Tea With Mussolini

War is a nuisance in Franco Zeffirelli's semi-autobiographical mostly rose-colored portrait of his childhood in pre-World War II Italy. While not as earthy or magical as Federico Fellini's Amarcord, it does offer the distinct pleasure of watching five distinguished actresses pull out the stops. Zeffirelli's alter-ego is Luca, a young illegitimate orphan who lost his mother and was abandoned by his father. He's taken in by Mary Wallace (Joan Plowright), and introduced to her British expatriate companions. Not since Auntie Mame has a young man enjoyed the tutelage and eccentric company of such colorful companions. Comprising this diva-fest are: Maggie Smith as the imperious and aristocratic Lady Hester, who puts too much stock in her tea with the "great dictator" Benito Mussolini; Judi Dench as cultural maven Arabella; Cher, as globe-trotting madcap Elsa Morgenthal, and, in a smaller role, Lily Tomlin as a lesbian-inclined archeologist. They are known throughout Florence as the "Scorpioni" for their stinging wit, a weapon they employ on the rabble and themselves ("Americans," sniffs Lady Hester, "can even vulgarize ice cream."). Fascist thugs and the war eventually shatter their idyll, with the women taken into custody (though not surrendering). The women are great company, but whose life is this anyway? As the film unfolds, several other subplots intrude and Luca becomes a stranger in his own story. Entertaining as an actor's showcase, but an optional purchase. (K. Lee Benson)