Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story forms the basis for this telefilm originally shot in Puerto Rico, my guess would be in Old San Juan. The location serves for both 18th century architecture and for the tropical flora and fauna that Dr. Rappaccini is raising as well as the lovely Kathleen Beller who plays the title role in Rappaccini's Daughter.
There is a curious symbiotic relationship between a deadly plant raised in this tropical garden and Dr. Rappaccini's offspring. Rappaccini is played by Leonardo Cimino and he's a noted botanist residing in Padua where if you remember Petruccio came to wive it wealthily in. His prize garden is beautiful, but no animal life goes there it means death.
Into the world that Rappaccini and his daughter live in comes a young student Kristoffer Tabori who takes lodging overlooking the garden and sees Beller who never leaves the grounds. After that Tabori's hormones take over even though certain things he sees bother his nagging curiosity.
The sound was not particularly good on this film, but the location photography was. Puerto Rico really did pass for 18th century Padua very well. The performances were sincere and faithful to the Hawthorne story. Even with sub par sound I'd still recommend seeing this film.