
"Cabrini" follows the inspiring journey of Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini as she arrives in New York City in 1889, determined to improve the dire conditions faced by the city's poor, especially vulnerable children affected by disease and crime. Despite language barriers and health challenges, Francesca courageously negotiates with a resistant mayor and employs her entrepreneurial spirit to establish a groundbreaking network of housing and healthcare services, laying the foundation for what would become a vast legacy of hope and compassion.
Trivia:
1. David Morse, who plays Archbishop Corrigan, immersed himself in historical research to authentically portray his character, including visiting archives and studying speeches to capture the era's tone.
2. The production used authentic 19th-century costumes and sets, sourcing some pieces directly from Italian and American antique collectors to enhance historical accuracy.
3. Cristiana Dell'Anna, primarily known for her Italian television roles, learned much of her English dialogue phonetically to convincingly portray Francesca's broken English, adding depth to her character's immigrant experience.