Zorba the Greek

Αλέξης Ζορμπάς
(Alexis Zorbas)

Basil, a young English writer, comes to Crete to reopen a lignite mine he has inherited. He meets Alexis Zorbas, a tough, wily, lusty Greek who will reveal to him another view of life. While the plans for the mine fall through and the writer's affair with beautiful widow ends in tragedy, Zorbas's optimistic faith in life touches Basil. Unforgettable performances, striking cinematography and a great score by Mikis Theodorakis.

/1964 / 142 min / b/w / Rating:PG / Director: Michael Cacoyannis /

Additional Film Information

Original Score: Mikis Theodorakis

Script by Michael Cacoyiannis based on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel "The Adventurous Life of Alexis Zorbas" (1946)

Awards:

Oscar for Best Black and White Cinematography (Walter Lassally)

Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Lila Kedrova) Best Art Direction/Set Decoration - Black - and - White (Vassilis Fotopoulos)

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture Best Director Based Screenplay based on material from another medium & Best Actor (Anthony Quinn)

External Links:

Alan Bates Film Archive  more >>