Zorba the Greek

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For other uses, see Zorba.

Zorba the Greek
original movie poster
Directed by	Michael Cacoyannis
Produced by	Michael Cacoyannis Anthony Quinn
Written by	Michael Cacoyannis, Nikos Kazantzakis (Novel)
Starring	Anthony Quinn Alan Bates Irene Papas Lila Kedrova Sotiris Moustakas Anna Kyriakou
Music by	Mikis Theodorakis
Release date(s)	1964
Running time	142 min.
Language	English, Greek
IMDb profile

Zorba the Greek is a 1964 movie by Michael Cacoyannis, originally titled Alexis Zorbas, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. Anthony Quinn, who was not Greek, but Mexican American, played the title character in what may very well be his most memorable role as an earthy personality that always knows what he has to do to cope with hard times. He is supported by Alan Bates as the visiting Englishman. The music, particularly the theme by Mikis Theodorakis (called "Zorba's Dance" or "Syrtaki"), is world famous.

The movie was shot on location on the Greek island of Crete. Specific places of Crete featured include the town of Chania, the Apokoronas region and the Akrotiri peninsula. The famous scene in which Anthony Quinn dances the Sirtaki was shot on the beach of the village of Stavros.

The movie won three Oscars:

Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress - Lila Kedrova
Academy Award for Best Art Direction- Set Decoration, Black-and-White - Vassilis Fotopoulos
Academy Award for Best Cinematography - Black-and-White - Walter Lassally - Oscar is shown in tavern Christiana, Stavros

Quinn received the nomination for best actor in a leading role and Michael Cacoyannis received three nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.

[edit] Related works

A short film about a man who believes he is Zorba the Greek was made in Scotland in 1999, named Billy and Zorba.
A musical version of the film was made in 1968 named Zorba.

[edit] See also

Zorba the Greek, the novel.
"Zorbas," the theme song of the movie by Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis
Alexis Zorbas, ballet by Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis written in 1988, and premiered in Arena di Verona in Verona, Italy