Tea with Mussolini (1999 Franco Zeffirelli)

A true story, written by the director and John Mortimer, vaguely based on the 'Scorpione' of fierce ladies who would meet in Firenze - yes, we're back there again. And Zefferelli was illegitimate, mother died young, father was at a distance, was brought up by English women. And it all makes quite an involving tale.

Good cast: Joan Plowright, Maggie Smith (won BAFTA), Cher, Judi Dench, Lily Tomlin, Baird Wallace / Charlie Lucas (Luca old and young), Mino Bellei.

Shot in the city (making much use of the Uffizi) and San Gimignano, and at Cinecitta. The Gran Cafe Doney was where the ladies really did take tea - it closed in 1986.

Handsomely photographed by David Watkin, edited by Tariq Anwar, music by Stefano Arnaldi & Alessio Vlad, costumes by Jenny Beavan.