Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis conducts the orchestra and chorus of the Arena di Verona, expanding the title theme he wrote for the film Zorba the Greek into a ballet about an American tourist (Gheorghe Iancu) who falls in love with a beautiful local (Luciana Savignano). Vladimir Vassiliev dances the role of the freewheeling Zorba, who teaches the tourist how to dance -- and how to win the young woman's heart.