In the first
of these two diverging tellings of the Arabian Nights tales, Douglas Fairbanks
stars as a beggar and master pickpocket in the Bagdad bazar who becomes
completely awestruck at the sight of the princess (Julanne Johnston) and seeks
to break into the castle at the same time she is visited by an evil Mongolian
sultan and two other loutish princes all trying to win her hand. An Alexander
Korda produced (and partially directed by Michael Powell) barely related follow-up
sees a feckless King (John Justin) overthrown by his iniquitous right-hand
Jafar (Conrad Viedt), finding his purpose in the princess (played by June
Duprez also targeted by Jafar), and sharing the fate of an industrious street
urchin (Sabu) who happens upon an insolent, all-powerful genie. Raoul Walsh’s
1924 treatment of The Thief of Bagdad
is a rousing silent entertainment, boasting an exciting story, remarkable sets,
and an engaging Fairbanks performance. The 1940 British update, released to a
besieged wartime audience, is a fantastic family entertainment featuring state
of the art Technicolor special effects that make you lament the current state
of the magic-lacking movies. Sabu, Justin, Viegt and Ingram all leave an
imprint.
1924
version: *** ½ out of ****
1940 version: *** ½ out of ****
