The Greek Tycoon 1978
Directed by
J. Lee Thompson
Made by
Universal Pictures
The Greek Tycoon Plot Summary
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The aging Greek Theo Tomasis, Anthony Quinn, rises from peasant roots to become a mogul who owns oil tankers, airlines, and private Mediterranean islands, and he longs to be elected President of Greece. He is immediately drawn to the considerably younger Liz Cassidy, Jacqueline Bisset, when she visits his island estate with her husband James, James Franciscus, the Senator from Massachusetts. Theo is quickly attracted to her, and, despite the fact that she is happily married, begins to woo her aboard his yacht while James converses with the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Theo’s relationship with his son Nico Tamasis, Edward Albert, is tenuous at best. He pushes Nico to join the family business and to make money in the same way he did. Nico wants to manage his own affairs, and he convinces his father to bankroll his ventures. The plan is to buy older freighters, convert them to oil tankers, and sell them to Saudi oil magnates, allowing oil deliveries to flow outside traditional American corporate controls.
Back in the United States, the Cassidys begin their run for President, eventually winning the primary and the general election. The First Lady, Liz Cassidy, becomes depressed after a miscarriage and bears the weight of public life. Tomasis, who has a surprisingly good relationship with the First Family, offers a vacation on his yacht as a change of pace. The President does not trust Tomasis’ shipping business and ties to Arab oil states, so Liz travels alone, much to his anger.
In Greece, the yacht hosts guests and celebrities; Tomasis appears to spend a lot of time with Liz, who is initially restrained. At dinner, Liz joins in a traditional sensual dance with plates being thrown and the others clapping. Liz is drawn to Tomasis’ free spirit and joie de vivre and decides to leave the vacation early to return to the United States, much to his protests.
Back in the United States, Liz and James walk along the family beach-front property where the President is assassinated by a sharpshooter. After the funeral, Liz becomes withdrawn again, even as the former President’s brother John Cassidy, Robin Clarke (the attorney general), asks her to help promote his campaign. She refuses, and Tomasis privately re-invites her to Greece for a longer stay.
In Greece, the relationship blossoms and Liz’s spirits lift. Tomasis’ business dealings with Nico become the target of scrutiny by American politicians due to OPEC embargoes and rising oil prices. Freighters are being confiscated, and hundreds of millions in investments are at risk. Upon his return from the United States, Theo asks Liz to marry him. Liz wants to, but worries about appearances; he lays out a fair and financially compelling arrangement that would allow her to leave the Cassidy family fortune behind.
After the wedding, there are growing pains as Lizzie is used to having a voice in her husband’s affairs. Theo apologizes for Greek chauvinism, and they learn to navigate each other’s cultural differences. The marriage remains loving until Nico dies in an accident, and Theo sinks into depression. Lizzie helps pull him out of his mood, and a lawyer and representative secure a favorable plea deal on the oil manipulation charges. Theo’s health declines and a doctor gives him a poor prognosis. He keeps his medical information private as his energy wanes. When Liz wants to shop in Paris, he encourages her to go alone and enjoy herself. She leaves the boat on her vacation, waving, and Theo visits his old peasant home on the coast for the last time, ending with a traditional Greek dance.
The Greek Tycoon Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Greek Tycoon (1978) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Theo Tomasis rises from peasant roots to mogul
Born from peasant roots, Theo Tomasis becomes a mogul with oil tankers, airlines, and Mediterranean islands. He dreams of becoming President and uses his wealth to position himself as a possible leader. He begins to cultivate power and prestige on his own terms.
Theo meets Liz Cassidy aboard his yacht
Liz Cassidy visits with her husband James, the Massachusetts senator, and is immediately drawn to Theo's charisma. Theo woos her aboard his yacht while James chats with the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The attraction marks the start of a dangerous romance that will influence future events.
Theo and Nico hatch a risky shipping plan
Theo encourages his son Nico to join the family business and proposes buying older freighters, converting them to oil tankers, and selling them to Saudi interests. The plan aims to bypass American corporate controls and expand influence in Middle East oil markets. Theo funds the purchases, setting in motion a venture that will draw scrutiny later.
Cassidys return to the United States and run for President
After returning to the United States, the Cassidys launch their bid for the presidency and gain rapid momentum. They win the primary and move toward the general election, with Lizzie thrust into the national spotlight as a potential First Lady. The campaign interweaves family drama with national ambitions.
