For the first time in a historical documentary, we present a detailed and complete biography of King Paul I (1901 - 1964). Members of the Greek Royal Family (Queen Sofia of Spain, King Constantine, Princess Irene, Prince Michael) historians and university professors (Constantina Botsiou, Evanthis Hatzivasileioy, George Mavrogordatos, Ioannis Papafloratos) the former Prime Minister of Greece Constantinos Mitsotakis and the writer Costas Karakasis talk in front of the camera about King‘s Paul personality, his life and work from the early years up until his death. Unknown facts and trivia about his private life and his character are being revealed and explain his important decisions that changed the history of Greece. (The refusal of Prince Paul to ascend to the throne in 1920, his disagreements with Metaxas, the end of the Greek civil war, the sudden appearance of Field Marshal Papagos in politics, the selection of Karamanlis and The King‘s relations with George Papandreou). The public is given the opportunity to watch for the first time, unpublished photographs from private collections of members of the Royal Family, rare audio recordings, personal letters, and film footage that includes 63 years of history. “No Ordinary King“ fills a historical gap and gives current and future generations, a comprehensive picture of the personality of Paul. Without prejudice, audiences can discover a whole new perspective on the events that changed Greece and the people who participated.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
It‘s been 50 years since King‘s Paul death. Memories for many are starting to fade. Younger generations don‘t know the man or the King. Time and political intrigues have produced altered versions of Greek history. That‘s plain wrong. A group of young filmmakers decided to create a documentary in the memory of this, unusual King.
The aim of the documentary “Pavlos No Ordinary King“ is to follow Paul‘s life as a Prince, Crown Prince and King. To discover his character, understand his decisions and how they affected his country and his people.
The documentary is going to be broadcast in two episodes (55min. each). In the first episode we witness Paul‘s early years, through childhood till his ascension to the throne and his first year as a King, during the Greek civil war. In the second episode, we examine his character, his personal life and the most significant events up till his death.
The script is divided by chapters in a chronological order about his personal moments and his major political decisions. All references in people and facts are meticulously presented with historical accuracy and are supported with interviews of esteemed university professors and historians. All research took place for more than two years in the National Archives, private collections and university libraries. “Pavlos No Ordinary King“ is a documentary that the production team wishes to become a reference for future generations as to who King Paul was and what was his role in shaping the history of Greece. NIKOS POLITIS
DOCUMENTARY CONTENT:
Paul‘s handwritten letters to his mother Queen Sofia.
Selection from 1500 photographs, many of them unknown to public.
Film material from King Paul‘s official and private moments.
Declassified letter of King Paul to US President Eisenhower, asking for the release of Archbishop Makarios.
Rare television interview with King Paul and Queen Frederica.
SoundBits from public speeches and addresses.
Original film footage from 1930‘s illegal visit of Paul in Greece.
Rare scenes from an American tv show where Paul and Frederica speak about the Ancient Greece.
News clippings from Greek and the international press.
Accurate dramatization of historical scenes during Paul‘s lifetime.
Interviews with members of the Greek Royal family provide realistic details about who Paul really was in his everyday activities.
Motion graphics and stylized representation of letters, photographs and historical quotes.