Phaedra (1962)

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Loosely based on the writings of Euripides, Phaedra stars international screen sensation Melina Mercouri (Never on Sunday) in the title role of a woman, as the theatrical trailer announced, who “had everything … was queen … until destiny uprooted her world.”

Set against some of Europe’s most beautiful backdrops including Paris, London and Greece, Phaedra presents its classical mythological tropes in a modern setting, where the beautiful, moneyed and bored Phaedra will face the tragic results of a doomed love affair with her stepson, Alexis (Anthony Perkins, Psycho). Raf Vallone is cast as Thanos, Phaedra’s Greek shipping magnate husband.

Directed by Jules Dassin (Never on Sunday) from a screenplay by Dassin and Margarita Liberaki (The Magic City), Phaedra co-stars Elisabeth Ercy (Fathom), is photographed by Jacques Natteau (Les Misérables) and features costume design by Academy Award-winner Theoni V. Aldredge (Best Costume Design, The Great Gatsby – 1975) whose work in Phaedra was also nominated for Best Costume Design, Black-and-White – 1963.