Synopsis

Ancient Greece: Phaedra, wife of Theseus, loves her stepson Hippolytus. Repulsed, she falsely accuses him. He drives off in his chariot and is killed. His innocence is revealed. She kills herself. "KRIEGSERKLÄRUNG" [declaration of war]. "FEST ZU THESEUS RÜCKKEHR" [a feast for Theseus' return] (10). A columned hall with two maidservants and about 10 men and women drinking and toasting (17). The palace porch with 4 columns and, beyond, battlements and a view of an acropolis. Two servants carry across the corpse of Hippolytus followed by Aricie, his beloved (28). Open country: Hippolytus approaches and mounts an elaborate horse drawn chariot (43). The porch: Hippolytus sits head in hand. Enter the bearded Theseus. They joyfully embrace and enter the palace (54). Phaedra in her bedroom: detailed furniture, square columns supporting a curtained rail, wall frieze. Theseus and Hippolytus enter and Theseus embraces her. She denounces Hippolytus. He denies, pleads, kneels. Theseus curses him and he leaves. Phaedra, pleased, embraces Theseus (91). In the porch, the distraught Hippolytus tells Aricie what has happened (104). The unhappy young couple walk in front of a rocky waterfall. Aricie alone in the same setting (110). "HIPPOLITUS TOD" [Hippolytus' death] (111). Phaedra alone and unhappy in her bedchamber (113). Hippolitus and Aricie stroll happily in front of a stream, rocks and trees (127). Phaedra in front of a semicircular waterfall and an arcade, filmed at Tivoli (128)."PHADRAS ANKLAGE GEGEN HIPPOLITUS. THESUS FLUCH" [Phaedra's accusation against Hippolytus. Theseus' curse]. (128ft) Notes: Incomplete. Nitrate damage. Originally 968ft. Sections missing and in wrong order. (Shotlist)