Question 1

What physical limitation affected Anthony Quinn's performance of the famous dance in Zorba the Greek?

Accepted Answer

Anthony Quinn had a broken foot during filming, which prevented him from performing the leaping dance as originally scripted. The dance created for the film is called 'syrtaki'.

Question 2

Which actress learned English specifically to play her role in Zorba the Greek?

Accepted Answer

Lila Kedrova, who played Madame Hortense, learned English especially for this movie.

Question 3

Why was Zorba the Greek already profitable before its theatrical release?

Accepted Answer

The film was already in the black before it opened due to immense interest in adapting Nikos Kazantzakis's hugely popular novel.

Question 4

What disagreement occurred between director Michael Cacoyannis and Anthony Quinn during filming?

Accepted Answer

Director Michael Cacoyannis and Anthony Quinn had frequent disagreements early in filming, as Cacoyannis felt Quinn was being too over-the-top in his performance.

Question 5

Who was originally cast as Madame Hortense before being replaced by Lila Kedrova?

Accepted Answer

Simone Signoret was the original choice for Madame Hortense, but director Michael Cacoyannis replaced her with Lila Kedrova after filming began.

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Zorba the Greek

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