In sixteenth century Florence, as the henpecked, frivolous and philandering Duke Alessandro de Medici signs death warrants, the case of the great goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, charged, not for the first time, with murder, is discussed, but the duchess reminds the indecisive duke that Cellini has not finished making their golden service plates. After other charges concerning Cellini’s amorous and mischievous adventures are cited, Alessandro, egged on by his ambitious cousin Ottaviano, decides to hang him, but Cellini pacifies the duke by arranging for his pretty model Angela to be an addition to the duke’s court. Her interest in Cellini piqued, the duchess commissions him to make and deliver a key to the balcony door of her summer palace. That night, as the duke, thinking that the duchess has gone to the winter palace, tries to romance Angela, Cellini fights his way past guards to the duchess’ balcony. After refusing to let the duchess, who tries to gain the upper hand with him, humiliate him, Cellini escapes with Angela, who has grown to like Alessandro, whom she affectionately calls “Bumpy.” After a reward is announced for Cellini’s head, he stabs a guard and sneaks into the duchess’ room. When he dares her to sever his head, she confesses her love, but he is captured and taken to a torture chamber. The duchess, however, convinces Alessandro to free Cellini to avoid a revolt by the people, and Cellini promises Alessandro that he will bring Angela to his banquet. When the jealous duchess sees Angela at the banquet, Alessandro falsely reports that Angela is Cellini’s fiancée. Angered, the duchess gives Cellini poisoned wine and orders him to toast his bride. Cellini obeys and then drops to the floor, whereupon the duchess comforts him and calls him her love. Ottaviano then drops dead from his wine, and Cellini stops pretending. The angry duke threatens both Cellini and the duchess, but after Angela calls Alessandro “Bumpy,” the duchess indignantly says that she will take Cellini with her to build a new fountain at the winter palace, which leaves the duke and Angela to stay at the summer palace. More on Wikipedia or IMDB
Festival Films- Awards & Festivals- The Affairs of Cellini
Academy Awards, 1935- 4 nominations including: Best Actor in a Leading Role
Watch The Affairs of Cellini (1934)
