“At The Movies - Romantic and Exotic - for the Month of Love” Vol. III, No.2 (Feb.2022)

By Stephanie Mardesich

It’s February, the month of romance, with Valentine’s Day the 14th that brings to mind songs of love, chocolate and candy hearts, legendary lovers. Valentine’s Day (and Mother’s Day) reputedly the busiest of a year for restaurants (make reservations!) – love is in the air!

What could be more beguiling to consider than the stories of Arabian nights, tenacious handsome heroes, treasure seekers, genies, magic flying carpets, beautiful ladies in exotic attire; and imagine the mesmerizing music of Scheherazade* by Rimsky Korsakov sets a mood for fantasy and adventures.

Create your own Saturday matinee or “date night” with some popcorn and candy movies to share with your sweetheart or the family to enjoy together. No magic carpet required!

* Link for the beautiful music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17lEx0ytE_0

Thief of Baghdad

(UK, Alexander Korda Films, 1940, 106 min., dir. Ludwig Berger, Michael Powell, Tim Whelan)

The ultimate Arabian Night fantasy story begins in ancient Basra with blind young beggar revealing that he is really Sultan Ahmad (John Justin) of Baghdad, young, naïve, yet curious about behavior of his people. Nefarious Grand Vizier Jaffar (Conried Veidt) encourages Ahmad to walk through the city in disguise to get to know them. He then seizes the power announcing that Ahmad has died though has him incarcerated and sentenced to death.

Ahmad befriends the young thief Abu (Sabu) and they escape from the prison fleeing to Basra to travel abroad with Sinbad. Ahmad meets the beautiful Princess (June Duprez) and they fall in love, but the evil Jaffar has also traveled to Basra to propose marriage to the Princess. Her “toy obsessed” father Sultan of Basra (Miles Malleson, who also co-wrote the script), in exchange for a mechanical flying horse. When Jaffar encounters Ahmad using magic he blinds him and turns Abu into a dog. Abu finds himself on deserted island and discovers a bottle with Genie who grants him three wishes. A magic jewel helps him find and reunite with Ahmad though he inadvertently sends him back to Baghdad. He angrily destroys the jewel and releases Old King (Morten Selton)

Abu absconds with the King's magic carpet and flies on it to Baghdad where his appearance fulfills an ancient prophesy and sparks a revolt against Jaffar Abu fatally wounds Jaffar with his crossbow. Ahmad is restored to power and reunited with the Princess. Alarmed by Ahmad's plans to educate him to become the Vizier Abu flies off on the magic carpet seeking adventure. Four Academy Award® nominations, one win for Miklos Rozsa “Best Score.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033152/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Arabian Nights (USA, Universal Pictures, 1942 96 min., dir. John Rawlins)

The “stars” reveal to exquisitely beautiful screen siren Maria Montez as dancer Scherazade that she will marry the Caliph of Baghdad Haroun-Al-Raschid (Jon Hall) whose brother Kamar (Leif Erickson) succeeds in a coup d’etat to replace Haroun. Sabu as Ali Ben Ali adds authentic exotic presence. Cast includes amusing Billing Gilbert (Ahmad) and Shemp Howard (Sinbad); and sinister Thomas Gomez (Hakim).

Note: Jon Hall was quite the handsome romantic lead of the time, later had his own television star turn in popular 1950s television show Ramar of the Jungle, and guest roles in many more including Perry Mason.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034465/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_4

Ali Baba & The Forty Thieves (USA, Universal Pictures, 1944, 87 min., dir. Arthur Lubin)

Ali Baba (Jon Hall), son of the Kalif of Baghdad is brought up by the “40 Thieves” after his father is killed by the soldiers of Hugalu Khan (Kurt Hatch). He becomes the leader of the thieves who are fighting for the freedom of his land. By chance Ali captures the fiancée of Khan, who he falsely believes is a servant girl and in fact turns out to be his childhood girl friend Amara (Maria Montez).

He later learns she is the fiancé of Khan and is repelled. Ali is caught by Kahn’s minions though faithful sidekick jovial Jamullah (Andy Devine) escapes. Amara’s bodyguard Jamiel (Turhan Bey) is on the sidelines ready to aid the 40 Thieves who he is in awe of. After much action Ali foils the wedding day and liberates Baghdad, Amara realizes who Ali is, he gets the girl and the adventure will continue.

Of the many films that present the fable this picture is a departure from the traditional story, though no less beguiling much because of exquisite beauty Montez.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036591/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Of the many films that present the fable this picture is a departure from the traditional story, though no less beguiling much because of exquisite beauty Montez.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036591/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Kismet (USA, MGM, 1944, 100 min., dir. William Dieterle)

In ancient Baghdad self declared “King of Beggars” and master of slight of hand Hafiz (Ronald Colman) likes to wander the streets late at night pretending to be a Prince. He has passionate romance with beautiful exotic Jamilla (Marlene Dietrich) unaware that she is one of the queens of the Grand Vizier (Edward Arnold) - the most powerful man in the empire - and privy to knowledge of the realm. Jamilla knows that Hafiz is not who he says he is, however, no idea that he is a mere street beggar.

