smith is the typical society lady & Judi Dench is pretty darn good too. Joan Plowright is SO good! Certainly an enjoyable film set during WWII Italy and certainly a different point of view regarding what went on during the war. Great acting & great film!!!
What a brilliant cast! And yet I find they were all wasted. I wasn't engaged by the film in the first 30mins, the story did get a bit interesting later. BUT it's so unrealistic, life don't end happily ever after especially during the war. If I was on... (read more) What a brilliant cast! And yet I find they were all wasted. I wasn't engaged by the film in the first 30mins, the story did get a bit interesting later. BUT it's so unrealistic, life don't end happily ever after especially during the war. If I was one of the Italian soldier just give me one reason why didn't I beat Maggie Smith's character up for lecturing me?
Or: the Golden Girls go to Italy ... kidding. Bittersweet, pastoral, well-cast star vehicle on war and remembrance.
This movie made my cry, I just love Cher, Lily Tomlin, Dame Judi Dench, Maggi Smith and Joan Plowright...
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