Harum (Rock Hudson) from Basra is traveling across disputed land between Basra and Baghdad. His father is murdered and their camp destroyed. He is tasked by his father to take revenge. In Baghdad, he encounters Krairuzan (Piper Laurie) who is a princess dressed up as a commoner to see the regular popular. Her ruler father faces hidden foes in the palace who are stoking conflict with their Basra neighbors and were the ones responsible for the murder of Harum's father.
It's a blending of One Thousand and One Nights and the Sword in the Stone. I like Piper Laurie's playfulness but Rock Hudson is a bit stiff. He's the classical hero. There is a bit of swashbuckling in this old fashion sword welding adventure. It needs more fun. It needs more of Krairuzan teasing Harum. It needs them to build the back and forth banter in their relationship. They have their moments but those are soon fleeting. It's almost good enough but I wouldn't recommend it.
It's a blending of One Thousand and One Nights and the Sword in the Stone. I like Piper Laurie's playfulness but Rock Hudson is a bit stiff. He's the classical hero. There is a bit of swashbuckling in this old fashion sword welding adventure. It needs more fun. It needs more of Krairuzan teasing Harum. It needs them to build the back and forth banter in their relationship. They have their moments but those are soon fleeting. It's almost good enough but I wouldn't recommend it.