Entertaining, yes. Magical, somewhat. But could you compare this to previous versions of the mythical tale of Arab princesses trying to find true love and evil magicians out to prevent true love from destroying his dreams of the ultimate power? Maybe the 1960's Peplum version, but certainly not the visually exciting silent screen version or the 1940 British masterpiece. It's a fairly good cast with Kabir Bedhi playing the hero for once rather than the villain, a prince who decides to live among the peasants, befriending thief Roddy McDowall and falling in love with the caliph's daughter (Pavla Ustinov, daughter of Peter, who plays the caliph), going up against evil magician Terence Stamp.
Fortunately, the older Ustinov underplays his role, only slightly dramatic and avoiding the ridiculous Arab accent that he used as an Arab king in "John Goldfarb". McDowall dominates much of the middle section, paired with the beautiful Marina Vlady, and in spite of the fact that he doesn't look at all like an Arab peasant doesn't come off ridiculously. Bedhi is dashing and Stamp equal to his villainous Zor from "Superman". It's an elaborate, if not overstuffed production, with not so convincing special effects. They look like something from a videotaped Satyrday morning children's show. Not going to deny though that the entertainment value outweighs the flaws, so recommended for that.
Fortunately, the older Ustinov underplays his role, only slightly dramatic and avoiding the ridiculous Arab accent that he used as an Arab king in "John Goldfarb". McDowall dominates much of the middle section, paired with the beautiful Marina Vlady, and in spite of the fact that he doesn't look at all like an Arab peasant doesn't come off ridiculously. Bedhi is dashing and Stamp equal to his villainous Zor from "Superman". It's an elaborate, if not overstuffed production, with not so convincing special effects. They look like something from a videotaped Satyrday morning children's show. Not going to deny though that the entertainment value outweighs the flaws, so recommended for that.