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Title

Last Days of a Dictator

Plot

A tragic tale of the rise and fall of one of history's greatest dictators during World War II, Benito Mussolini.

Episode

1384

Air Dates

  • First Run - October 20, 1982
  • Repeat - December 29, 1982

Actors

Writer

Listen

Rating

20
14     6


5 Responses to Episode 1384

As a history buff I appreciate certain details G. Fredrick Lewis put into this story, such as referring to Ju 52 transports and Otto Skorzeny's role in the kidnapping, er, rescuing of Mussolini. There is no mention of the Fiesler Storch (Fi 56) used to whisk the Italian leader away, which is too bad because the Storch was one of the few airplanes the Germans had that could touch down (and take off) with but a few yards of flat grass. As I am a big fan of the '81-'82 series years, may I request "The Rim of Eternity" (#1366, 9/2/82) and as alternates may I request "Portrait of the Past" (#1391 11/9/82) and Roll Call of the Dead (#1374 9/27/82). "The Rim of Eternity" is an absolute gem of a story, hardly a line wasted, great performances by Mandel Kramer and Larry Haines.

Jorge

Thank you for posting some of your favorites from '81-'82. As you've probably noticed by now, the last couple of seasons get relatively little attention here; most people's interests and memories run toward the early years of RMT. In fact, I think I'll give "Rim of Eternity" a try tonight---provided, of course, that the encode we have of it is decent.

Mr. T

I am a history teacher and a serious WWII buff- (I think being the grandson of an Omaha Beach veteran is part of the reason)- and am reading a great book on Mussolini's last days right now- it is called Mussolini- the last 600 days of Il Duce by Ray Moseley. Highly recommended to those interested in this subject matter.

Jasmine

This was a real good episode! I have listened to this one a few times over the past few months. I enjoyed the script and acting. Cheers,

T. Finley

I like the story and the performances- esp. the nuance of vocal delivery. For example, when Clara (Marian Seldes) says, "When we die, I want us to die together," this delivery is perfectly timed and beautfully enunciated. Also, when Mussolini pleads his case before the tribunal, and he talks of all the new bridges and infrastructure he has provided to Italy, he is then reminded of his complicity to Hitler-- this scene is fascinating. Lastly, the "I would have pardoned them" speech is quite moving.

James V.


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