Zorba the Greek (1964)

An uptight English writer traveling to Crete on a matter of business finds his life changed forever when he meets the gregarious Alexis Zorba.

Director:

Michael Cacoyannis

Writers:

Nikos Kazantzakis (from the novel "The Life and Times of Alexis Zorba"), Michael Cacoyannis (screenplay)

Stars:

Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papas

Won 3 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Anthony Quinn	...	Alexis Zorba
Alan Bates	...	Basil
Irene Papas	...	Widow
Lila Kedrova	...	Madame Hortense
Giorgos Foundas	...	Mavrandoni (as George Foundas)
Sotiris Moustakas	...	Mimithos
Anna Kyriakou	...	Soul
Eleni Anousaki	...	Lola
Yorgo Voyagis	...	Pavlo (as George Voyadjis)
Takis Emmanuel	...	Manolakas

Storyline

An aimless English writer finds he has a small inheritance on a Greek island. His joyless existence is disturbed when he meets Zorba, a middle aged Greek with a real lust for life. As he discovers the earthy pleasures of Greece, the Englishman finds his view on life changing.

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Plot Keywords:

crete | writer | greek | greece | sirtaki | 

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Taglines:

Life. Lust. Love. Zorba.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Greece USA

Language:

English Greek

Release Date:

14 December 1964 (Greece)

Also Known As:

Zorba the Greek

Filming Locations:

Chania, Crete, Greece

Box Office

Budget:

$783,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$9,000,000, 31 December 1964

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$23,500,000, 31 December 1964

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

142 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the earlier stages of filming, Michael Cacoyannis and Anthony Quinn had frequent disagreements as the director felt that his leading actor was being too over-the-top.

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Goofs

At the beginning Basil picks up three books and puts them under his right arm. He walks around a small group of people, and in the next shot they are under his left arm.

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Quotes

Alexis Zorba: Silly old bitch. She's not alone, she's with Suleiman Pasha having a hell of a time.

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Connections

Referenced in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

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Soundtracks

Zorbas (aka Zorba's Dance)
Written by Mikis Theodorakis

User Reviews

Excellent film

This seems to be the best part of Anthony Quinn ever. The exuberance of Zorba, the character's capacity of seeing only the bright side of life and of transferring this optimistic attitude to the others and the metaphor of dance on the deserted beach, after the failure - some of the things that make a masterpiece of this movie. Also, actors like Irene Papas and Alan Bates play their parts with great professionalism, creating strong characters and giving them a real authenticity. This film is a must-see for all those who think defeats are only simple obstacles that we all have to pass beyond by smiling and, why not, dancing in the sun.