The read
Audiences rate it 31 points higher than critics do.
Synopsis
In 17th-century Tuscany, a church play is performed for the benefit of young aristocrat Cosimo. In the play, a grotesque old woman gives birth to a beautiful baby boy. The child's older sister is quick to exploit the situation, selling blessings from the baby, and even claiming she's the true mother by virgin birth. However, when she attempts to seduce the bishop's son, the Church exacts a terrible revenge.
Ratings
IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes38%
Audiences rate it 31 points higher than critics do.
117 audience votes
Key crew
- Peter GreenawayWriter
- Peter GreenawayDirector
Cast
- Julia OrmondThe Daughter
- Ralph FiennesThe Bishop's Son
- Philip StoneThe Bishop
- Jonathan LaceyCosimo Medici
- Don HendersonThe Father Confessor
- Celia GregoryThe Mother Superior
- Jeff NuttallThe Major Domo
- Jessica HynesThe First Midwife (as Jessica Stevenson)
- Kathryn HunterThe Second Midwife
- Gabrielle ReidyThe Third Midwife
- Frank EgertonThe Prompter
- Phelim McDermottThe First Tutor
Stills
Movies like The Baby of Mâcon
Themes
virginbabyrapebishopmiraclesurrealismpriestreligionchurchavant-gardebirthdeath