MovieChat Forums > Kismet Discussion > trying to be a good movie...and failing....

trying to be a good movie...and failing..


Perhaps I'm just missing the subtle nuances of this film, but (I'm watching it right now on TCM) I really think this is the poorest work that I have ever seen with the great R. Coleman!
The sets (nominated for an Oscar, no less!) are, obviously, mock-ups of some pre-conceived idea of what Bagdad was like in its prime. The colors of the costumes are garish! The story reeks of the age in which it was first written. (1910) All of the roles are overplayed, at best. I couldn't believe Marlene Dietrich as a blond! (But of course, he legs were shown off)
Poor, poor Coleman. He tries so very hard in this picture, but one hardly thinks of him as a poor, fast-talking beggar in the Middle East! In most of his roles, he is exceptionally good, and his voice is something to be heard! Too bad he was so wasted on this tripe.
Want to see and buy this movie? Save your money!

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Yeah -- you're missing the point. Look up Haroun al-Raschid, and "1001 Nights". Also "Arab epic literature".

Hap--pppppppppppppppy New Year!

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I agree, this movie was a fail - and even Marlene's legs painted gold looked awful IMO.

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From the Wikipedia article about this film:

"The film was nominated for four Academy Awards; Best Cinematography, Best Music, Best Sound (Douglas Shearer) and Best Art Direction (Cedric Gibbons, Daniel B. Cathcart, Edwin B. Willis, Richard Pefferle)."

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Besides, where else can you see honest to God Bharatanatyam dancing in a Hollywood film?

You've got me?! Who's got you?!

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The op is a grumpy republican ! It is wonderful escapism !

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Excuse me, but I'm a grumpy Republican and I love this film!!!

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i saw one over the weekend...i think....



'The only mystery in life is why the kamikaze pilots wore helmets.'-Al McGuire

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I am a grumpy independent,

but I also thought this film a great deal of fun.

I personally thought Colman and Dietrich were terrific in their parts and made a great pair,

and the sets and costumes(!) and also a fine musical score,

fun escapism, much better than I was led to believe.

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