Mussolini: The Untold Story is a television biographical miniseries drama that aired on November 24–26, 1985. The series followed the rise, rule, and downfall of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini (played by US actor George C. Scott). Mussolini's private life features prominently in the series, including his long-term romance with his mistress Clara Petacci (played by Virginia Madsen). The series begins in 1922, as Mussolini gathers his power through the use of his Black Shirt militia. Promoting himself as Julius Caesar reincarnate, Il Duce gains a national fervor that peaks after the Italian invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in 1935. In 1938, Mussolini attempted to promote peace at the Munich Conference. Nonetheless, he aligned himself with Adolf Hitler. Mussolini drew Italy into World War II, which led to his country's decline, Mussolini's fall from power, and eventual roadside execution of Mussolini and Petacci. The Series was Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards. Premise The rise and fall of the Italian fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini. Cast George C. Scott as Benito Mussolini David Suchet as Dino Grandi Lee Grant as Rachele Mussolini Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Edda Mussolini-Ciano Raul Julia as Count Galeazzo Ciano Tracy-Louise Ward as Countess Maria Ciano Virginia Madsen as Claretta Petacci Robert Downey Jr. as Bruno Mussolini Paul Kehagias as Young Bruno Mussolini Gabriel Byrne as Vittorio Mussolini Spencer Chandler as Young Vittorio Mussolini Kenneth Colley as King Vittorio Emmanuele Gunnar Moller as Adolf Hitler Gina Bellman as Gena Ruberti Godfrey James as Marshal Pietro Badoglio Michael Aldridge as Matteotti George Coulouris as DeBono Vernon Dobtcheff as Sebastiani Constantine Gregory as Baron Russo Paul Herzberg as Major Spogler Wolf Kahler as Skorzeny Richard Kane as Von Ribbentrop Anne-Louise Lambert as Orsala Annabel Leventon as Senora Petacci Michael MacKenzie as Amalfi Philip Madoc as Buchini Stephen Marshall as Romano Tony Vogel as Tarabella Milton Johns as German Ambassador External links 1985 films Films about Benito Mussolini Films with screenplays by Stirling Silliphant Films directed by William Graham (director) Films scored by Laurence Rosenthal 1980s British television miniseries 1980s American television miniseries