Lee Eisenberg
I've never read any of the Arabian mythology, only seen adaptations of it. "The Thief of Baghdad" is one such adaptation, and it delivers exactly what it promises. If you're looking for action and adventure, this is the movie for you. There aren't any genies, mind you. Just the typical things that we find in sword-and-sandal flicks.The says at the beginning that it got filmed in Tunisia. Tunisia of course made news in 2011 as the birthplace of what became known as Arab Spring. Around the time that they were making the movie, both Tunisia and Iraq - that is, Baghdad's location - had had coups in the past few years, and had more in later years. But Iraq didn't come to the world's attention until the Gulf War (and even during the second Gulf War large numbers of Americans couldn't find Iraq on a map), and Tunisia didn't come to the world's attention until its populace overthrew Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Even so, scenes from two of the most famous movies got filmed in these countries: part of "Star Wars" got filmed in Tunisia and the beginning of "The Exorcist" got filmed in Iraq.Anyway, "The Thief of Baghdad" is simply a fun movie. Steve Reeves always played cool roles.
thinker1691
From the great and fantastic tales told in ancient Persia by the story teller Sharhahrazad, this is one of the more popular. It's called " The Thief of Bagdad." Arthur Lubin directs this movie with all the color schemes of M.G.M. and that goes with selecting a bevy of gorgeous woman to dot the landscape. For our hero, MGM chose Steve Reeves the herculean bodybuilder of the 1960s' His acting is good, but does need seasoning. In this case we see that Edy Vessel is Kadeejah, the magical Geni who guides our hero to his true love in a great quest to find a Blue Rose. There is much entertainment in the movie, enough to enthrall a theater full of amazed teens and pre-teens. Alright there is much to want in this film, but for those of us who grew up with wide eye wonder, this movie has become a Classic. Enjoy it while you still have wonder in your heart. ****
jaldapeta
...and saw this film several times in a boring town, in a boring school...***SPOILER*** The hero has to pass seven tests: different scenarios with a variety of landscape, animal and personal attackers. I have an image of the hero fighting trees, that became living monsters. Of course, the plot was trite. But at least there was enough action, humor and love. And everything ended well (blue rose and princess included) !!! *** END OF SPOLER***Thanks, Steve Reeves (very sorry, he's dead)and supporting cast: You made me (and others fellows) feel better in those days. ¿ Isn't it that something for his loved ones ?
daniel-mcgarry
Funny, exciting, visually impressive and a darn good story, too. Most people remember Steve Reeves for his many incarnations as 'Hercules' - but this time he is a totally different character. Karim falls in love with the Arabian princess and sets out on a quest for the Blue Rose which will cure her illness. Along the way he faces trolls, wizards and a flying horse. He finds the rose, but loses it during an epic battle. Faced with the loss of the magic flower, he picks a red rose from a vase and says: "If you love me as much as I love you, the THIS is a Blue Rose..." The rose changes color - not nearly as impressive on the B&W TV I first saw the film on. I would love to own this, or at least see it again.
AD
