Overview

In 17th-century Tuscany, a church play is performed for the benefit of young aristocrat Cosimo. In the play, a grotesque old woman gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. The child's older sister is quick to exploit the situation, selling blessings from the baby, and even claiming she's the true mother by virgin birth. However, when she attempts to seduce the bishop's son, the Church exacts a terrible revenge.

Genres

Cast

Julia Ormond

The Daughter

Ralph Fiennes

The Bishop's Son

Philip Stone

The Bishop

Don Henderson

The Father Confessor

Celia Gregory

The Mother Superior

Jeff Nuttall

The Major Domo

Jessica Hynes

The First Midwife (as Jessica Stevenson)

Kathryn Hunter

The Second Midwife

Gabrielle Reidy

The Third Midwife

Phelim McDermott

The First Tutor

Tony Vogel

The Father

Dennis Rudge

Entourage Servant