"Stella"
1957
Directed by Michael Cacoyannis

Based on the play, Stella with the Red Gloves by Iakovos Kambanellis.  Melina Mercouri stars in her debut film role as a bouzouki singer and dancer who abhors marriage, defies the rules of conventional morality and pays for a freedom denied her by the men who love her. Michael Cacoyannis' second film. "Melina Mercouri [is] beautifully controlled…There is a pervasive sense of atmosphere that allows the characters to become an organic part of the streets and the houses used for location (the scene with Stella triumphantly riding an open truck to show the neighbors her lover's gift is among the funniest and best observed) and the folklore material (chiefly bouzouki dances and music by Manos Hatzidakis) is dexterously used to enliven the plot" (International Film Guide). Music by Manos Hatzidakis, played by a folk orchestra conducted by Vasilis Tsitsanis. With Melina Mercouri, George Foundas, Alekos Alexandrakis and Voula Zombooulaki. Greek with English subtitles. B&W.  92 minutes.