The Thief of Bagdad
The Thief of Bagdad

Movie spotlight

The Thief of Bagdad

1924
Movie
149 min
English

A recalcitrant thief vies with a duplicitous Mongol ruler for the hand of a beautiful princess.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes94% (re-release)
Director: Raoul WalshGenres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance

Plot Summary

In the city of Bagdad, the charming thief Ahmed journeys to win the heart of the princess. He must overcome treacherous obstacles, including sorcery, a dangerous adventure, and the evil Grand Duke of Amadan. Ahmed's quest tests his courage and resourcefulness as he battles mythical creatures and navigates a world of magic to prove his worthiness.

Critical Reception

A silent film epic, 'The Thief of Bagdad' was a groundbreaking cinematic achievement for its time, celebrated for its stunning visuals, elaborate sets, and Fairbanks's athletic performance. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the silent era and a significant influence on adventure films that followed.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its spectacular visual design and dazzling special effects.

  • Douglas Fairbanks's legendary performance is a highlight, showcasing his athletic prowess and charismatic screen presence.

  • A thrilling and imaginative adventure that set new standards for fantasy filmmaking.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings from the original release are unavailable, modern audiences and critics consistently laud the film's pioneering visual effects, imaginative storytelling, and Fairbanks's iconic portrayal of the titular thief.

Awards & Accolades

None notable (awards were less standardized for silent films).

Fun Fact

The film's elaborate sets and special effects, including the flying carpet sequence, were considered revolutionary for their time and significantly influenced the visual language of subsequent fantasy films.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This just goes to show - almost a century after it was made, that quality has longevity. The recently restored version of Raoul Walsh's fabulously lavish adaptation of the Arabian Nights fantasy was scored by the hugely imaginative Carl Dav...