Zeffirelli's alter ego is Luca (Charlie Lucas in youth; Baird Wallace as a teenager), who is raised in Florence by Mary (Joan Plowright), the middle-aged secretary of his absentee father. Luca lives among a loose band of British and American women, nicknamed "Il Scorpioni" for their stinging wit in the shadows of Mussolini's thuggish dictatorship. Along with Mary there's Hester (Maggie Smith), a crusty ambassador's widow; Arabella (Judi Dench), a lively bohemian; lesbian archaeologist Georgie (Lily Tomlin); and Elsa (Cher), a flamboyant American who quietly finances Luca's education.

Il Scorpioni witness the rise of fascism and the dangers of resistance, weathering dictatorial custody and (in Elsa's case) falling prey to heartbreaking betrayal. But Tea with Mussolini carries little dramatic weight; you have to forgive its unfocused structure to appreciate its merits. Zeffirelli gently conveys the passage from pleasantry to wartime, and he's drawn uniformly fine performances from this seasoned cast. If the film is vaguely unsatisfying, it's only because it had the makings of greatness and settles instead for an ethereal quality of anecdotal enchantment. --Jeff Shannon

Tea With Mussolini

• My House in Umbria
• Ladies in Lavender
• A Month by the Lake
• Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
• The Last of the Blonde Bombshells
• Moonstruck (Deluxe Edition)
• Widows' Peak
• Under the Tuscan Sun (Widescreen Edition)
• The Remains of the Day (Special Edition)
• Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series)

A talented and competent cast, some humor, and an interesting story which adds some historical significance. In their naiveté, they are hopeful that Mussolini himself will grant them some type of protection. 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. It's home to them. The ladies are Mary (Joan Plowright), Arabella (Judi Dench) and Hester ( Maggie Smith), and all help to care for the boy in some way.

After his mother dies, he's placed in an orphanage. 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. This very enjoyable film has everything.

They are all in love with Italy and happily take advantage of the great art and beauty of Florence. 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.

It's the story of several English women, referred to as the Scorpioni who live in Florence, Italy. Tea with Mussolini is loosely based on a biography of film maker Franco Zeffrelli. Elsa (Cher), plays the part of a wealthy art lover from America and quietly fiances Luca's education.

This is more a character movie than anything, and it was a pleasure to watch. 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.

Smith's saltiness. 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. And Joan Plowright's puppy eyes are ageless.she is so darling in this film, she acts as salve to Ms. 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. Look up "withering" in Wikipedia, and you'll see Maggie Smith's picture.

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 19301946 time frame which begins with fascism and ends with the Scottish coming to take back the city. "Tea" is one of the best "Coming of Second Age" films I have seen in a long time. "Tea With Mussolini" on the surface is a women's film. 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.

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