Movie spotlight
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
Ali Baba, a poor Turkish wood chopper, discovers that a robbers' cave, concealed in the mountains that surround his house, opens to the magical phrase, "Open Sesame." Learning that the cave is filled with stolen treasure, he takes home as much as he can carry, but his greedy brother forces him to reveal the cave's location. After gaining admittance to the cave, Ali Baba's brother is seen by the thieves and killed. Meanwhile, Ali Baba falls in love with Morgianna, a slave girl forced to dance in the local inn, and by securing her freedom, he wins her love and loyalty. The leader of the band of robbers suspects that Ali Baba knows the secret of the treasure cave, and in the guise of an oil merchant, he visits Ali Baba with his forty thieves concealed in oil jars. When Morgianna discovers the robbers, she fills the jars with boiling oil, thereby killing them all. Ali Baba defeats the robber chief in combat and then marries his beautiful Morgianna.
Insights
Plot Summary
This early silent film adaptation tells the classic tale of Ali Baba, a poor woodcutter who discovers the secret cave of the Forty Thieves. Using the magic words 'Open Sesame,' he gains access to a vast treasure. However, his newfound wealth attracts the attention of the thieves' leader, who plots revenge.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1918, specific critical reception data is scarce. However, the story itself is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations, suggesting a generally positive reception for its narrative appeal.
What Reviewers Say
An early, simple rendition of a beloved folk tale.
Showcases the adventurous spirit of the classic Ali Baba story.
Limited by the technical constraints of early silent cinema.
Google audience: Due to the film's age and obscurity, there are no specific Google user reviews available. However, the enduring popularity of the Ali Baba story suggests audiences would have been captivated by its fantasy and adventure elements.
Fun Fact
This 1918 silent film is one of the earliest cinematic adaptations of the famous 'One Thousand and One Nights' tale, predating many more widely known versions.
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