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The Last Prosecco (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

The Last Prosecco (2017) movie poster

The Last Prosecco is a 2017 comedy and mystery film directed by Antonio Padovan, running 1 hour 41 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 398 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 5 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for The Last Prosecco.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
5
themes explained
3
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The Last Prosecco (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 41m
Director
Antonio Padovan
Genres
Comedy, Mystery
Original language
Italian
Studio
K+
No spoilers

What Is The Last Prosecco About?

The premise of The Last Prosecco in 319 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

markdown Nestled among the rolling hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a region renowned for producing the world’s finest Prosecco, the death of a celebrated and uncompromising winemaker sets the stage for an unsettling mystery. The dashing Count Ancillotto, a man as devoted to preserving his family’s heritage as he was vocal about the threats facing his beloved land, leaves behind a legacy of passion and lingering questions. As whispers ripple through the vineyards, the circumstances surrounding his death cast a long shadow over the close-knit communities of the Prosecco Hills.

Assigned to untangle the case is Inspector Stucky, an awkward and methodical outsider of half-Persian descent, unaccustomed to the rhythms of rural Italian life. Far from his familiar terrain, Stucky must navigate not only the labyrinth of local secrets but also the unspoken tensions simmering beneath the region’s sun-drenched charm. His investigations draw him into a world where tradition, rivalry, and devotion to craft intertwine, and where every glass of sparkling wine seems to carry a story of its own.

The Prosecco Hills themselves emerge as a character in their own right, shaped by generations of winemakers, feuding neighbors, and the quiet rhythms of village life. As Stucky delves deeper, he encounters a colorful tapestry of locals, each guarding their own truths, each tied to the count in ways that hint at deeper mysteries waiting to be uncovered. The landscape’s golden vineyards and centuries-old cellars become both backdrop and clue, their beauty masking undercurrents of conflict and intrigue.

Blending wry humor with atmospheric tension, the story immerses viewers in a world where heritage and modernity collide, and where the simplest pleasures of life — a fine vintage, a shared meal, the pride of ancestral craft — carry profound meaning. Stucky’s journey is as much about understanding a culture as it is about solving a case, promising a richly textured tale that lingers long after the final glass is raised.

Full plot

What Happens in The Last Prosecco?

The complete story of The Last Prosecco, from the first scene to the last, in 398 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Set against the picturesque and rolling hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, the story centers around the enigmatic and dashing Count Ancillotto, played by Rade Šerbedžija. The Count is a man of strong opinions and immense pride, particularly regarding his family’s storied legacy of producing some of the world’s finest Prosecco. He is equally well-known for his fierce and unstinting criticism of a local factory that produces pollution, seeing it as a blight on the land he loves. In a move as dramatic and stylized as the life he led, Count Ancillotto chooses to end his own life, committing suicide with a flair that leaves the community stunned.

However, the tragedy quickly evolves into a complex criminal investigation. The motives behind the Count’s suicide remain shrouded in mystery, and the situation becomes significantly more perilous when two of the Count’s most prominent enemies are suddenly gunned down. This sequence of events creates a baffling paradox for the authorities: the primary suspect in a series of murders is a man who is already dead.

Tasked with unraveling this puzzle is Ispettore Stucky, portrayed by Giuseppe Battiston. An awkward outsider of half-Persian descent, Stucky finds himself struggling to navigate the rigid social structures and tight-knit communities of the region. Being inexperienced in this specific territory, Stucky initially finds himself trudging through a mire of unresolved local issues and social tensions. He soon realizes that the only way to solve the mystery is to immerse himself deeply in the unique culture and traditions of the Prosecco Hills.

As Stucky digs deeper into the lives of those surrounding the deceased nobleman, the investigation leads him to a variety of eccentric and suspicious characters. He crosses paths with the Count’s mistress, Francesca Beltrame, played by Silvia D’Amico, and the Count’s estranged daughter, Celinda Salvatierra, played by Liz Solari. His search for the truth further takes him to a crazed gravedigger named Isacco Pitusso, played by Teco Celio, and leads him into the secretive world of an exclusive Prosecco brotherhood.

Through this journey, the investigation becomes more than just a police case. The real revelation for Stucky is not just the identity of the killer, but the philosophy of the late Count himself. He discovers the nobleman’s enduring credo: the importance of savouring the finer things in life and the necessity of fighting relentlessly to preserve them against the encroachment of modernity and industrial decay.

