The Greek Tycoon

The Greek Tycoon

Year: 1978

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Director: J. Lee Thompson

Drama

She, the most famous woman in the world, becomes the object of desire for a Greek shipping magnate who rose from peasant origins, a pirate‑like swagger and shark‑like ruthlessness. Unable to purchase what he lacks, he relies on charm to court the widowed former first lady, whose husband was assassinated.

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Timeline & Setting – The Greek Tycoon (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Greek Tycoon (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s–1970s

The story unfolds in the era of rising global oil geopolitics and postwar wealth. It traverses political campaigns, shifting alliances, and the early OPEC influence that shaped international markets. The social elites of the time mingle on yachts, island estates, and high-society events. The period atmosphere underpins the clashes between tradition and modern ambition.

Location

Greece, United States

The primary settings span a Greek island estate and the fast-paced American landscape. In Greece, sun-drenched coastlines, villas and a yacht-filled social scene frame Theo Tomasis' opulent life. Back in the United States, political campaigns, family properties and public expectations anchor Liz Cassidy's world. The yacht and Mediterranean locations serve as a backdrop for power, romance and high-stakes deals.

🏝️ Island luxury 🚤 Yacht glamour 🌊 Mediterranean setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Main Characters – The Greek Tycoon (1978)

Meet the key characters of The Greek Tycoon (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Theo Tomasis (Anthony Quinn)

A self-made Greek tycoon who built a global shipping empire and expanded into airlines and island holdings. He is powerful, charismatic, and relentlessly ambitious, yet capable of tenderness with the right partner. His push for political influence and his complex relationship with his son Nico drive much of the plot. He faces health decline later, which adds urgency to his decisions.

💼 Power broker 💖 Charismatic 🧭 Strategic

Liz Cassidy (Jacqueline Bisset)

The First Lady-like figure whose public life masks personal vulnerability. She is drawn to Theo's free-spirited nature, yet remains mindful of appearances and political consequences. Her journey from public duty to personal happiness propels key choices and emotional shifts in the story. Her evolving relationship with Theo tests loyalty, ambition, and resilience.

❤️ Romantic tension 🎭 Public life 🧭 Independence

James Cassidy (James Franciscus)

Senator from Massachusetts who becomes President; a political figure wary of Theo's influence. He represents the competing American political establishment and the pressures of public service. His marriage to Liz anchors a core conflict and his leadership frames the narrative's public arena.

🏛️ Politics 💬 Power struggles 🗳️ Public life

Nico Tamasis (Edward Albert)

Theo's son who craves independence and a path of his own in business. He pushes for ventures that test financial and ethical boundaries and his ambitions contribute to the mounting tension in the family and the industry. His involvement with shipping deals foreshadows the legal and political scrutiny to come, and his death marks a pivotal turning point.

🧭 Youth ambition ⚖️ Business ethics 💔 Family

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Major Themes – The Greek Tycoon (1978)

Explore the central themes of The Greek Tycoon (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Power

A central thread is the pursuit of wealth and influence. Theo's ascent from peasant roots to shipping magnate and his strategic alliances with oil interests reveal how money buys access and political leverage. The film juxtaposes corporate ambition with public power, showing how private gain can shape national destiny. Ambition also tests loyalties within families.

❤️ Romance

Romantic entanglements cross social boundaries, driving decisions that ripple through politics and business. Theo pursues Liz despite her marriage, revealing a fascination with freedom and joie de vivre. Liz's wavering between public duty and personal happiness illustrates the cost of romance in a spotlighted life. The relationship becomes a catalyst for transformation in both lives.

🌍 Oil Politics

The plot centers on oil as a global lever, with deals that threaten national economies and trigger political scrutiny. Theo's investments in tankers and offshore ventures reveal the murky relation between private enterprise and state interests. OPEC dynamics, embargo threats, and price volatility frame the risks and rewards of energy capitalism. The film links personal drama to broader geopolitical shifts.

🌐 Culture Clash

The story draws a sharp contrast between Greek chauvinism and American liberal values. The relationship between Liz and Theo exposes differences in gender roles, social expectations, and national pride. The yacht's lavish milieu clashes with public life and the weight of public perception. Through these contrasts, the film explores tolerance and the costs of cross-cultural romance.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

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The Greek Tycoon Summary

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The Greek Tycoon Summary

The Greek Tycoon Timeline

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The Greek Tycoon Timeline

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