It stars Irene Papas in the title role and was directed by Yorgos Javellas, who also adapted the play for the film.

After Oedipus realises he married his mother Jocasta and steps down as king of Thebes, his two sons Eteocles and Polynices kill each other in the struggle for the succession.

Oedipus' daughter Antigone, after trying unsuccessfully to involve her sister Ismene in her scheme, defies the prohibition and buries her brother.

Creon arrests both sisters, but eventually decrees that only Antigone has to be walled up alive, although the young woman is engaged to his son Haemon.

Only the seer Tiresias manages eventually to open Creon's eyes and explains to him that the ban on the burial would anger the gods.