The “Scorpioni” are a group of privileged British women residing in Florence during the 1930s, led by "Lady Hester" (Dame Maggie Smith), the widow of the former British Ambassador. She harbors some understanding for “Il Duce’s” ambitions. They occasionally must put up with the presence of the boisterous and wealthy American actress “Elsa” (Cher), but even as fascism grows stronger, that seems to be their only real pr…