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Exploring thoroughly modern taboos
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.
Directed by Peter Greenaway
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Julia Ormond
The Daughter

Ralph Fiennes
The Bishop's Son

Philip Stone
The Bishop

Jonathan Lacey
Cosimo Medici

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

Frank Egerton
The Prompter

Phelim McDermott
The First Tutor
My Beautiful Laundrette
1985