ARABIAN NIGHTS
1942

Provided you really don't know or want to know the real tale of Scheherazade, then you'll no doubt enjoy this film, as, despite the title, the film isn't actually a film depiction of one of the classic stories but rather Universal's own concoction with every known ingredient thrown into the mix for added value: so it is that historical figures (Haroun-Al-Raschid) rub shoulders with mythical ones (Sinbad, Aladdin, Scheherazade).

When it appeared in 1942, during WWII, it was a time of tension and uncertainty. It was a great escape. The villains were villainous, the heroes heroic. The drama was dramatic and the storyline warm and fuzzy. Pure escapism.

PLOT:
The caliph of Baghdad must go into hiding with a group of travelling performers when his brother usurps the throne. Both brothers desire a beautiful dancing girl, who is torn between power and true love.

CAST:
Jon Hall ... Haroun-Al-Baschid
Maria Montez ... Scheherazade
Sabu ... Ali Ben Ali
Leif Erickson ... Kamar
Billy Gilbert ... Ahmad
Edgar Barrier ... Nadan
Richard Lane ... Corporal
Turhan Bey ... Captain of the Guard
John Qualen ... Aladdin
Shemp Howard ... Sinbad
William 'Wee Willie'  Davis ... Valda
Thomas Gomez ... Hakim
Jeni Le Gon ... Dresser
Robert Greig ... Eunuch
Charles Coleman ... Eunuch

Director: John Rawlins

Running time: 86 minutes