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Cast
Trax Colton
as Spiridon Loues
Jayne Mansfield
as Eleni Costa
Nico Minardos
as Lt. Alexi Vinardos
Bob Mathias
as Coach Graham
Xenia Kalogeropoulou
as Christina Gratsos
Ivan Triesault
as Grandpa Loues / Mr. Trisapopolis
Lily Valenty
as Mama Loues
Titos Vandis
as Father Loues
Charles Fawcett
as Ambassador Cyrus T. Gaylord
Jean Murat
as De Coubertin
Movie Info & Details
Release Year1962
Runtime1h 40m
LanguageEnglish
CertificationNR
GenresComedy, Drama
Votes9
DirectorAndrew Marton
WritersLászló Vadnay
TypeFeature Film
Rating5.5 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsIt Happened in Athens
About It Happened in Athens
In 1896 it is announced that the Olympic Games will be revived in Athens. A young shepherd, Spiridon Loues, decides to enter the 26-mile marathon. Once in Athens, he meets Christina Gratsos, a young woman from his hometown who is now the personal maid of Eleni Costa, Greece's most glamorous actress. Though he has arrived after the qualification date, Spiridon's athletic prowess so impresses Coach Graham of the American team that he is permitted to enter the contest. Eleni informs the press that she will marry the victor, confident it will be her lover, Lieutenant Vinardos.
Directed by Andrew Marton, It Happened in Athens leans on a strong ensemble — Trax Colton, Jayne Mansfield, Nico Minardos — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1962.
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