SONG OF SEPARATION (ΤHE)


View at Tainiothiki tis Ellados
  • Genre: Feature Film
  • Year: 1939
  • Description: A beautiful Athenian lady (Lida Miranta), who spends the summer in Hydra, falls in love with a fisherman (Lampros Konstantaras) and “steals him” from his girlfriend (Evgenia Danika) to turn him into a singer at Athenian nightclubs. However, a year later, following his friend Zarganas’s advice (Alekos Leivaditis), he returns to his loyal and patient girlfriend.
    1. OPENING TITLES Opening titles )
    10. THE STROLL OF KONSTANTIS AND ZOITSA As the evening falls, Konstantis and Zoitsa leave her house and go for a romantic stroll on the beach. They seem to be in love. Boats pass by in the background. The couple is soon to get married. They kiss and go. Konstantis has to go and sing at Stamatis’ tavern. (ZOITSA'S COURTYARD - A BEACH)
    11. THE MEETING OF KONSTANTIS AND MIRANTA At Stamatis’s tavern, sailors, islanders and holidayers sit all together. Jokes and teasing are prevalent among them. Miranta and Mr. Venardis sit together at a table. Miranta says that it is hard for her to get married and that she regrets leaving the theatre. At some point, Zarganas takes a guitar hanging from the wall and accompanies Konstantis, who sings an island song, in a rather operatic fashion. Everyone applauds them. Miranta grows enthusiastic and asks to be introduced to him, praising his voice. Venardis introduces them to one another and they set a meeting for the following day. Konstantis returns to his friends and they have fun. (STAMATIS'S TAVERN)
    12. KONSTANTIS AND MIRANTA GO BOATING In the picturesque harbor, Miranta steps on Konstantis’s boat and they sail into the open sea. They step out on an empty beach, where Miranta hits her leg. Konstantis takes her in his arms. (THE HARBOR - ADESERTED BEACH)
    13. ZOITSA FEELS UNEASY Zoitsa, rather anxious, asks Zarganas, who mends his nets on the beach, where Konstantis is. She finds out that Konstantis is on the boat with the lady from Athens. She feels jealous. At he same time her fiance kisses Miranta on the deserted beach and they renew their appointment for the following day. (THE BEACH - A DESERTED BEACH)
    14. KONSTANTIS’S DILEMMA At the coffee house, Konstantis, spiritless, confesses to Zarganas that Miranta proposed to him to work as a singer in Athens. He faces a dilemma: on one hand there is Zoitsa and on the other there’s luck, wealth and fame. Zarganas has his doubts and tells him that Zoitsa has been looking for him since the morning. (MANOLIS'S COFFEEHOUSE)
    15. THE QUARREL OF KONSTANTIS AND ZOITSA The two men go to the dock where Zoitsa is waiting, Zarganas leaves discreetly. The girl complains to her loved one and tells him that if he meets this woman again, she will no longer have a place in his life. Konstantis replies sharply that he will go to Miranta, no matter what. (THE DOCK)
    16. KONSTANTIS AND MIRANTA BECOME A COUPLE Konstantis’s boat takes him and Miranta to a deserted beach. The couple kisses passionately. (A DESERTED BEACH)
    17. KONSTANTIS’S DECISION At the coffee house, Konstantis tells Zarganas that he will leave for the capital, where a career with money and fame awaits him. Zarganas is cautious and seems to have his doubts. He stands up, wishes “good luck” and leaves. (THE COFFEEHOUSE)
    18. ZARGANAS TALKS TO ZOITSA Zarganas goes to Zoitsa’s house and tells her that Konstantis is ready to leave, because the “stranger” seduced him. In the end, he convinces Zoitsa to talk to Miranta face to face. (ZOITSA'S HOUSE)
    19. THE MEETING OF MIRANTA AND ZOITSA Miranta is ready to leave, when Zoitsa visits her at her hotel room. She tells her that she is Konstantis’s fiancé and that it isn’t proper to take him with her. Miranta pretends not to understand and she kicks her out arrogantly. Zoitsa leaves, asking Miranta to make Konstantis happy. (MIRANTA'S ROOM)
    2. THE HARBOR OF HYDRA We watch shots from the beautiful harbor of Hydra, an island in the Saronic Gulf. We see boats in the sea, and others on the shore. Fishermen fish and passersby walk. (HYDRA)
    20. KONSTANTIS LEAVES THE ISLAND Τhe boat leaves the harbor and Konstantis feels sad as he watches his island disappear. Next to him, Miranta embraces him, as if he were a trophy. (THE HARBOR - SHOTS FROM THE ISLAND)
    21. ΤHE SONG OF SEPARATION Zoitsa, seated on the wellhead in her courtyard, sings a sad song of separation. Her father tries to console her. (ZOITSA'S COURTYARD)
