A Piano for Mrs. Cimino (1982)

A Piano for Mrs. Cimino Poster

An elderly widow must find meaning and activity in her life when her son suggests she is no longer capable of handling her own affairs.

Introduction
"A Piano for Mrs. Cimino" is an emotional, made-for-television drama movie that was at first released in 1982. The film, directed by George Schaefer, features Bette Davis in the lead function, together with other notable actors such as Keenan Wynn, Alexa Kenin, and Penny Fuller. The touching story focuses on Esther Cimino, a widow portrayed by Davis, who is unjustly stated unskilled by her child, George Cimino.

Plot Summary
Esther Cimino is a senior widow who lives alone in San Francisco. She immersively enjoys her self-reliance, investing her days playing her cherished piano, managing her rental home, and continuing familiar regimens. However, her tranquil life takes a dramatic turn when her seemingly caring child, George Cimino, played by Keenan Wynn, suspiciously convinces her to sign mystical legal documents. Unbeknownst to Esther, she is signing away her financial independence, being incorrectly declared as mentally inept.

Right after, her savings account is frozen, property leased and, in a heartbreaking scene, her valued piano, a poignant sign of her independence and vigor, is eliminated from her house. Desperate to regain her dignity and control of her life, Esther battles back against this seemingly overwhelming legal problem.

The Legal Battle
The false incompetency claim leads to a court battle, where Mrs. Cimino's attorney amasses the assistance of a young law trainee, Carrie, depicted by Alexa Kenin. Carrie's resourcefulness and charm draw out Mrs. Cimino's spunk and self-discipline to withstand. As part of the legal technique, they arrange for a mental assessment of Mrs. Cimino, which proves pivotal. The critic, played by Penny Fuller, is the notorious daughter-in-law who does not hide her contempt for Mrs. Cimino however likewise can not mask Esther's psychological competency.

Conclusion
In the middle of hardship, Mrs. Cimino sticks onto her ruthless spirit, refusing to be preyed on. The court case leads to a success for Mrs. Cimino, validating her mental proficiency and ability to handle her affairs. She triumphantly gains back control of her life and home. Critical to the plot, she gifts her piano to a kind neighbor's grandson, symbolizing a passing down of her musical heritage and self-reliance to another generation.

Total Analysis
"A Piano for Mrs. Cimino" is a poignant portrayal of aging and the struggle for personal autonomy, magnified by Bette Davis's remarkable performance. Davis provides credence and depth to the character Esther, making the audience resonate with her struggle. The film calls into question societal perceptions about aging, psychological skills, and the significance of self-respect and self-reliance in one's later years. The unraveling of legal complexities, household characteristics, and Mrs. Cimino's bold fight for her rights leads to an engaging story that leaves audiences rooting for the protagonist's victory. The story culminates in an inspiring testimony to the enduring human spirit, leaving an enduring influence on audiences.

Top Cast

  • Bette Davis (small)
    Bette Davis
    Esther McDonald Cimino
  • Penny Fuller (small)
    Penny Fuller
    Mrs. Polanski
  • Christopher Guest (small)
    Christopher Guest
    Philip Ryan
  • George Hearn (small)
    George Hearn
    George Cimino
  • Graham Jarvis (small)
    Graham Jarvis
    Leach
  • Alexa Kenin (small)
    Alexa Kenin
    Karen Cimino
  • Keenan Wynn (small)
    Keenan Wynn
    Barney Fellman
  • Paul Roebling
    Roger Desmond
  • LeRoy Schulz
    Harold Cimino
  • Walter Marsh (small)
    Walter Marsh
    Dr. Mitchell
  • Celeste Insell (small)
    Celeste Insell
    Nurse Graham