Year: 1940
Director(s): Berger, Powell & Whelan
Country: UK
Language: English
Forget Disney's "Live Action" remake Aladdin (2019) & dismiss the original animated Aladdin (1992) as well. The Thief of Bagdad (1940) , which itself is a remake of a great silent, blows both films out of the water. It was made during a time in which the West's fascination with oriental fantasies and legend; particularly those that consisted of romance, action and adventure, was at its peak. The next picture that would fully capture the beauty of an often overlooked civilization would be Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and that would be two decades later.
After being tricked and cast out of Bagdad by the evil Jaffar (Conrad Veidt), King Ahmad (John Justin) joins forces with a thief named Abu (Sabu) to reclaim his throne, the city, and the Princess (June Duprez) he loves.
The source for this picture, A Thousand and One Nights was first published in 1704 and were a collection of stories throughout the East that mixed real people and places with fantastical elements. Fragments from here exist in plenty in Thief of Bagdad, such as the genie that Abu finds in a washed up bottle. The chief premise of the film’s story is that Bagdad has a crisis of leadership, with a king who is far from “well guided.” Released around the same time as Chaplin's Great Dictator & just as Britain was preparing for war with Germany, the notion that failed leadership could bring in the downfall of country was an all too real feeling at the time.
A mix of political allegory and MUCH needed escapism, Thief of Bagdad is a sheer visual spectacle that is a joy to behold even if some of the effects, such as the genie flying, look incredibly dated. If I had a child, I would love to show them this 70+ year old picture as it captures the minds of the youth and brings forth great creative inspiration. Its technicolor is a wonder to behold; looking even better than other classics like Wizard of Oz (1939).
Perhaps in 2019 we can have more screenings of Thief of Bagdad, in hopes that Americans and Europeans become much more tolerant to the cultures of the Middle East. Albeit, this certainly isn't an accurate or politically correct interpretation, it still is a humanizing picture that would be better at spreading peace than most current American films about this area. Hard to tell. I had an excellent time watching this picture and I would love to spread the love of it.
Perhaps in 2019 we can have more screenings of Thief of Bagdad, in hopes that Americans and Europeans become much more tolerant to the cultures of the Middle East. Albeit, this certainly isn't an accurate or politically correct interpretation, it still is a humanizing picture that would be better at spreading peace than most current American films about this area. Hard to tell. I had an excellent time watching this picture and I would love to spread the love of it.
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