Tea with Mussolini

(1999)Directed by Franco Zeffirelli117 min · PGComedy, Drama, War
A story of civilized disobedience

In 1930s fascist Italy, adolescent Luca just lost his mother. His father, a callous businessman, sends him to be taken care of by British expatriate Mary Wallace. Mary and her cultured friends - including artist Arabella, young widow Elsa, and archaeologist Georgie - keep a watchful eye over the boy. But the women's cultivated lives take a dramatic turn when Allied forces declare war on Mussolini.

Maggie Smithas Lady Hester Random
Judi Denchas Arabella
Joan Plowrightas Mary Wallace
Cheras Elsa Strauss-Almerson
Lily Tomlinas Georgina "Georgie" Rockwell
Baird Wallaceas Luca
Charlie Lucasas Luca (Child)
Michael Williamsas British Consul
Paul Chequeras Wilfred Random, aka Miss Lucy
Paolo Segantias Vittorio Fanfanni
Tessa Pritchardas Connie Raynor
Claudio Spadaroas Benito Mussolini
Roberto Farnesias Maurizio
Chris Larkinas Major Gibson
Giacomo Gonnellaas First Carabiniere
Allan Caister Pearceas American Dealer
Hermann Weiskopfas German Officer
Pino Colizzias Grandi