When the City Dies Poster

When the City Dies 1969

★ 3.73 votes91 min📅 1969-03-10

Giannis Dalianidis' gripping 1969 crime thriller *When the City Dies* unfolds against the grim backdrop of Athens, where a shadowy underworld of illegal drugs and corruption is quietly poisoning the city.

Director: Giannis Dalianidis

Cast

Faidon Georgitsis
Faidon Georgitsis
Bill
Andreas Barkoulis
Andreas Barkoulis
Theo
Mairi Hronopoulou
Mairi Hronopoulou
Paola
Vasos Andronidis
Vasos Andronidis
Dimitris Bislanis
Dimitris Bislanis
Artemis Matsas
Artemis Matsas
Eva Fridaki
Eva Fridaki
Anthi Gounari
Anthi Gounari

Frequently Asked Questions

What is When the City Dies (1969) about?

This 1969 Greek crime film follows the dangerous supply chain of an illegal drug, Prolouton Prosilon, as it infiltrates a maternity hospital and corrupts the lives of those who become entangled in it. A young doctor's investigation exposes the true extent of the gang's operations, while the girlfriend of a filmmaker realizes the source of their sudden wealth is far from innocent.

Who directed When the City Dies?

Giannis Dalianidis directed *When the City Dies*, bringing his signature style to this tense crime thriller set in 1960s Athens.

Who stars in When the City Dies?

The film features a compelling cast including Faidon Georgitsis as the gang leader Mars Ragkousis, Andreas Barkoulis, Mairi Hronopoulou, Vasos Andronidis, and Dimitris Bislanis in key roles.

Is When the City Dies (1969) worth watching?

As an unrated but atmospheric crime thriller, *When the City Dies* offers a snapshot of 1960s Greek cinema's darker side, with strong performances and a plot driven by moral dilemmas. While it may lack mainstream polish, its themes of corruption and survival make it a compelling watch for fans of vintage crime dramas.

How long is When the City Dies?

The film runs for 91 minutes.

About When the City Dies (1969) — A 1960s Greek crime thriller unraveling urban corruption

Giannis Dalianidis' gripping 1969 crime thriller *When the City Dies* unfolds against the grim backdrop of Athens, where a shadowy underworld of illegal drugs and corruption is quietly poisoning the city. The story centers on Mars Ragkousis, a ruthless gang leader distributing the dangerous drug Prolouton Prosilon, and the ripple effects his operations have on unsuspecting lives. When a young doctor, Claus, stumbles upon Ragkousis' illicit network, he uncovers a web of deceit that threatens to consume the innocent—including Gella, the girlfriend of a filmmaker blinded by the sudden wealth flooding their lives.

With its tense atmosphere and moral ambiguity, *When the City Dies (1969)* blends classic crime drama with social commentary, exploring themes of exploitation and the fragility of trust. Dalianidis crafts a suspenseful narrative where every character, from the desperate doctor to the cunning gangster, plays a role in exposing the city's hidden decay. The film's moody cinematography and sharp performances—particularly by Faidon Georgitsis as Ragkousis—immerse viewers in a world where survival depends on uncovering the truth before it's too late.