Italy, United States

• Mussolini ultimo atto

April 25, 1945. Thanks to the intervention of Cardinal Schuster, Archbishop of Milan, Mussolini meets with exponents of the Partisan Command. When negotiations break down, Mussolini leaves Milan, which has by now revolted, and makes his way towards Como. In the heat of the night, he departs for Menaggio, from where he can attempt escape into Switzerland. Clareta Pettacci is with him, and she will remain at his side until the end. The SS escort following Mussolini foils his plans. Abandoned by the militia, Mussolini joins a column of German troops which, not far from the village of Dongo, is halted by a group of partisans. The latter came to an agreement with the Germans and all the Fascist leaders, except Mussolini, are handed over. At a checkpoint in the main square of Dongo, however, Mussolini is recognized and arrested. Meanwhile Milan has been liberate, and the partisans have taken over the provisional government of Northern Italy. One of their first decrees is the capture of Mussolini and his execution. Colonel Valerio is entrusted with this mission, and he beats the American Secret Service as well as the Italian Government by getting to Giulino di Mezzegra, where Mussolini is held prisoner by the partisans, by the early afternoon of April 28.