Tea With Mussolini (1999)

In 1935 Florence, a group of expatriate English women live in a small close knit community. Their unofficial social leader is a bossy dowager (Maggie Smith). But their position in Italy is precarious as the rise of Mussolini (Claudio Spadaro) and fascism threaten the normalcy of their lives. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli on whose biography the film is very loosely based. This is a thoroughly charming film enhanced by first rate performances by its lead actresses as well as the expert cinematography of David Watkin (OUT OF AFRICA) which captures the beauty of Florence in all its glory. Although based on Zeffirelli's memoirs, I suspect most of the film is embellished for dramatic effect. Zeffirelli's stand in here is called Luca and played by two actors, Charlie Lucas as a child and Baird Wallace as a young man. The film is rich in detailed characters including Cher as a wealthy American playgirl, Judi Dench as an artist, Lily Tomlin as a lesbian archaeologist and Joan Plowright as a spinster. Also with Paolo Seganti, Paul Chequer and Tessa Pritchard.