The 1978 film, The Greek Tycoon, starring Anthony Quinn, is one of the best movies filmed in Greece and the Greek Islands. It’s a great movie to watch if you’re interested in learning about the fascinating life of Aristotle Onassis.
In this movie, Anthony Quinn plays the character Theo Tomasis, but in reality, he’s portraying Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate who amassed a huge fortune through his world-wide shipping business.
Watching the movie was like being transported to a world of opulence and excess, where the Mediterranean sun dipped into the sea and the Gods themselves seemed to bless the proceedings.
Onassis, played with wit and charm by Anthony Quinn, is a man who has harnessed the power of the sea itself. He’s a tycoon with a shipping fleet that made him a huge fortune. With a godlike intensity he navigates the treacherous waters of love, business, and politics.
The Greek Tycoon: Greek Mythology Associations
One of the interesting aspects of ‘The Greek Tycoon’ is the subtle yet deliberate connections to Greek mythology woven throughout the film.
It’s as if Aristotle Onassis commands the elements like the Greek God Poseidon himself. We see him lavish his riches on his loved ones, showering them with gifts and favors like a benevolent deity. And we see him outmaneuver his foes with a cunning that would make even Zeus jealous.
But “The Greek Tycoon” is more than just a biopic – it’s an ode to the allure of power, to the intoxicating thrill of being a God among mortals. Onassis may have been a man of flesh and blood, but in this film, he’s an avatar of Poseidon himself, ruling over the waves with an iron fist and an unyielding passion.
Here’s a scene about the Goddess, Demeter.
Memorable Film Goddess Quotes: Theo: The Mother Goddess, Demeter. Isn’t she beautiful? The lady of many mysteries, and I love her so. Liz: A lady of many mysteries, is that why you love her? Theo: No, no. Liz: Then why? Theo: Because she has great tits!
You will also find numerous other references made in The Greek Tycoon related to Greek mythology, including discussions about the Greek Goddesses who reside on Mount Olympus.
A massive surprise in the film is when you hear the song about Cupid, the God of love, who is known as Eros in Greek mythology.
Watching this film is like stepping into a lavish Greek mythological tale come to life – minus the fantastical creatures like centaurs and Medusa heads. With its over-the-top production values, this film is an ode to the excesses of the 1940s all the way up to the 1970s, where money was no object and romance was always just around the corner.
The Greek Tycoon: Meet the Cast
The movie character Theo Tomasis, played by Anthony Quinn in The Greek Tycoon, loves beautiful and high-profile women. They also seem to like him, but that doesn’t mean his love life is all smooth sailing. W
hen you watch this film, be prepared to see a few fights. Here, Anthony Quinn (as Theo Tomasis) has a fight with his girlfriend Sophia Matalas (as Marilu Tolo), who represents his alleged affair with the famed opera singer Maria Callas.
Aristotle Onassis, a shrewd businessman with connections to the highest echelons of politics, hosted an opulent party on his luxurious yacht, where he had the privilege of meeting Jacqueline Kennedy.
The encounter was a chance meeting, but it was clear that they shared a spark. As fate would have it, their paths crossed again in America at a high-profile political function, where Onassis’s charm and charisma left an indelible mark on the former First Lady. In the film, Jacqueline Bisset takes on the role of Liz Cassidy, a fictionalized portrayal of Jackie Kennedy. She’s the one in the scene below wearing the green dress.
Meanwhile, back in Greece, Aristotle Onassis’s wife, Simi (in real life, Tina), was struggling with her own sense of discontent. Despite her privileged lifestyle, she felt trapped in a loveless marriage and longed for freedom.
Their son, Nico (in real life, Alexander), also grappled with his own emotional turmoil. He sought thrill and excitement by engaging in high-speed activities such as racing boats and flying planes, an escape from the emptiness he felt inside.
Gods and Goddesses in The Greek Tycoon
Aristotle Onassis’s marriage to Tina was unraveling, as she sought a divorce from the man who had once showered her with luxuries and adoration. But Onassis refused to grant her freedom, insisting that she lived like a Goddess on Mount Olympus, surrounded by the finest things life had to offer.
Despite his attempts to persuade her to stay, Tina remained resolute in her desire to leave. Eventually, his marriage ended in divorce to the woman he once loved.
Onassis, King of the Sea: The Poseidon Factor
After Jacqueline Kennedy’s husband was assassinated, Theo (who is really Onassis) sets his love interest sights on the former US First Lady.
The Greek Tycoon’s fascination with the ancient myths is palpable as he recounts Greek myth love stories, drawing parallels with the legendary tales of Zeus, Leto, and Hera at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio.
The echoes of mythological passion and drama seem to reverberate through his own experiences, as if the Gods themselves have ordained a connection between his personal narrative and the timeless stories of ancient Greece.
