Helen of Troy (4 Stars)

Everyone knows this story. It's one of the oldest love stories ever written, based on true events, but I suspect that the romantic element of the story has been exaggerated. Paris of Troy goes to Sparta to propose a peace treaty between the rivalling kingdoms of Sparta, Greece and Troy. While there he falls in love with Helen, the wife of the King of Sparta, and takes her back to Troy. This angers the other kings and causes Greece and Sparta to unite against Troy.

Anyone who has watched the 2004 film "Troy" starring Brad Pitt should watch the other versions of the film, including this one. I find this version much more enjoyable. Even better is the 2003 version, made with a smaller budget, but excelling due to its closer following of the original story.

Interestingly enough, none of the film versions tell us that Helen left her nine-year-old daughter Hermione behind, since this would have lost her sympathy with the audience.