Arabesque
Arabesque

Arabesque

1966Movie105 minEnglish

When a plot against a prominent Middle Eastern politician is uncovered, David Pollock, a professor of ancient hieroglyphics at Oxford University, is recruited to help expose the scheme. Pollock must find information believed to be in hieroglyphic code and must also contend with a mysterious man called Beshraavi. Meanwhile, Beshraavi's lover, Yasmin Azir, seems willing to aid Pollock -- but is she really on his side?

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Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Google Users77%
Director: Stanley DonenGenres: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

An American linguistics professor, David Pollock, is drawn into a complex web of international espionage in Cairo. He becomes entangled with Yasmin Azir, a mysterious and beautiful woman who is ostensibly working for a sheikh. Pollock is tasked with deciphering a formula that could have catastrophic consequences if it falls into the wrong hands. As they navigate a world of assassins and double-crosses, their professional relationship deepens into romance, putting them both in grave danger.

Critical Reception

Arabesque was a visually stylish and entertaining spy caper that blended humor with suspense. Critics praised its kinetic direction, vibrant cinematography, and the sparkling chemistry between its lead actors. While some found the plot a bit convoluted, the overall consensus was that it was a fun and engaging thriller, representative of the stylish spy films of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually dazzling with kinetic direction and vibrant cinematography.
  • Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren share excellent chemistry.
  • A fun and stylish, if occasionally convoluted, spy thriller.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's style and the performances of its lead actors, finding it to be an entertaining and visually appealing spy adventure. Some viewers noted that the plot could be a bit difficult to follow at times but appreciated the overall lighthearted and thrilling nature of the movie.

Fun Fact

Stanley Donen directed and choreographed the elaborate chase sequences, including one involving Pollock and Azir on roller skates through a supermarket.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is quite an enjoyable romantic thriller that brings out the best in both Gregory Peck - as the hapless academic and Sophia Loren as the duplicitous girlfriend of our baddie Alan Badel. The premiss is a shade too convoluted - the profes...
JPV852

JPV852

Fun little espionage-romance-thriller featuring the wonderful duo of Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren. Gets a bit confusing and still don't quite understand the point of the cipher to begin with, but has some thrilling scenes and a solid final...
John Chard

John Chard

Swell! Arabesque is directed by Stanley Donen and collectively adapted by Julian Mitchell, Stanley Price and Pierre Marton from Gordon Cotler's novel The Cypher. It stars Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, Alan Badel, John Merivale and Harold K...