Do you like Shakespeare? Last weekend I watched the film "Much Ado About Nothing" filmed in 1993 in Tuscany. The scenery of the countryside is GORGEOUS, the music is GREAT, the humor is RIGHT THERE, and if you want to be sold on Italy, this is the film to see. Stars Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh, Phylida Law and Denzel Washington. <BR> <BR>If you want to see the movie, but have a hard time getting into the lingo (the movie script follows the play almost verbatim), print out the play and follow along. <BR> <BR>Wish we had had this movie in high school English classes. It is now my new old favorite. <BR>

Donna, <BR> <BR>I saw this movie for the first time just a couple of weeks ago, and I agree with you completely. It was one of the best Shakespeare movies I've seen. I have had trouble getting into the lingo in other adaptations, but Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh were so good that I found it was much easier to understand. Maybe the funniest thing about the movie though, was Keanu Reeves as the bad guy. He was AWFUL! I don't think he had a clue what he was saying, he was just reciting the lines. It was so bad it was funny.

Not really travel-related, but a funny story about the painful performance of Keanu in this beautiful movie. <BR> <BR>I saw it at the Uptown, the only theater in Washington to go to for big, beautiful movies with great cinematography. (Star Wars is there now.) Unbeknownst to me, several rows ahead of me was Pat Carroll, "Ursula the Sea Witch" in The Little Mermaid and a renowned Shakespearean performer in the DC area. <BR> <BR>The movie unfolded. The Duke and his men arrived at Leonato's house. Leonato welcomed Keanu's character, who responded in a Bill-and-Ted voice: "I thank you. I am not of ... many words, but--I thank you." Into the brief silence, I couldn't help but say "Duuude." <BR> <BR>My voice carried more than I'd intended...and half the theater cracked up. I then heard the unmistakable booming laughter of Pat Carroll, and was told my my friend just who was sitting in front of us. Hey, I can take pride in having made Pat Carroll laugh!

As another note, another hilarious performance was of Michael Keaton as the dimwitted constable, riding his non-horse. <BR> <BR>Please tell me where I can find this estate. Do you know where it was filmed? <BR> <BR>

Donna, I remembered reading about this in the hosted forum on Tuscany. You could actually stay on the set!! Here's a clip from one of Candace's answers about accomodations: <BR> <BR>In Chianti, I have one idea, though it's not completely private: a little stone cottage for two with terrace set off by itself on the grounds of Villa Vignamaggio, a centuries-old winemaking estate just outside Greve. The main house--with its gorgeous Renaissance facade in weathered pink plaster--was the birthplace of Leonardo's model for the Mona Lisa. The house, Renaissance garden, and surrounding olive groves and vineyard were the set for Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing.

Hi, Donna. Yes! You can stay at this wonderful villa, located about two miles from Greve in Chiante. We literally stumbled upon it this spring while driving through the countryside, and booked a room. It is reasonable and very nice...mediterranean tile floors, down comforters, wonderful bathrooms, very comfortable. An optional breakfast which is beautifully presented. It is situated in the midst of a vinyard on the little twisty road to Lamole. La Giaconda, the model for the Mona Lisa, was born at the house and possibly painted there. The background in the "Mona Lisa" is the scenery surrounding this estate. Pull up their web-site at www.vignamaggio.com. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The actual main house, which is what you see in the movie is primarily a private residence, though one end does have guest accomodations. The remainder are in a separate building which is very nice, and there is a separate cottage on the property, as well as tennis courts and swimming pool. The gardens that you see in the movie are also there for your enjoyment. The entire atmosphere was very private and tasteful and quiet and secluded. Enjoy!

You can call me weird if you want, but Shakespeare is my absolute favorite! I took a college course on his plays just for pure fun. Two things that can really make his work come alive -- a great instructor -- who can let you in on all the Elizabethan puns, double meanings, and more. Then you realize how really risque some of the comedies are! Also, a really great actor. They make it sound like modern, everyday language. Sadly, Keanu doesn't fit that description. If anyone saw the recent "Midsummer Night's Dream" - neither does Calista Flockhart - she was painful.

Hey, Dayle, I took Shakespeare in college for fun, too! I have seen "Much Ado" about 10 times (I love it), and I've also read it. In fact, for that college course, I had to act out a scene of it. (I was Dogberry's sidekick Verges -- I was awful!) Anyway, I definitely have to hear more about the villa, as I'm planning to go to Italy next year and would LOVE to stay there!

I just visited the website of Villa Vignamaggio. Beautiful photos, and I will definitely stay there next trip to Tuscany. Thank you to everyone who helped with this mystery. <BR> <BR>And only now, I will admit that I watched the film one Friday three times in a row--totally lost the first time through, getting to like it the second, then loving it the third time. Then I printed out the script, and the next day watched it twice again, to memorize the beauty and to memorize the "Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more" reading and song. <BR> <BR>My secretary and I have decided this is a good lesson about life and the pursuit of men: most of it is really "Hey, Nonny, Nonny!" anyway, as Shakespeare intends for us to learn. <BR> <BR>Dayle, you are brave to admit you like Shakespeare. Cool. <BR> <BR>And thanks, everyone, for this brief interlude of passion for the Italian scenery, so beautifully presented by Branagh's film.