The Thief of Bagdad [G]

King Ahmad of Bagdad is betrayed and his throne usurped by his wicked grand vizier, Jaffar. Whilst in prison, he becomes friends with a boy thief named Abu and together they find their freedom. Fleeing to Basra, Ahmad there first sets eyes on the beautiful princess and he falls in love with her. She returns his feelings, but the wicked Jaffar also wants the princess and will stop at nothing to keep her and Ahmad apart. So begins a most amazing adventure for Ahmad and Abu as they battle a giant spider, walk with an enormous genie, and encounter a flying clockwork horse, all to save the princess from the wicked Jaffar. 

So there is a Thief of Bagdad in The Book, but unfortunately I did not read that it was the 1924 version written, produced, and starring Douglas Fairbanks. This version is from 1940, but I’m still very glad that I sat down and watched it because it’s really a most remarkable romantic fairytale that stands the test of time. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, both its visual and verbal triumphs. It’s really quite incredible. 

King Ahmad of Bagdad is betrayed and his throne usurped by his wicked grand vizier, Jaffar. Whilst in prison, he becomes friends with a boy thief named Abu and together they find their freedom. Fleeing to Basra, Ahmad there first sets eyes on the beautiful princess and he falls in love with her. She returns his feelings, but the wicked Jaffar also wants the princess and will stop at nothing to keep her and Ahmad apart. So begins a most amazing adventure for Ahmad and Abu as they battle a giant spider, walk with an enormous genie, and encounter a flying clockwork horse, all to save the princess from the wicked Jaffar. 

A most glorious fairytale told in the tradition of Tales From 1001 Nights, The Thief of Bagdad is wholly remarkable, bringing elements from timeless stories together into one great adventure: we recognise snippets from such classics as The Ebony Horse, Sinbad the Sailor, and of course, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. A fair portion of the film is told as a story within a story, just like 1001 Nights and the dialogue is memorable, wholly romantic and very emotional. 

Running parallel to the verbal aspect of the movie is the amazing visual side. The sets and costumes were utterly superb and the special effects, although dated, still prove effective and awe-inspiring: effects such as the gargantuan genie, the flying carpet, and the journey take on the flying, clockwork horse. 

And all the performances were lovely, particularly that of Sabu who played Abu: the little thief who rose to the rank of great hero and adventurer. Not only did he provide the film with a great sense of loyalty and friendship, but he also provided all of the comic relief to play against the over-romanced love of the two leads. 

Starring Conrad Veidt, June Duprez, Joh Justin, Rex Ingram, and Miles Malleson, The Thief of Bagdad is a beautiful film that really stands the test of time and holds just as much joy and wonder as The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sound of Music, or any Disney masterpiece. Filled with magic, adventure, action, romance, fantasy, comedy, and drama, it’s rather gorgeous and one that I think should not be overlooked when introducing children to film. It’s instantly a classic.