Verdi has been a symbolic figure in Italy. But what remains in 2001 – a century after his death? Verdi for the nationalists? Verdi of all flavours? Searching for an answer, we visit Bussetto and Parma, two cities that lay claim to the Verdi heritage and we speak to Franco Zeffirelli and meet those of true Verdi culture. A portrait of his life and his major works, illustrated by extraordinary archival footage.