First Lady miscarriage and private yacht vacation invitation
The First Lady suffers a miscarriage, leaving her fatigued and emotionally strained by public life. Theo maintains a cordial relationship with the First Family and suggests a private vacation on his yacht as a reprieve. Lizzie travels alone to Greece seeking rest and distance from the campaign.
Greek island vacation and Lizzie's growing attraction
On the Greek island, a festive dinner ends with Lizzie joining a traditional sensual dance. Theo's free-spirited charm draws her closer, and she decides to cut the trip short and return to the States, despite Tomasis' protests. The encounter foreshadows strains in their later relationship.
Assassination back home; Lizzie withdraws from public life
Back in the United States, Lizzie and James walk the family beach when the President is shot by a sharpshooter. The funeral deepens Lizzie's melancholy, and she refuses to help promote the new campaign. Tomasis privately invites her to Greece again for a longer stay.
Lizzie rekindles romance in Greece; politics loom over Theo
Lizzie's return to Greece rekindles their romance and brightens Tomasis's mood. Meanwhile, Theo's business dealings with Nico face intensified scrutiny from American politicians as OPEC embargoes and oil prices create instability. Freighters are seized and hundreds of millions in investment hang in the balance.
Theo asks Lizzie to marry him; appearances clash
After a US comeback, Theo asks Lizzie to marry him, proposing a structure that would give her a fair stake while easing Cassidy family influence. Lizzie worries about appearances in her country, but Theo argues the arrangement is fair and financially viable. The moment marks a turning point in their relationship.
Wedding and early strain; acceptance and growth
The couple marries, but early days reveal disagreements as Lizzie seeks input in business matters. Theo apologizes for Greek chauvinism and they learn to live with their differences while maintaining affection. The marriage stabilizes as they work through conflicts.
Niko's death and Theo's health decline
Niko dies in an accident, plunging Theo into grief and depression. Lizzie helps pull him out of the mood, and a legal deal on oil manipulation emerges as a plea bargain that softens the financial blow. Yet Theo's health continues to worsen, and he keeps his prognosis secret from others.
Final days; Paris trip and farewell to his roots
As Theo's health fades, Lizzie is encouraged to visit Paris for a shopping trip while he remains behind. He returns to his old peasant home on the coast for a last visit and ends with a traditional Greek dance. The film closes on a note of bittersweet reflection about a life built on power, love, and memory.
The Greek Tycoon Characters
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The Greek Tycoon Settings
Learn where and when The Greek Tycoon (1978) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
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.
The Greek Tycoon Themes
Discover the main themes in The Greek Tycoon (1978). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The Greek Tycoon Spoiler-Free Summary
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In the glittering world of post‑war Mediterranean finance, a sprawling empire of oil tankers, airlines and private islands defines the playground of the ultra‑wealthy. Sun‑baked coastlines and opulent yachts set a tone of lavish excess, while the undercurrent of political ambition hints that power here is never far from the horizon. The atmosphere is one of grandiosity tempered by an almost palpable sense of danger, as the line between charm and ruthlessness is constantly redrawn.
Theo Tomasis is the embodiment of a self‑made Greek tycoon—born a peasant, he rose through sheer grit, pirate‑like swagger and a shark‑like determination to dominate global shipping. His larger‑than‑life presence is matched only by his longing to shape his nation’s future, an aspiration that fuels both his business deals and his personal pursuits. Across the Atlantic, Liz Cassidy occupies a very different sort of spotlight: the world’s most famous woman, former first lady, and a figure accustomed to the relentless glare of public life. Beneath her polished exterior lies a quiet yearning for respite, a desire to step beyond the constraints of ceremony and tragedy.
When their paths cross, the clash of cultures is immediate and magnetic. Theo, unable to buy what he lacks, relies on a charismatic courtship that blends lavish hospitality with intimate, free‑spirited moments on his Mediterranean estate. Liz, drawn to the intoxicating freedom of the Greek islands, finds herself intrigued by the tycoon’s unapologetic joie de vivre. Their interactions are a dance of contrasts—ambition versus escape, tradition versus rebellion—each offering the other a glimpse of a life they have never truly known.
The film unfolds against a backdrop of glittering wealth, political intrigue, and the timeless allure of the sea. The tone weaves together romance, power, and the subtle tension of two worlds colliding, promising a story where love and ambition are as volatile and captivating as the waters that surround them.
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