Athan Karras - DARK ODYSSEY - Levendiko Tsamiko

A very rare clip with Mr. Karras performing a Warrior's Dance.

Overview
New York Times Review
Cast, Credits & Awards
Dark Odyssey (1957, 1961)
June 26, 1961
Screen: 'Dark Odyssey':Low-Cost Drama Has Premiere at Cameo, N.Y.C.

HOWARD THOMPSON.
Published: June 26, 1961

WILLIAM KYRIAKYS and Radley Metzger, a new young writer-director-producer team, rate an A for effort and a solid B for their first feature, "Dark Odyssey." Shot here in New York on a shoestring budget, with a small cast of unfamiliar faces, this thoughtful, unpretentious and creatively turned little drama (co-written with James Vlamos) describes the local vendetta of a young Greek sailor who jumps ship and finds shelter with a Greek-American family and a compassionate girl.

Presented by Era K M Films (the new partners), it opened on Saturday at the Cameo, and thereby hangs a curious tale.

Ready for release two years ago, the English-language project was thumbed-down locally without a Greek sound track—a long painstaking dubbing process. In both languages, two identical versions are now alternating at the Cameo, providing a unique sampling for lingering customers. Even in Hindustani, the picture would owe no apologies. Excellently photographed by Peter Erik Winkler, with a fine, brooding musical score by Laurence Rosenthal, it moves forward steadily with simple purposefulness.

Obviously Messrs Kyriakys and Metzger have charted a contemporary Greek tragedy, with a primitive-minded hero, played by Athan Karras, stalking a family betrayer far from home. And the mellowing atmosphere of his Washington Heights sanctuary, with Old World Greek parents and two modern-minded daughters, is intended to contrast two cultures. This it does nicely, in a series of quiet vignettes underscored by lifelike dialogue, as one of the girls furtively dates a sunny American extrovert and the other steadfastly trails Mr. Karras.

There's the rub. It's impossible to believe that the most murderous resolve wouldn't melt before this winsome, practical heroine, beautifully played by Jeanne Jerrems. Furthermore Mr. Karras, our hero — and hers (again, why?) — remains grim, taciturn and seething to the end. Finally, on the side of Greek tragedy, the picture clips off melodramatically, sidestepping cumulative strength and missing a heaven-sent chance for a real original, emotional wallop.

On the American side of things, right here in our town, Mr. Winkler's clean, searching camera views of the George Washington Bridge area, various waterfronts, and canyon panoramas that pointedly dwarf the cast, are a joy to behold. Of the other cast members, David Hooks is an amiable sailor; Rosemary Torri, as Miss Jerrems' tart-tongued sister and Edward Brazier, as her suitor, do well indeed; and Nicholas and Ariadne Zapnoukayas (especially in later scenes) make persuasive parents.

In itself, "Dark Odyssey" is not an occasion for cheering. But for a fresh, economical approach to an ancient dramaturgical formula, Messrs. Kyriakys and Metzger rate a warm welcome to the movie fold.


The Cast
DARK ODYSSEY, screen play by William Kyriakys, Radley Metzger and James Vlamos; directed and produced by Mr. Kyriakys and Mr. Metzger and presented by Era K M Films, Inc. At the Cameo Theatre, Eighth Avenue and Forty-fourth Street. Running time: eighty-five minutes.
Yianni . . . . . Athan Karras
Niki Vassos . . Jeanne Jerrems
George . . . . .David Hooks
Helen Vassos . .Rosemary Torri
Jack Fields . . Edward Brazier
Mrs. Vassos . . Ariadne Zapnoukayas
Mr. Vassos . . .Nicholas Zapnoukayas
Bartender . . .Warren Houston
Freighter Captain . . .Chris Marx

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Athan_Karras
• Tsamiko
• DARK_ODYSSEY
• Jeanne_Jerrems
• David_Hooks
• Rosemary_Torri
• Edward_Brazier
• Ariadne_Zapnoukayas
• Nicholas_Zapnoukayas
• Warren_Houston
• Chris-Marx

[dhnicholas]

Man, its Athan my Greek dance instructor when I danced with the Saint Nicholas Golden Greeks in Northridge, California. I just discovered this. Never knew this about him only that he was an awesome dancer! Opa! Spasta

[913Tripolis44]

The film was shot in Washington Heights, in New York.

There are some awesome shots in this Film-Noire-Greque, as well as a great score.

Read the NY Times review; on top.

The DVD is available.

[giorgios95]

@Skabanis the sword thing was done by warriors before a battle

[Skabanis]

I met athan twice...I thought he was a bit stuck up and semi rude to me but I was young guess he didn't know how much I loves Greek dance...I know he has passed I enjoyed his articles in the Hellenic journal! interesting video...he is taking liberties with tsamiko I don't understand the sword thing it's odd!

[greekvvedge]

@unengashqiperia

it's a dance done in what you call 'Chameria', but it's not limited to that area, in fact, even the Vlachs do this one.

[greekvvedge]

what a beautiful, but somewhat forgotten film.

[unengashqiperia]

hey but tsamiko is the dance of the cams. Albanians

[englishpuzzle]

A very handsome man! --His good work on earth was finished and now he will teach the angels how to dance.

[DancerPassion]

I just received an email about his passing. A Greek student of mine (I am also a dance teacher) introduced me to him at a recent dance. I had the pleasure of dancing with him a few times. What a nice man. He will be missed.

[dianablanchard1]

Athan was my teacher too. Tom and Steve did most of the teaching for the Greek performing troupe I joined at the Intersection. Athan's ex-wife Sylvia was a lovely woman. She is on the cover of one of his LPs. I am still doing Greek and other dancing in St. Lous. What a fun man to have known. There were many wonderful dancers in the late 60's and early 70's. Diana (Hill) Blanchard, St. Louis, MO

[derbeh]

Very few Greek dancers have not been Impacted by the life of athan karras. I too took lessons from him. He has passed on. May his memory be eternal.

[gypsymagicdancer]

I r4emember the first time I met Athan...at the Intersection some time in the mid 70's...Marie Silva was teaching med dance there...I came in with friends and Athan decided to notice me...funny moment. I was not yet 18...I threatened to do something really crazy and I did...We all had good times then!