Since she was a child Hafiz has told his daughter, Marsinah (Joy Paige) she would marry a prince. Though she’s been sheltered Marsinah has fallen in love with the son of the head gardener of the new Caliph, the ruler of all of Arabia. What she does not know is that her love is in reality the Caliph (James Craig) who likes to wander the streets at night in disguise as a commoner to learn the true feelings of his subjects. The Caliph is unaware that Marsinah's father, who he knows is a beggar, is the man who saved him one night calling himself the Prince of Hassir, that he knows is not the truth. Hafiz, in turn, does not know the man he saved is the Caliph or that he is in love with his daughter Marsinah. The Caliph plans to call the Grand Vizier on charges of corruption. In turn, the Vizier intends to have the Caliph murdered to assume the throne himself. Seeing that his daughter now has matured and is in love Hafiz knows he now has to make his story of her marrying a prince come to life.

Using his skills of disguise and magic, Hafiz plans on arranging a marriage between Marsinah and the Grand Vizier, who he can see has his sights set on being the Caliph, though in truth he is corrupt and far too old. With all these mistaken and unknown identities, what happens among this collective may come down to fate - “kismet” - which Hafiz believes he can control, yet can he?

This is fourth incarnation of the tale of Arabian Night theme for the movies, distinguished by the starry cast and four Academy Award® nods.

Note: In the 1950s the story inspired the Broadway musical derived from the composition of Russian composer Alexander Borodin - see notes following.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036984/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_10

Kismet (musical)

(USA, MGM, 1955, 113 min., dir. Vincente Minelli & Stanley Donen - unaccredited)

The movie version of the successful Broadway musical (1953) is bit different from Kismet (1944) with unforgettable romantic tunes based on the music of Russian composer Alexander Borodin whose exotic and lush melodies are the inspiration for such romantic songs as “Stranger In Paradise”, “Baubles, Bangles and Beads”, “And This My Beloved” to name a few of the “classic” memorable tunes adapted from Borodin’s beautiful music by Robert Wright and George Forrest.

Set in ancient Baghdad, the story of wily impoverished beggar Poet (Howard Keel) who “impersonates a man” is an Arabian night fantasy of romance and beauty. Mistaken for a man who abducted the son of elderly thief Jawan (Jay C. Flippen) the Poet is abducted and taken to the thief’s hideaway. He cleverly asks for 100 gold pieces and is released returning to Baghdad to find the missing son. His daughter Marsinah (Ann Blyth) meets and falls in love with the young Caliph (Vic Damone), who has been traveling incognito.

The Poet is arrested when he flauntingly begins spending the gold. Defending himself before the wicked Wazir (Sebastian Cabot) he curses him and is then vindicated by Jawan who has been arrested. Jawan recognizes an amulet the Wazir is wearing and realizes it’s his long lost son. Fearing the curse the Wazir releases the Poet if he will reverse it, promising to make him an Emir. The Poet forms a liaison with the Wazir’s wife the lovely seductive Lalume (Delores Gray) and as “fate” would have it there is a happy ending. Simply delightful!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048260/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Sinbad, the Sailor (USA, RKO, 1947, 116 min., dir. Richard Wallace)

Exciting exotic story with Sinbad (ever dashing Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) dynamic screen presence.

Sinbad is an engaging story teller who extols his great adventures be they true or not, they are true or not. He and sidekick Abbu (George Tobias) rescue a ship, bid at auction, Sheldon Leonard as the Auctioneer, to keep the ship and seek the treasure of Alexander the Great revealed in the map they find, that mysteriously disappears. The beautiful Shireen (Maureen O’Hara feisty and gorgeous as ever) attempts to own the ship, though Sinbad out bid her. She becomes the woman who has steals his heart, though she is part of the harem of evil Amir (Anthony Quinn) who wants the treasure for himself to own the world. The lethal Melik (Walter Sleezak), who will stop at nothing and kill gain treasure, is a formidable adversary. A perilous voyage to a mysterious island where the treasure is said to be held is full of adventure and romance. Lovely Jane Greer (Pirouze) adds more allure. Look for Alan Napier (Aga ) and you’ll remember him from the Batman TV series as faithful butler Alfred. In gorgeous Technicolor it’s a film that is pure “popcorn” entertainment.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039826/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_35

Sinbad And The Eye Of The Tiger (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1977, 113 min., G, dir. Sam Wannamaker)

Sinbad (Patrick Wayne) is on mission to deliver Prince Kassim (Pierre Mattocks), who has been transformed into baboon, to the lands of the Ademaspai so he can be restored his human form in time for his coronation. On route he contends with evil witch Zenobia (Margaret Whiting), her son and their magic adversaries. Jane Seymour as Farah and Taryn Power (daughter of Tyrone) as Dione add elements of sensuality and beauty. Compared to other films described this movie is almost “camp” with the mechanical special effects though very entertaining.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076716/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Aladdin (USA, Walt Disney Pictures -animation, 1994, 90 min., dir. Ron Clemens, John Musker)

Poor street urchin Aladdin (voice of Scott Weinger) spends his time stealing food from the marketplace in the city of Agrabah. He meets a young girl who happens to be Princess Jasmine (voice of Linda Larkin), who is being forced into a marriage by her odd estranged father the Sultan (voice of Douglas Seale, and there is a genuine attraction. His luck suddenly changes when he retrieves a magical lamp from the Cave of Wonders and releases a fun-loving Genie (voice of Robin Williams) who only wishes to have his freedom. Unbeknownst to Aladdin the Sultan's sinister advisor Jafar (voice of Jonathan Freeman) has his own plans for both Aladdin and the lamp. Delightful “old fashioned” animation film garnered five Academy Award® nominations; and beautiful music with Oscar® winning song with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by (my friend) Sir Tim Rice “A Whole New World” awaits!

Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; credited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.

For more see:

(to look up films) www.imdb.com

www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)

www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)

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