Electra (1962)

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(1,396 ratings)

This excellent adaptation by Michael Cacoyannis of the famous tragedy by Euripides garnered him his first international success and an award at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival. Irene Papas plays Electra, the daughter of King Agememnon and sister of Orestes, caught up in an uncontrollable need for… More This excellent adaptation by Michael Cacoyannis of the famous tragedy by Euripides garnered him his first international success and an award at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival. Irene Papas plays Electra, the daughter of King Agememnon and sister of Orestes, caught up in an uncontrollable need for revenge. After the king returns from the battlefield, Clytemestra (his wife) joins with her lover in murdering the hapless ruler while he bathes. Orestes is sent away immediately, and Electra is left to simmer in her growing hatred of her mother until one day, she and Orestes manage to get together and hatch a scheme to avenge Agememnon's death. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: Mihalis Kakogiannis
Written By: Mihalis Kakogiannis, Euripides
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Dec 1, 1962 Wide
On DVD: Mar 5, 2002

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Well acted by Irene Papas, Cacoyannis' adaptation of the famous Greek tragedy was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Oscar.

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Cast

Irene Papas
as Electra
Yannis Fertis
as Orestes
Theanno Ioannidou
as Chorus Leader

Notis Peryalis
as Electra's Husband
Takis Emmanuel
as Pylades
Pierre Ampeles
as Orestes as a boy

See full cast