Stella movie storyline. Fiercely proud and unapologetically independent, Stella–the blonde Rebetico diva and flamboyant entertainer of the small night-club named Paradise–above all, is a woman who cherishes her freedom. Choosing to give in to desire without ever committing herself to one man, the feisty vocalist stays true to her ideals; however, a fateful encounter with the explosive and egotistic football player, Miltos, will pave the way for an unexpected and all-consuming whirlwind romance.
Up until now, no one has ever managed to control Stella and rob her of her precious autonomy; nevertheless, Miltos is the inadvertent catalyst in an already volatile relationship, and he demands total surrender. Undoubtedly, love is grand but it can be dangerous–and as everything points to a tragic ending–only a paradoxical act of carnivorous devotion can provide catharsis. And in the aftermath of passion, there can be no winners.
Stella (Greek: Στέλλα) is a 1955 Greek film is a retelling of Carmen featuring Melina Mercouri. The film was directed by the Greek Cypriot Michael Cacoyannis and written by Cacoyannis and Iakovos Kambanelis. The music was composed by Manos Hadjidakis and Vassilis Tsitsanis.
Stella was originally intended to be a stage play with the title Stella with the Red Gloves, but it was never staged. It has been claimed that this story was the perfect vehicle for the thirty-five-year-old Mercouri’s film debut. Indeed, it was the hit that Melina Mercouri needed. The film sparked great controversy, and although it was initially rejected by Greek critics, it is now considered[by whom?] one of the five greatest Greek films.
At the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, where the film was screened, Melina met Jules Dassin, her future husband, mentor, and director. He helped her to secure major roles in such films as Topkapi, Never on Sunday, Phaedra, and 10:30 P.M. Summer, which have become major international successes.
Stella (1955)
Directed by: Michael Cacoyannis
Starring: Melina Mercouri, Giorgos Fountas, Alekos Alexandrakis, Christina Kalogerikou, Voula Zouboulaki, Dionysis Papagiannopoulos, Sofia Vembo, Costas Kakavas, Tasso Kavadia, Michael Cacoyannis
Screenplay by: Iakovos Kambanelis, Michael Cacoyannis
Production Design by: Anis Nohra
Cinematography by: Kostas Theodoridis
Film Editing by: Giorgos Tsaoulis
Costume Design by: Theoni V. Aldredge
Set Decoration by: Vlassis Kaniaris, Yannis Tsarouchis
Music by: Manos Hadjidakis
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Joseph Burstyn Inc. (United States)
Release Date: April 4, 1955
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