Phaedra

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Anthony Perkins and Melina Mercouri in Phaedra (1962)
Trailer for Phaedra
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To build bridges with his estranged son, a Greek shipping magnate enlists the help of his second wife, Phaedra. But, in rain-soaked Paris, their passionate affair threatens to destroy his em...Read allTo build bridges with his estranged son, a Greek shipping magnate enlists the help of his second wife, Phaedra. But, in rain-soaked Paris, their passionate affair threatens to destroy his empire. Will the modern temptress accept her fate?To build bridges with his estranged son, a Greek shipping magnate enlists the help of his second wife, Phaedra. But, in rain-soaked Paris, their passionate affair threatens to destroy his empire. Will the modern temptress accept her fate?

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    Featured reviews

    I have searched in vain for many years to locate a copy of this film, my very favourite film of all time. A true classic.

    Having come across this brilliant site, I now know why I cannot purchase a copy!

    I must reiterate previous postings - why oh why has no company decided to release this on video or DVD ???
    One more voice to be added to the many! Where, oh where is this movie and why isn't it on video or DVD??? When each of the stars, Mercouri and Perkins, passed away one hoped that at very least it might make it to TV in some kind of tribute. No such luck. Brilliant acting, extremely well directed by Dassin (who made the classic RIFIFI) this movie deserves a greater appreciation than it has received. Terrific performances by Mercouri as the love-obsessed stepmother and Perkins as the stepson who allows himself to be seduced by her. The critics were hostile and cynical when the movie first came out, possibly because of the very public antics of Onassis and Callas, but the movie itself deserved a much better reception. (One movie which this viewer has never been able to forget!) Classically elegant, this is a well made movie that Dassin's talents translated from ancient themes into modern with a true director's skill. This movie deserves to be seen again! Where is it?????
    Finally got to see this one at Film Forum in New York City. My familiarity with the soundtrack music by Mikis Theodorakis had always made me curious about the film. If you can accept the kind of over-the-top acting style of Melina Mercouri and Anthony Perkins, there is much that impresses. The one truly great scene involves their first sexual encounter and it alone makes the film worth seeing. The absolutely stunning musical accompaniment combined with some amazing photography and editing results in a truly breathtaking sequence. The finale with Perkins raving out loud to himself in his car has to be seen to be believed.

    This is one of those projects that nobody these days would try, and even though it doesn't entirely succeed, it makes one long for a time when artists took such risks.
    I first saw Phaedra almost 40 years ago and still check the Radio Times most

    weeks in the hope that it will resurface! I too find it hard to understand why the film seems to have disappeared so completely. Does the critical response at the time of its first release still sour selectors minds?
    I had seen Phaedra once when I was young many moons ago and just recently obtained a bootleg copy of the film on video. What can I say. It left a lasting impression with me once again. Powerhouse acting from Raf Vallone, Melina Mercouri and Tony Perkins. Superbly directed in the tragic tradition of Greek tale. From beginning to end it will capture your emotions in a whirlwind tale of forbidden love and the horrific consequences of its persuit. The dark ending charges me up every time I see it. If you can get your hands on this film-don't pass it up. You won't be dissapointed. As a matter of fact-this picture should be lobbied for release on home video. It's simply too good a film to be lost in the archives.

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    Did you know

    • Trivia
      The car Phaedra buys her stepson is a 1960 Aston Martin DB4 MkII.
    • Goofs
      Hydra is the Greek island to whichRaf Vallone shipsAnthony Perkins's Aston-Martin sports car---but by law no cars or motorbikes are allowed on Hydra! That doesn't stop Perkins from tearing around the island at top speed and shouting along to Bach on the car radio.
    • Quotes

      Thanos:[to Alexis, after Phaedra has told him the truth about her affair with Alexis]My whole life... my whole life, you make my whole life DIRTY!

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    Anthony Perkins and Melina Mercouri in Phaedra (1962)
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    By what name was Phaedra (1962) officially released in India in English?
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