• The year is 1915. Andrea (Joaquim de Almeida) and Nicola (Vincent Spano), two Italian brothers skilled in the restoration of cathedrals, leave their native country in search of wealth in America But the “land of opportunity” offers only humiliation and disappointment, until they become involved in the construction of the beautiful Italian Pavilion at the San Francisco Exposition. There they cross paths with D.W. Griffith, who is just beginning work on his legendary film, Intolerance, and needs craftsmen for his massive sets. Once the enchanted doors of Hollywood open to them, Andrea and Nicola find the love and fulfillment they so desperately seek. But happiness is fleeting as tragedy and war tears apart the world and the two brothers, only to reunite them in the ultimate conflict—World War I.

  • Director: Paolo & Vittorio Taviani, Lloyd Fonvielle (idea)

    Screenplay: Paolo & Vittorio Taviani, Lloyd Fonvielle (idea)

    Cast: Joaquim de Almeida, Vincent Spano, Gretta Scacchi, Charles Dance

    Executive Producers: Edward R. Pressman, Marin Karmitz

    Associate Producers: Milena Canonero, Caldecot Chubb, Lloyd Fonvielle, Marina Gefter

    Distributor: Vestron

  • PRESS

    "Tavianis' 'Babylon' Depicts Early Hollywood" review by Janet Maslin, The New York Times, July 15, 1987

    AWARDS

    Won:

    Best Foreign Language Film/Hochi Film Awards, 1987 Best Costume Design (Lina Nerli Taviani)/Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists, 1988 Best Foreign Language Film/Kinema Junpo Awards, 1988

    Nominated:

    Taviani brothers’ only English language film

    TRIVIA

    Taviani brothers’ only English language film