    22. KONSTANTIS AND MIRANTA GO ON STROLLS AND EXCURSIONS It is October 15th. On a luxury car, Miranta and Konstantis stroll in the center of Athens (Panepistimiou street, Syngrou avenue, Hadrian’s Gate, Herodes Atticus Theater). Miranta drives. They seem to be in love. Excursions in the countryside follow (Marathon, Nauplion, Mycenae, Epidaurus). Konstantis drives. Miranta writes “I love you” on the windshield, in lipstick. (SHOTS FROM THE CENTRE OF ATHENS (PANEPISTIMIOY STR., PROPYLEA, HADRIAN'S GATE, HERODUS ATTICUS THEATER) – SHOTS FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE (DAM OF MARATHON, THE LIONS' GATE A T MYCANAE, THE ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS)
    23. A YEAR LATER, KONSTANTIS’S VOICE IS SINGLED OUT Τhe calendar shows it’s October 15th. A year has passed, the couple is at Miranta’s luxury house. Miranta reminds Konstantis that it has been a year since he left the island. Konstantis thanks her but says that he still thinks that his mistreated Zoitsa. They kiss. The maid brings in the newspapers that refer to Kostas Mavridis’s exquisite voice. (MIRANTA'S LUXURIOUS LIVING ROOM)
    24. ZARGANAS’ DECISION At Zoitsa’s courtyard, Zarganas reads the same excerpt in the newspaper, while the girl cannot hold her tears. Zarganas is saddened and decides to go to Athens. He counts the money that’s left, to find out if it is enough for the boat tickets and his stay. (ZOITSA'S COURTYARD)
    25. ΤHE LOVE LETTER FROM LONDON Miranta receives a love letter from London. It is written by Makis, a wealthy former lover of hers. She tells Konstantis that she will go shopping and that she is invited to tea at Mrs. Papantoniou’s house. There she will listen to Konstantis’ songs on the radio. They schedule an appointment later in the evening, to go out and celebrate. (MIRANTA'S ROOM AND LIVING ROOM)
    26. THE FISHERMEN PREPARE TO LISTEN TO KONSTANTIS ON THE RADIO On the island, the fishermen mend their nets on the beach, as they prepare to go to the tavern and listen to Konstantis on the radio. (A BEACH)
    27. ZARGANAS MEETS KONSTANTIS IN ATHENS Zarganas wanders in the city, looking for Miranta Lampridou’s house. There he finds Konstantis, who prepares for his radio show, and asks him to talk. (SHOTS FROM ATHENS - MIRANTA'S LIVING ROOM)
    28. MIRANTA’S MEETING WITH THE PLAYWRIGHT Miranta meets by chance in the center of Athens Mr. Venardis, the playwright. They talk about Konstantis, who became famous thanks to her help. They are to meet later for tea at the house of Mrs. Papantoniou, where they will listen to him on the radio. (THE CENTER OF ATHENS)
    29. AFTER ZARGANAS’S DEPARTURE, KONSTANTIS FINDS THE LETTER Zarganas talks to Konstantis about Zoitsa, who, though abandoned, is still in love with him and prays for him. He also talks to him about the benefits of life on the island, in contrast to that in the city. He wishes him good luck for his radio show and says he feels better now that he kept his promise to Zoitsa. When Zarganas leaves the house, Konstantis finds the love letter Miranta received earlier. (MIRANTA'S LIVING ROOM AND BEDROOM)
    3. KONSTANTIS AND ZARGANAS ARE FISHING On a boat in the open sea, two young men, Konstantis and Spyros, the so-called “Zarganas”, are fishing. Konstantis sings a love song that is dedicated to his beloved Zoitsa. Then he sings to the fish, to enjoy a great catch. A woman’s voice is calling him. (THE BOAT)
    30. KONSTANTIS, PUZZLED, GOES TO THE RADIO STATION Konstantis walks out of the house and heads towards the Zappeion and the state radio’s headquarters. He passes by Syntagma and enters the Royal Gardens. He seems to be lost in his thoughts and has mixed feelings, as he is thinking of the two women of his life and the letter Miranta received from Mimis. He steps out of the garden and enters the radio headquarters. (ROADS IN ATHENS – SYNTAGMA SQUARE - THE ROYAL GARDENS – THE STATE'S RADIO HEADQUARTERS AT ZAPPEION)
    31. AT THE RADIO STUDIO At the studio, the broadcaster presents Kostas Mavridis and his first song, "I am waiting for you”. A tango. Konstantis begins to sing and brings to his mind images from the island. (THE STUDIO - HYDRA)
    32. KONSTANTIS’ VOICE IS HEARD ON THE RADIO THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY Konstantis’ voice is heard on the radio all over Greece. In the bourgeois living room, the ladies sip their tea and listen attentively to the radio. (MRS.'S PAPANTONIOU LIVING ROOM)
