Benito: The Rise and Fall of Mussolini (1994)

"Benito: The Rise and Fall of Mussolini" chronicles the enthralling journey of a young, ambitious schoolteacher, Benito Mussolini, from his humble beginnings in the Italian town of Forli to becoming the iron-fisted dictator of Italy. The narrative unfolds as 19-year-old Mussolini gives up his career in education, venturing into the harsh reality of the capitalist system as a guest worker on a Swiss construction site in Lausanne. His magnetic charisma and eloquent rhetoric quickly draw a myriad of friends, followers, and even a mysterious Russian protectress, Angelika, while simultaneously attracting formidable foes from both church and state. His backbreaking labor in the Swiss city becomes a catalyst for his intellectual awakening, fueled by his love for the beautiful Eleonora, a middle-class medical student. His call for a workers' strike following a fatal construction site accident lands him in hot water, narrowly dodging imprisonment thanks to Angelika's influential intervention. Undeterred, Mussolini's indomitable spirit takes him to Trieste, where he becomes the editor of the socialist newspaper "L'Avventure del Lavoratore," stirring conflict with the local clergy and imperial Austrian authorities, leading to his expulsion. Returning to Forli, he marries his childhood sweetheart, Rachele, but domestic life does little to quell his burning passion for political intrigue. His ruthless maneuvering within the Italian Socialist Party and the country's largest socialist newspaper, "Avanti!", showcases his instinct for power, pitting various factions against each other for his benefit. The outbreak of World War I further complicates the volatile political landscape. Mussolini, once a staunch supporter of the pacifist "Socialist International," begins to question his ideological loyalties. His growing sympathy for the landowning classes gradually alienates his allies, even the devoted Angelika, marking the beginning of a profound transformation. This transformation culminates against the backdrop of the war, as Mussolini's ideals shift dramatically, leading him to break away from his socialist roots and establish a radically different political movement – Fascismo. His capitulation to the conservative government, once the embodiment of his adversaries, marks a turning point in his career. The former anti-war campaigner turns opportunist, now throwing his support behind the war, setting him on a path of isolation, marking a chilling ascent to absolute power. This compelling narrative artfully captures the evolution of a man whose unquenchable thirst for power would ultimately lead to a reign of terror, forever changing the course of Italian history.

Benito: The Rise and Fall of Mussolini is a drama show featuring Antonio Banderas.

Benito: The Rise and Fall of Mussolini is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Runtime.