Timeline

The Last Prosecco Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “A Legacy in the Prosecco Hills” to “The Revelation of the Count's Credo”. 6 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    A Legacy in the Prosecco Hills

    In the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, Count Ancillotto stands as a proud guardian of his family's heritage of making the finest Prosecco. His aristocratic flair and strong opinions make him a prominent, if polarizing, figure in the community.

    Where:Conegliano and Valdobbiadene

  2. 2

    The Feud with the Factory

    The count is unstinting in his criticism of a nearby pollution-producing factory threatening his beloved hills. His vocal opposition wins him both admirers and dangerous enemies among the locals.

  3. 3

    A Suicide with Style

    Count Ancillotto kills himself with the same flair and style that have marked his entire life. His dramatic death leaves the community stunned and searching for answers.

    Where:Prosecco Hills

  4. 4

    Motives Shrouded in Mystery

    The motives behind the count's suicide remain completely unknown, deepening the mystery surrounding his death. The circumstances of his passing grow ever stranger as questions go unanswered.

  5. 5

    The Enemies Fall

    A couple of the count's best-known enemies are gunned down in the aftermath of his suicide. The murders cast suspicion on the dead man himself and turn an apparent suicide into a full-blown criminal investigation.

  6. 6

    Stucky Takes Over the Case

    Police inspector Stucky, an awkward outsider of half-Persian descent, is assigned to the baffling case. As an inexperienced newcomer, he must navigate unfamiliar territory within the tight-knit Prosecco villages.

    Where:Prosecco Hills

  7. 7

    Chasing a Dead Suspect

    Stucky faces the peculiar reality that the main suspect in the murders is a dead man. Investigating someone who is already deceased presents a challenge unlike anything he has encountered before in his career.

  8. 8

    Trudging Through Village Grievances

    Stucky trudge through the villages' unresolved issues as he searches for answers. Long-simmering tensions and hidden feuds complicate his path to the truth at every turn.

    Where:Villages of the Prosecco Hills

  9. 9

    A New Investigative Insight

    Stucky realizes that the key to solving the mystery lies in understanding the culture of the Prosecco Hills themselves. This insight transforms his approach and pushes him to immerse himself in local traditions, rivalries, and values.

    Where:Prosecco Hills

  10. 10

    The Count's Mistress

    The trail leads Stucky to the count's mistress, a woman who shared an intimate part of his life. Her account offers a personal glimpse into the count's final days and his state of mind before death.

Show the other 4 events of The Last Prosecco
  1. 11

    The Estranged Daughter

    Stucky seeks out the count's estranged daughter, whose broken relationship with her father may conceal important secrets. Her perspective adds a painful family dimension to the growing portrait of the deceased count.

  2. 12

    Encounter with the Gravedigger

    The investigation brings Stucky face to face with a crazed gravedigger connected to the case. The unsettling encounter adds a disturbing new element to the mystery and raises questions about the community's underbelly.

  3. 13

    The Secretive Brotherhood

    Stucky's trail leads him to an exclusive Prosecco brotherhood tied to the count's world. The secretive organization reveals hidden social circles where loyalties and rivalries run deep.

    Where:Prosecco Hills

  4. 14

    The Revelation of the Count's Credo

    The real revelation for Stucky is the late count's credo of savouring the finer things in life and fighting to preserve them. This philosophy gives the policeman a deeper understanding of the case and leaves a lasting impression on his own outlook.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The Last Prosecco?

5 characters, among them Count Desiderio Ancillotto, Ispettore Stucky and Francesca Beltrame: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • CD

    Count Desiderio Ancillotto

    Played by Rade Šerbedžija

    Count Ancillotto is a proud and complex figure, admired for his family's legacy in Prosecco but deeply troubled by industrial pollution. His tragic decision to end his life sets the stage for a gripping investigation that unravels the intricate relationships within his community. He embodies the conflict between tradition and modernity, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him.

    • 👑 Nobility
    • 🍇 Winemaking
    • 🌍 Environmentalism
  • IS

    Ispettore Stucky

    Played by Giuseppe Battiston

    Ispettore Stucky is an outsider navigating the intricacies of a close-knit community while solving a murder mystery. His half-Persian descent highlights his struggle to fit into the rigid social structures of the region. As he immerses himself in the local culture, Stucky evolves from an inexperienced detective to a nuanced individual understanding the delicate balance of tradition and change.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Investigator
    • 💔 Outsider
    • 💭 Transformation
  • Silvia D'Amico as Francesca Beltrame in The Last Prosecco

    Francesca Beltrame

    Played by Silvia D'Amico

    Francesca, the Count's mistress, is a passionate and complex character caught in the web of the Count's legacy and the unfolding mystery. Her emotional depth and motivations add layers to the investigation as Stucky seeks the truth. She represents the personal stakes involved in the larger narrative of tradition and loss.

