L'empire du Grec

I saw The Greek Tycoon when it first came out in 1978. I found it extremely boring. I thought it was no better than a travelogue except for one thing: For the first time in my life I realized why it would be good to be rich. Seeing the scenery off Aristotle Onassis' yacht and getting my first real peek into the lifestyle of the rich and famous opened my eyes. To paraphrase Martha Stewart: It was a good thing. Funny, I don't remember the sex scene. I hadn't seen the movie since it was on the big screen and found the lovemaking session with the mistress memorable this time. Maybe because I was younger and single back then, it was no big deal.

Anthony Quinn is perfectly cast in the role of a wealthy Greek aristocrat to Jacqueline Bisset's rich American widow. Set in the 1970s, the acting is passable though not fantastic. Quinn's turn is the best, though, as he plays an emotional, powerful man who is used to having his way in and out of the boardroom. Thinly veiled plot, you can figure out what is going to happen in the movie during the first few minutes, but it is worth sitting through for the scenery of the Greek islands. Even if the volume is turned to mute, it is nice to see how rich and famous frolic aboard yachts, in pools and on the beach. Serious film critics might just see this film as a glorified television movie of the week.

I saw this on TV ages ago, and recall Anthony Quinn giving his obligatory Zorba dance on cue of course. It's quite sad the movie in many ways, but still, it's a slice of history, especially in the context of JFK.

This movie serves up every imaginable Greek stereotype. In one particularly galling scene the tycoon says "I'm just an ignorant peasant." As the grandson of Greek peasant immigrants who passed on a legacy of wisdom and love to their children and grandchildren, I found this movie contemptible and odious.

I remember the erstwhile BBC reviewer, Barry Norman, opining that Anthony Quinn's portrayal of Theo (Ari?) had 'all the appeal of an armpit'. One or two other reviewers over the years have rather dismissed Quinn as 'overrated'. Be that as it may, I thought the great actor played his part, at times, both sensitively and sympathetically. And, of course, Jackie Bisset remains a good enough reason to watch a movie.

I suppose, it is one of films very easy to be critic about it. Or it is one of perfect options for the ladies loving soap operas. In my case, it is one of the films of my childhood who I preserve a good memory. Not for comparation between characters and real people but for beautiful work, noble effort of Jacqueline Bisset and Anthony Quinn to propose fair interpretations of characters , a love story not so unrealistic , a nice paralel with what can be imagined about relation Bouvier - Kennedy - Onassis . It is just, in profound sense, a beautiful film about mature love , acted with elegance.

I hadn't seen this movie in many years, but have viewed it on On Demand cable recently. I don't know why the critics blasted it. Actually, it was well acted, and overall, well done. The film depicted important events, such as the JFK assassination, the Kennedy-Onasis marriage agreement, Mr Onasis' son's plane crash, and other events. Being a history major, and having done extensive research on the Kennedys, and knowing the background, I would say that the movie, while not perfect, was certainly entertaining. The music and themes were very good, and I would recommend seeing this movie. MRC