The Thief of Baghdad (1961)

I gave it a 7.5 out of 10

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Rated for its time, it was the Lord of the Rings back then. Its the story of an every man, but poor man who steals to help the less fortunate. He may do what thieves do, but he is not a thief. Furthermore, he is a good sized fellow which in my opinion comes in handy in case you meet opposition during one of your five finger discount outings. He finally gets in touch with his purpose and that is one nice story. An evil plan is introduced and carried out but with less than the expected results. Steve, Kareem in the movie now gets a chance to make things right, but at the cost of personal peril and risk. The stakes are death and the journey is no joke. The music in this should be mainstream as it is beautiful to listen to and lock in the movie scenes deep into your heart. I can hear it now as I share and it is not one of those that you get tired of easily. At one point, he is allowed an Army and they mirror his personality very well. No more to be said but to be watched instead. Not only should this be released immediately on DVD, but a remake should be made. I suspect there are problems within the ownership chain etc. What a tragedy that some meanie out there is holding this all up. With todays technology, this would easily become one of the greats. Sandwich, snacks, popcorn and something tasty to wash it all down with HEAVILY suggested. If you are a woman who is watching, you are definitely the princess Ameena. If you are a guy, then you are the THIEF OF BAGDAD....and proud of it

It's been about thirty years since I'd last seen this film, but thanks to the miracle of Youtube I was able to watch a rather cut up version via compressed video.I have to admit right now that the black and white silent version with Douglas Fairbanks is actually a more thorough film, and superior in many respects. But this version has a very delightful charm to it.And truly, that's about all I can say about it. I really don't want to get into the technical aspects of the film because they come from the stone-age of modern special effects. The shots are basic, and the acting (actor depending) is basic.The story itself sticks with the basic Thief of Baghdad legend, but diverges here and there in a unique Italian way.A treasure from the past sees life again via the internet. Still, what I wouldn't give to have the original restored version on DVD. preferably in hi-def.I have a personal fondness for the film. Its beautiful score married to some imaginative imagery makes it sight for sore eyes in today's day and age of CGI SFX and highly-sexed cinema. I only wish I owned a copy.

You have got to give Steve Reeves credit....a small known little fact is that he was the most famous movie star in the US in 1959.....his "Hercules Unchained" and "Last Days of Pompeii" were two of the biggest grossing films of the entire year per Variety. Reeves got his big break playing Hercules and then decided to branch out doing historical characters of all types.....two of his very best were "Morgan the Pirate" and "The Thief of Bagdad".....both films were reportedly made in 1960 and released in 1961. For some strange reason both of those films are nearly impossible to find on DVD or video...back in the early 90s there was an ample supply of "Morgan the Pirate" VHS films available at the video stores and then they disappeared bought up by collectors. "Thief of Bagdad" was one of Reeves most enjoyable films.....beautiful technicolor photography, and that haunting soundtrack at the start of the film and when Reeves was riding Pegasus, the winged horse. Reeves combined with his love interest Princess Amina, played by the gorgeous Georgia Moll are a treat....some might remember they also teamed up in "The White Warrior".....Reeves is totally out of his element playing the rogue thief who prowls over Bagdad making a living out of thievery.....however, he finds his love for Princess Amina too great and must go on a mission with several other brave men looking for a mysterious blue rose that will restore the Princess to health after a mysterious illness plagues her. Georges Chamarat plays a genie who comes and goes throughout the film and is a real delight playing an imp who admires the Thief....some good special effects for that time with trees that strangle men, invisible oafs on a boardwalk, flying horses, and as always a beautiful queen (Edy Vessel) to tempt Reeves with sex and mystery. All in all people of all ages will love this film since it seems to appeal to all ages....tales of the arabian knights have been around for many years, played by Sabu in the 40s and 50s but Reeves gives an upper crust presence to the Thief no other actor could give.....too bad Reeves career did not last longer than it did, but he made his millions and bought a horse ranch in Montana and died in 2000.....he was the most admired bodybuilder of all time and still remains very popular to this day.

I have seen several versions of this story but this one is by far the best in terms of special effects and action.I saw a dubbed version but the film's story line made up for it.Reeves is at his most handsomest but the film is stolen by chap playing the magician.The sets look impressive and very enchanting.The time period is beautifully captured,and Reeves's swashbuckling can be equated with Douglas Fairbanks sr.In those days one could see the whole schedule in a cinema on one ticket and we were so struck with this one that we saw it 3 times every day for one whole week!A good film for all ages and very enjoyable too!Hopefully it will continue to please generations as it encaptured the youngsters in the sixties!