Phèdre

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 too remember my one and only viewing of Phaedra: 1961, London. The scene I remember most clearly is Melina in her robes, eating breakfast on the cliffs overlooking the road below. I have been using the word "diaphanous" ever since!

Does anybody have any idea how one gets the studio to re-release this wonderful film? I've tried some of the revival places like MOMA too but to no avail...

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 ???

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 would also love to see this movie again. I enjoyed it immensely in 1963 and several times more during the Sixties. The BBC showed a copy in 1970 and the last sighting was in 1980 at the National Film Theatre in London, during a Jules Dassin season. The performances of Melina, Tony Perkins and Raf Vallone are incredible and there is the wonderful music of Theodorakis – thankfully still available. Phaedra, where are you?