Opera dive and legend Maria Callas made her big screen debut in the film version of “Medea” directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
The Greek soprano was closely associated with Cherubini’s opera of the same name, which she revived in the 1950s, and the Italian director thought she’d be a natural for the film version.
Based on the ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides, the protagonist, Medea, avenges the betrayal of her husband by murdering their children.
In Pasolini’s film, Callas has the lead — a non-singing role — with an Italian screenplay.
Although the film was released two years earlier in Europe, its lukewarm critical response delayed its American release. “Medea” premiered in the U.S. on October 28, 1971.
A New York Times review the day after the film’s New York premier called Callas “a fascinating cinematic presence.”
Maria Callas never appeared in film again after her “Medea” debut.
See a slideshow of photos from the film
Watch the trailer
Is The Pappas Post worth $5 a month for all of the content you read? On any given month, we publish dozens of articles that educate, inform, entertain, inspire and enrich thousands who read The Pappas Post. I’m asking those who frequent the site to chip in and help keep the quality of our content high — and free. Click here and start your monthly or annual support today. If you choose to pay (a) $5/month or more or (b) $50/year or more then you will be able to browse our site completely ad-free!

Click here if you would like to subscribe to The Pappas Post Weekly News Update