    • ❤️ Love
    • 🕵️‍♀️ Intrigue
    • 🔄 Complicated
  • CS

    Celinda Salvatierra

    Played by Liz Solari

    Celinda, the estranged daughter of Count Ancillotto, embodies the struggle between familial ties and personal identity. Her relationship with her father adds emotional complexity to the story, as she grapples with the legacy he left behind. Her character plays a pivotal role in revealing the hidden facets of the Count's life and the ensuing tragedy.

    • 👩‍👧 Family
    • 👁️ Secrets
    • 🎭 Drama
  • IP

    Isacco Pitusso

    Played by Teco Celio

    Isacco, the eccentric gravedigger, injects a layer of dark humor and strangeness into the narrative. His bizarre antics and insights contribute to the unfolding mystery and shine a light on the film's exploration of life and death. Isacco's character challenges expectations and adds depth to the investigation's quirky cast.

    • ⚰️ Gravedigger
    • 🤪 Eccentric
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Key Figure
Setting

Where and When Is The Last Prosecco Set?

The Last Prosecco is set in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues intertwined with traditional values. This time period showcases the persistent conflicts between the old ways of life and the encroachment of industrialization, particularly in rural communities. Such a backdrop amplifies the film's themes of legacy, environmental preservation, and the search for truth.

Where

Conegliano, Valdobbiadene

Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are renowned for their picturesque rolling hills and lush vineyards, which form the heart of Italy's Prosecco production. This region is celebrated for its rich farming heritage and beautiful landscapes, attracting wine enthusiasts and tourists alike. The area's charm lies in its blend of traditional winemaking practices and breathtaking views, making it a significant cultural and historical site.

  • 🍇 Vineyards
  • 🏞️ Scenic
  • 🏰 Heritage
Themes

What Are the Themes of The Last Prosecco?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Mystery, Tradition and Tragedy.

  1. 01

    Mystery

    Mystery pervades the narrative as Ispettore Stucky navigates a labyrinth of clues surrounding Count Ancillotto's death. The investigation reveals a web of complex relationships and suspicious characters that challenge Stucky's understanding of truth and morality. Each twist and turn in the plot invites viewers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the Count's life and legacy.

  2. 02

    Tradition

    Tradition stands at the forefront, with Count Ancillotto's commitment to preserving his family's heritage of Prosecco production. The film illustrates the tension between these cherished traditions and the looming threat of industrialization that jeopardizes both the land and the life lessons imparted by the Count. As Stucky uncovers the secrets of the Prosecco brotherhood, the importance of these traditions becomes increasingly evident.

  3. 03

    Tragedy

    The theme of tragedy resonates deeply throughout the film, initiated by the Count's dramatic suicide, which sends shockwaves through the community. This personal loss spirals into a series of violent events that challenge the residents' perceptions of justice and morality. The film confronts how personal and collective tragedies shape the lives of those left behind.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The Last Prosecco?

Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Whimsical
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium

A quirky Italian countryside mystery that blends gentle comedy with whodunit intrigue, as an awkward outsider detective unravels eccentric characters and Prosecco-soaked secrets.

  • whimsical
  • quirky
  • pastoral
  • mysterious
  • eccentric
  • laid back
  • whodunit
  • small town secrets
  • tradition vs modernity
  • crime investigation

Content notes: suicide, murder.

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Read next

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3 films close to The Last Prosecco in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: The Last of Sheila (1973), The Last Supper (1995) and The Champagne Murders (1967).

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FAQ

The Last Prosecco Plot Questions

5 quick answers about The Last Prosecco, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is The Last Prosecco about?

markdown Nestled among the rolling hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a region renowned for producing the world's finest Prosecco, the death of a celebrated and uncompromising winemaker sets the stage for an unsettling mystery.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does The Last Prosecco take place?

The Last Prosecco is set in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The movie's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues intertwined with traditional values.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in The Last Prosecco?

The story follows Count Desiderio Ancillotto (played by Rade Šerbedžija), Ispettore Stucky (played by Giuseppe Battiston), Francesca Beltrame (played by Silvia D'Amico) and Celinda Salvatierra (played by Liz Solari); the character guide covers 5 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of The Last Prosecco?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Mystery, Tradition and Tragedy.

The themes explained

Who directed The Last Prosecco?

The Last Prosecco (2017) was directed by Antonio Padovan and runs 1 hour 41 minutes.

Antonio Padovan’s films

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