MUSSOLINI: THE UNTOLD STORY REVIEWED
“Mussolini: The Untold Story” was a seven hour mini-series that aired on NBC in 1985. You never knew how badly you needed George C. Scott and Robert Downey, Jr. playing Italian in your life. Hell, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio shows up because this was a 1980s production that needed a semi-ethnic female supporting role. Raul Julia chews on the scenery that fell out of Scott’s mouth. But, in terms of the film? It’s a greatest hits compilation.
You get to see Il Duce’s rise to power and his eventual fall. I loved the attention paid to the failed Ethiopia campaign. But, so much of the film is about the underlings that ultimately betrayed Mussolini. I’m not saying the guy’s great, but no one deserved the Republic of Salo. The man did get the trains to run on time and Scott understands the power of such actions. Pick it up as an oddity during the Holidays.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Nothing
A/V STATS
- 1.33:1 standard definition transfer
- Dolby 2.0
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
- Video - 86%86%
- Audio - 85%85%
- Film Score - 90%90%
The Plot Thus Far
The rise and fall of the Italian fascist dictator…He was powerful–arrogant–mesmerizing. He dreamed of a new Roman Empire–and himself as its new emperor. As Italy’s leader he was at first revered…then feared…and ultimately despised. But at the height of his power, the crowd would roar “Il Duce”–and the man who would step forward to receive the accolades was Benito Mussolini. But the head of the country was also the head of a family–a devoted husband, father and godfather. Now the story of that man–a gripping, original, seven-hour NBC miniseries starring superb actor George C. Scott, giving his most magnificent portrayal ever as the infamous dictator……Mussolini.
I saw this when it aired. I’ve always wanted to see it again.
Looking at this cover makes me want to order pizza though.
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