Mid-August Lunch

MID-AUGUST LUNCH is a dignified, charming film that speaks of Italians' dedication to family and food. It's the hot Ferragosto bank holiday, when all Italy heads for cooler parts. Gianni (played by director Gianni DiGregorio) is the caregiver for his elderly Mamma, and they have nowhere to go on holiday. Luigi, the apartment caretaker, arrives to remind Gianni that he's overdue on rent. If, however, Gianni wouldn't mind taking care of Luigi's elderly Mamma overnight so he can go out of town, Luigi could waive the payments… An hour later, he's back with his mother in tow, plus an aunt who couldn't be left behind. Gianni's a good-natured fellow and he begins shopping, cooking, and drinking great quantities of vino blanco, all to help them through the evening. The ladies' demands are mounting, though, and when he experiences chest pains, he calls his doctor. Relax, says the doctor, but if you wouldn't mind my Mamma staying here with you overnight?… (In Italian with subtitles) – B.B.