Helen Mirren in Herostratus, 1967

“Herostratus” is a film based on the story of a poet in his youth named Max, who daringly suggests that his death be exploited as a marketing strategy. Max’s inspiration was the ancient Greek tale of a man who bore down the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus to attain immortal fame.

The scheme backfired as most people saw his attempt as the desperate cry for attention that it was. As for the film, it also received mixed reviews. However, shining bright among the cast was a young Helen Mirren. No one could have known then that she would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable talents.