JULES DASSIN

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBBB. 

Original title:  Pote Tin Kyriaki

Greece/USA, 1960.  Lopert Pictures Corporation, Melinafilm.  Screenplay by Jules Dassin.  Cinematography by Jacques Natteau.  Produced by Jules Dassin.  Music by Manos Hatzidakis.  Production Design by Alekos Tzonis.  Costume Design by Theoni V. Aldredge.  Film Editing by Roger Dwyre.  

Melina Mercouri is brilliant as an independent prostitute in the Greek port of Piraeus who is thrown into a tiff when visiting philosophical tourist (and real-life boyfriend, later husband) Jules Dassin wants to reform her via the intellectual “Aristotelean” aspects of life. Naturally, she tells him to leave her alone, but not before dancing up a storm, singing lots of great songs and making you laugh your head off. Striking photography of the beautiful Greece of the sixties, all around great performances and Manos Hadjidakis’ inspiring score contribute to a very memorable cinematic experience.

Academy Award:  Best Song (“Never On Sunday”)
Nominations: Best Actress (Melina Mercouri); Best Director (Jules Dassin); Best Original Story and Screenplay; Best Costume Design-BW

Cannes Film Festival Award:  Best Performance (Melina Mercouri) (tie)

Golden Globe Award:  Samuel Goldwyn Award