Zorba the Greek (1964)

A timid English writer named Basil (Alan Bates) arrives in Crete to open a mine for his family business and falls under the spell of a local peasant with a charismatic and inspiring zest for life.

As Alexis Zorba – the salt-of-the-earth peasant who teaches the uptight Englishman the secret of life – Anthony Quinn plays the part of a lifetime, so much so that the role greatly impinged on the actor both in real life and in all his movies ever since.

Quinn’s powerhouse Zorba is a dreamer and a failure, a comrade, a clown and a conman, a fool and hero, a charmer and a louse, selfish and rough, sentimental and serene.

Zorba persuades (cons, really) monks and villagers, including ageing and ailing French cabaret dancer Madame Hortense (Lila Kedrova), while Basil tries to summon the spirit to do something besides sneak glances at an intriguing widow (Irene Papas), who is subject to much speculation from the locals.

Adding to the film’s particular and unusual grace are wonderful Oscar-winning black-and-white photography by Walter Lassally, a haunting Mikis Theodorakis score – since responsible for a zillion pieces of smashed crockery in Greek restaurants worldwide – and a glowingly warm portrayal (also Oscar-rewarded) by Lila Kedrova as an aged prostitute.

Alexis Zorba
Anthony Quinn
Basil
Alan Bates
Widow
Irene Papas
Madame Hortense
Lila Kedrova
Mavrandoni
George Foundas
Lola
Eleni Anousaki
Mimithos
Sotiris Moustakas
Manolakas
Takis Emmanuel

Director
Michael Cacoyannis