Phèdre

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 saw this movie as a double feature with Black Orpheus in San Francisco in 1963. Anthony Perkins and Melina Mercouri provide brilliant performances. Perkins is excellent as a young sensitive, melancholy, neurotic who has a fatal relationship with an older very wealthy married Mercouri. She buys him a grey Italian sports car and begins a love affair with him. The double whammy effect of Black Orpheus' tragic love story on top of the potently impossible love story in Phaedra had me reeling for days. Wish it was available on video.

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...

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?????

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.