Since 1951, Zeffirelli had intended to dedicate a film to the English Ladies of Florence, who, despite themselves, had become 'enemies' of Italy during the Second World War. It was producer Riccardo Tozzi who convinced him, many years later, to give greater substance to the project by narrating also the events of his own childhood and youth. Enriched with these autobiographical elements, suitably elaborated, Tea with Mussolini is a true coming-of-age story.
The film was shot almost entirely in Florence. To portray the eccentric Ladies, Zeffirelli called upon the great English actresses he had already directed on stage, sharing unforgettable successes: Judi Dench (Romeo and Juliet), Maggie Smith (Much Ado About Nothing), and Joan Plowright (Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Filumena). Alongside them were two American stars: Lily Tomlin, actress and comedian, and Cher, actress, singer, a true icon of pop culture.