Director: J. Lee Thompson
Starring: Anthony Quinn, Jacqueline Bisset, Raf Vallone, Edward Albert, Charles Durning, James Franciscus
Running Time: 107 minutes
Synopsis: Greek shipping magnate Theo Tomasis (Anthony Quinn, based on Aristotle Onasis) enjoys a life of womanizing luxury. He socializes with the rich and powerful, including US Senator James Cassidy and his wife Liz (James Franciscus and Jacqueline Bisset, based on John and Jackie Kennedy). Despite his immense wealth, Theo can be boorish and harbours insecurities stemming from peasant roots. He refuses to divorce his long suffering wife Simi (Camilla Sparv), and clashes with his son Nico (Edward Albert). When Liz encounters a tragedy, Theo sets out to win her heart.
What Works Well: This unauthorized and unacknowledged biography captures the glossy glitz and glamour of the rich and powerful. The Tomasis world revolves around luxury yachts, mansions, and boardrooms, with every foray into common territory accompanied by a paparazzi frenzy. Anthony Quinn's larger-than-life portrayal captures the well-rounded duality of wealth and insecurity, Theo's pursuit of Liz as much about proving his stature to himself as it is about a tumultuous version of global celebrity coupling. Away from the jet-set surroundings, director J. Lee Thompson finds the best moments at a simple restaurant, and in a terrific final return-to-roots scene.
What Does Not Work As Well: The dialogue is often cringey and superficial, and beyond Quinn, the acting is wooden. Several scenes of heightened emotions and physical jostling descend into farcical melodrama.
Key Quote:
Liz: And how could you offend me, Theo?
Theo: I will Lizzy, I will.
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