Zorba the Greek

Quinn's signature role casts him as the self-appointed life coach to a British poet (Bates) who comes to Crete afflicted with writer's block and excessive timidity. Though remembered for its high-spirited hedonism, Cacoyannis's film (based on Nikos Kazantzakis's worldwide bestseller) also has its tougher side, marked by drenching downpours, craggy landscapes, and some still-startling outbursts of local intolerance and cruelty. ZORBA won Oscars for cinematography, art decoration, and supporting actress (Lila Kedrova as Zorba's overripe inamorata), but many feel that Quinn's magnificent performance and Mikis Theodorakis's catchy music were even more deserving.