    33. KONSTANTIS SINGS AND THINKS OF ZOITSA Konstantis sings with pronounced signs of sadness in his heart. He remembers happy moments on his island, along with Zoitsa. (THE STUDIO – SHOTS OF HYDRA)
    34. BARCAROLE The broadcaster announces Konstantis’ next song, entitled “On the boat”. Barcarole. Again, Konstantis seems to remember life on the island. (THE STUDIO)
    35. ZOITSA BREAKS INTO TEARS On the island, at Stamatis’ coffee house, Konstantis’ friends and some elderly locals listen to the song in silence. Shots of Konstantis who sings and remembers the island are also shown. Zoitsa stands at the coffee house door and listens to the song, with tears in her eyes. She seconds Konstantis and in the end she breaks into tears. The young men go on her side. (STAMATIS'S TAVERN - HYDRA)
    36. THE BOURGEOIS ARE CHARMED BY KONSTANTIS’ SONGS In Mrs. Papantoniou’s living room, the bourgeois are charmed by Konstantis’ songs and praise his voice. Miranta and Mr. Venardis decide to pick him up and celebrate his success together. (MRS.'S PAPANTONIOU LIVING ROOM)
    37. KONSTANTIS LEAVES MIRANTA At Miranta’s house, Konstantis leaves her a letter. He takes off his city clothes and puts on the fisherman’s garb - the one he wore when he first came to Athens. He walks out and takes a taxi to Piraeus. (MIRANTA'S HOUSE)
    38. ATHENS IS NOT FOR US At the harbor, the boat is ready to sail. Konstantis embarks and a little before the departure he meets Zarganas on the deck. They agree that Athens isn’t for them. They hug and laugh. (THE HARBOR - THE DECK)
    39. MIRANTA FINDS OUT ABOUT KONSTANTIS’ DEPARTURE Miranta, at the company of Mr. Venardis, comes home and goes to summon Konstantis. In a while she returns, full of sadness. She tells him that inadvertently she destroyed the dream of a lifetime. She gives him the letter and Venardis wonders how on earth she fell in love with a fisherman. He believes that this is a whim that will pass. He asks her indirectly to marry him, but Miranta states that she is in love with Konstantis. (MIRANTA'S HOUSE)
    4. ZOITSA Zoitsa, Konstantis’ fiancé, waits on the shore. The fishermen see her and approach the land. (THE BEACH)
    40. SUNSET ON THE ISLAND Romantic sunset on the island. On the boat’s prow, Zoitsa sings in Konstantis’ arms, while Zarganas stands on the stern. (THE BOAT)
    5. THE COUPLE’S BOATING WITH ZARGANAS Zoϊtsa tells Konstantis that in the evening he has to sing at Stamatis’ tavern. Then all three (Zoitsa, Konstantis and Zarganas) step on the boat and sail. A romantic barcarole (love song composed for boating) is heard. The couple sings embraced on the prow, as the boat, with smiling Zarganas on the stern, passes by the island’s shipsheds. The boating continues. (THE BOAT - SHIPYARD - LANDSCAPES OF THE ISLAND)
    6. THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYERS The boat arrives at the harbor. Seven or eight people, probably holidayers, disembark. (THE HARBOR OF HYDRA)
    7. MIRANTA LAMPRIDOU ARRIVES AT HYDRA Two women dressed in city clothes step off the boat and head to the hotel. It’s Miranta Lampridou, former star of the revue - and her maid. (THE HARBOR - STREETS OF HYDRA - THE HOTEL)
    8. ZOITSA AND KONSTANTIS MEET ZOITSA’S FATHER Zarganas, Zoitsa and Konstantis, holding fish, meet the girl’s father, who invites them to his house. Zarganas leaves and the two men set an appointment for that evening, at Stamatis’ tavern. (SMALL STREETS - AT ZOITSA'S DOOR)
    9. MIRANTA AT THE HOTEL Miranta, having left her baggage in her room, goes alone to the hotel restaurant. She orders a drink. A little further down, two wry gossipers recognize her and make comments on her last scandals and her wealthy lovers. An elderly playwright, Mr. Venardis, joins them. In the past, Miranta had performed in one of his plays with great success. Disregarding the gossip, Venardis walks to Miranta’s table. They have a brief encounter. She announces to him that she separated from her last lover and he invites her to a tavern where islanders sing. (MIRANTA'S ROOM - THE HOTEL LIVING ROOM)
  • Keywords: ΨΑΡΕΜΑ / ΠΛΟΙΟ / ΡΑΔΙΟΜΕΓΑΡΟ ΖΑΠΠΕΙΟΥ / ΥΔΡΑ / ΑΘΗΝΑ / FISHING SHIP ZAPPEION RADIO HALL HYDRA ATHENS / ΨΑΡΕΜΑ / ΠΛΟΙΟ / ΡΑΔΙΟΜΕΓΑΡΟ ΖΑΠΠΕΙΟΥ / ΥΔΡΑ / ΑΘΗΝΑ / FISHING SHIP ZAPPEION RADIO HALL HYDRA ATHENS
  • Provider: Tainiothiki tis Ellados
  • Production company: GREEK FILM STUDIO
  • Director: FINOS FILOPOIMIN
  • Collection: Ψηφιοποιημένες ελληνικές ταινίες μυθοπλασίας