The Trojan Women

If you've ever wondered why Hollywood has so rarely tackled Greek myth and the works of Euripides and his contemporaries, then The Trojan Women will provide a clue. It's as dull as counting sheep in a fog, despite the presence of such luminaries as Katharine Hepburn, Vanessa Redgrave and - surprise, surprise - Irene Papas. Directed by Michael Cacoyannis - for several years after Zorba the Greek, Hollywood just tossed drachmas at him - it's the story of Helen, Hecuba and that sassy seer Cassandra. Brian Blessed seems to be competing in the Anthony Quinn "River of Life" contest, but loses out to Patrick Magee who seems on the verge of imploding. All in all, a dire affair.