The Battle of the Villa Fiorita is a 1965 British drama film, based on the novel by Rumer Godden, directed by Delmer Daves. It stars Maureen O'Hara and Rossano Brazzi.
Synopsis
In Italy, two children, Michael (Martin Stephens) and Debbie (Elizabeth Dear), are aware that their mother, Moira (Maureen O'Hara) has left them for a lover, a famous Italian composer and they are staying at the Villa Fiorita. Michael convinces Debbie to run away to the Villa to fetch their mother, and forces her to sell her prized pony to afford the journey. They arrive, and the lover, Lorenzo (Rossano Brazzi) calls their father to inform him that the children have run away and that he will be sending them home. However, Michael falls ill and Lorenzo allows them both to stay. Debbie joins forces with Donna, the daughter of their mother's lover, to manipulate Moira into returning to Britain. A hunger strike by the girls ensues which fails and culminates in Moira slapping Debbie and Lorenzo spanking Donna. Lorenzo finally decides to send the children home but Michael and Donna attempt to run away on a sailboat during a storm. After the two nearly drown, Moira and Lorenzo agree that they have lost the battle, and a heartbroken Moira returns to England with her children.
Cast
Maureen O'Hara as Moira
Rossano Brazzi as Lorenzo
Martin Stephens as Michael
Elizabeth Dear as Debbie
Olivia Hussey as Donna
Richard Todd as Darrell
Phyllis Calvert as Margot
Maxine Audley as Charmian
Ursula Jeans as Lady Anthea
Ettore Manni as Father Rossi
Richard Wattis as Travel Agent
Finlay Currie as Emcee
Clelia Matania as Celestina
Cast Notes
This film was Daves' last film followed by his retirement.
This is the first film for British actress Olivia Hussey, who later appeared in the film Romeo and Juliet (1968).
Synopsis
In Italy, two children, Michael (Martin Stephens) and Debbie (Elizabeth Dear), are aware that their mother, Moira (Maureen O'Hara) has left them for a lover, a famous Italian composer and they are staying at the Villa Fiorita. Michael convinces Debbie to run away to the Villa to fetch their mother, and forces her to sell her prized pony to afford the journey. They arrive, and the lover, Lorenzo (Rossano Brazzi) calls their father to inform him that the children have run away and that he will be sending them home. However, Michael falls ill and Lorenzo allows them both to stay. Debbie joins forces with Donna, the daughter of their mother's lover, to manipulate Moira into returning to Britain. A hunger strike by the girls ensues which fails and culminates in Moira slapping Debbie and Lorenzo spanking Donna. Lorenzo finally decides to send the children home but Michael and Donna attempt to run away on a sailboat during a storm. After the two nearly drown, Moira and Lorenzo agree that they have lost the battle, and a heartbroken Moira returns to England with her children.
Cast
Maureen O'Hara as Moira
Rossano Brazzi as Lorenzo
Martin Stephens as Michael
Elizabeth Dear as Debbie
Olivia Hussey as Donna
Richard Todd as Darrell
Phyllis Calvert as Margot
Maxine Audley as Charmian
Ursula Jeans as Lady Anthea
Ettore Manni as Father Rossi
Richard Wattis as Travel Agent
Finlay Currie as Emcee
Clelia Matania as Celestina
Cast Notes
This film was Daves' last film followed by his retirement.
This is the first film for British actress Olivia Hussey, who later appeared in the film Romeo and Juliet (1968).
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