by Robert Firsching
synopsis
Prolific Greek filmmaker Orestis Laskos directed this unfortunate courtroom drama which was the only film to feature Kyveli, the legendary stage actress who ruled Greek theatre for half a century. Sadly, as is often the case with stage performers, the grand sweep of her theatrical acting seems like so much scenery chewing on film. The melodramatic story line, concerning a woman (Kyveli) on trial for murder and being defended by the son she abandoned for a life of crime (Alekos Alexandrakis), doesn't much help, nor does Kyveli's preposterous demise of a happiness-induced heart attack when she is finally vindicated. Yiorgos Pappas co-stars with Mimis Fotopoulos and the omnipresent Eleni Zafiriou.
