It's probably helpful to have at least a passing knowledge about the Trojan Wars before attempting The Trojan Women (Le troiane) based on the 2000 year old play by Euripides since this is essentially a televised version of it that dives right to the story. In fact, it's presented on a nearly empty stage with the actors in their street clothes and, as director Vittorio Cottafavi tells us, is what would ordinarily be the last rehearsal before they would bring in the sets, props (and juvenile actors).
While it may not be cutting edge cinema it definitely is a master class in acting. Euripides focused his play on the plight of the Trojan women who are finding out their fates after the fall of Troy at the hands of Menelaus and a certain horse, and their fates ain't good. From former queen Hecuba to Helen herself the ladies each take their place in one of the earliest tragedies of literature and each actress (and the actors) are at the top of their game giving riveting performances that make you forget the spartan (*ahem*) nature of the setting.
Well worth investing the effort of viewing.