Jackie Kennedy who goes by the name Liz Cassidy in the film, starts falling for Theo Tomasis (Aristotle Onassis).
You will even see her getting jealous when Theo starts dancing with another Greek lady at a restaurant they have been dining together.
Onassis had his own private Greek island, Skorpios.
He romanced Liz Cassidy and made her feel like a Goddess, who he could give anything she wanted in life.
Cupid Song in The Greek Tycoon
Business still had to be done and at one point you will see Theo entering a nightclub. The Greek Tycoon movie then offers a big surprise with a song about Cupid.
Sam Cooke’s iconic song “Cupid” was released on May 17th, 1961, through RCA Records. The original version by Sam Cooke reached number 17 on the US charts and number 7 in the UK.
The song has also been covered by other notable artists, including Johnny Nash, whose rendition climbed to number 39 in the US and number 19 in Ireland. The Spinners’ version also achieved significant chart success, reaching number 4 in both the US and UK, as well as number 11 in Ireland.
Olympus in The Greek Tycoon
Mount Olympus in Greece, the legendary abode of the Greek Gods, has long been a symbol of grandeur and exclusivity. It’s only fitting, then, that one of Greece’s most illustrious figures, Aristotle Onassis, would create his own private sanctuary on a remote and idyllic island.
Skorpios, Onassis’s private retreat, became the perfect escape for him and Jackie Kennedy, where they could relax and enjoy each other’s company amidst breathtaking surroundings. The island’s serene beauty and seclusion made it the ideal setting for the power couple to unwind and cherish their time together.
Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy, two of the world’s most fascinating figures, would share a romantic connection that captivated the world.
In life, they also tied the knot in 1968. Their love story was fictionalized in the 1978 film “The Greek Tycoon”, where Theo Tomasis (played by Anthony Quinn) and Liz Cassidy (played by Jacqueline Bisset) fall in love and get married.
Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy’s romance was a global phenomenon, and their marriage was the subject of intense media scrutiny. But, as depicted in the 1978 film “The Greek Tycoon”, their love story takes a dramatic turn as the power couple’s relationship begins to unravel.
There is a shocking scene when their love falls apart and it is unforgettable, leaving a lasting emotional impact. But it’s not just their tumultuous marriage that makes an impression – the film’s honeymoon scene is equally provocative and leaves audiences reeling.
The tragic decline of their romance serves as a poignant reminder that even the most seemingly perfect unions can crumble under the pressures of reality. But just when it seems like their love has reached a breaking point, a dramatic twist sends their romance back on track.
The film’s portrayal of Jackie Kennedy is particularly striking, showcasing her as a powerful and alluring figure… almost goddess-like, as she effortlessly commands attention and admiration. In this pivotal scene, she embodies a sense of mystique and allure that is quite awe-inspiring!
The film’s closing scene, set in the picturesque town of Mykonos, is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling. As Anthony Quinn’s character, Theo Tomasis (a nod to Aristotle Onassis), dances through the streets near the sea, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of peace and satisfaction.
The camera pans across the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of Mykonos, capturing the infectious energy of the moment. This feel-good finale is a testament to the enduring power of love and redemption, leaving viewers with a lasting sense of optimism and warmth.
The Greek Tycoon (1978): Film Review Conclusion
The Greek Tycoon is a cinematic classic that transported me to Greece, immersing me in a world of romance, drama, and mythology. I was truly captivated by its timeless charm.
The story follows the life of Aristotle Onassis, who rises from humble beginnings to become a powerful tycoon. As I watched his journey unfold, I was struck by the parallels between his life and the stories of ancient Greek mythology. The parallels are not just superficial; they are woven into the fabric of the narrative, making this film a must-watch for fans of Greece and its rich cultural heritage.
The cast delivers outstanding performances, with Anthony Quinn shining as the charismatic Aristotle Onassis. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stunning landscapes and architecture of Greece in a way that will leave you yearning to visit. The music in the film is equally impressive, perfectly capturing the essence of Greece and the Greek Islands.
What truly sets “The Greek Tycoon” apart, however, is its ability to balance action, romance, and drama. The film’s pacing is well-crafted, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. I found myself invested in Aristotle’s personal struggles and triumphs, as well as his romantic relationships.
In conclusion, “The Greek Tycoon” is a cinematic masterpiece that whisks viewers away to a world of opulence and romance. This film is a treat for anyone who has ever been captivated by the allure of Greece, its stunning landscapes, and its rich cultural heritage. But even beyond its setting, “The Greek Tycoon” boasts a compelling narrative that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience. With outstanding performances from its talented cast, breathtaking cinematography, and a story that will keep you invested until the very end, this movie is an absolute must-see.
Whether you’re a fan of period dramas, romance, or simply exceptional storytelling, “The Greek Tycoon” has something for everyone. So why not indulge in this cinematic gem and let its grandeur and passion sweep you away?
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