Long Live The Lady!

Released in the US as Long Live the Lady!, Lunga Vita alla Signora! is an experience vs. naivety outing from Italian director Ermanno Olmi. The Lady (or Signora) of the title is a mysterious matron who lives in a crumbling mansion. Six catering trainees are brought to the castle upon its conversion into a resort hotel.

They are ordered to prepare a special meal for the old lady, whom none of them ever seen for more than an instant. As the caterers grow in wisdom and sophistication, we learn that the lady may very well be an urbane ghost rather than a flesh-and-blood entity.

Lunga Vita alla Signora! is a rewarding experience for those willing to give the film their full undivided attention.