The Bacchantes

Euripides receives the sword-and-sandal treatment in this rattling ancient adventure, also known as The Bacchantes, that like so many of its ilk is a little hit and myth. Akim Tamiroff, the selfless support in many a Hollywood picture, gets his moment in the sun as Tiresias, who predicts disaster when the drought-stricken people of Thebes abandon their faith in the city's god, Bacchus. As human sacrifices, bacchanalian orgies and royal intrigues abound, it's left to the statuesque Taina Elg (as Dirce) to appease the gods. Over-plotted, overplayed, and not over quickly enough.