Review of Tea with Mussolini (1999) by Josh S — 31 Dec 2009

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!