The Sheik (1921)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

George Melford

Writers:

Edith Maude Hull (novel)
Monte M. Katterjohn (writer)

Release Date:

20 November 1921 (USA)

Genre:

Romance | Drama

Tagline:

A photoplay of tempestuous love between a madcap English beauty and a bronzed Arab chief!

Plot:

A charming Arabian sheik becomes infatuated with an adventurous, modern-thinking Englishwoman and abducts her to his home in the Saharan desert.

Plot Keywords:

Desert | Sheik | Love | Bandit | Arabian

Cast

Rudolph Valentino	...	Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan
Agnes Ayres	...	Lady Diana Mayo
Ruth Miller	...	Zilahl (a marriage market prospect)
George Waggner	...	Yousaef (tribal chieftain) (as George Waggener)
Frank Butler	...	Sir Aubrey Mayo
Charles Brinley	...	Mustapha Ali (Diana's guide) (as Charles Brindley)
Lucien Littlefield	...	Gaston (French valet)
Adolphe Menjou	...	Raoul de Saint Hubert
Walter Long	...	Omair (the bandit)

Runtime:

80 min (22 fps)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Silent

Certification:

Finland:S (1938) | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Guadalupe Sand Dunes, Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

Was partial inspiration for the naming of Hollywood High School's sports teams as "The Sheiks", a name which persists to this day (2008).

Quotes:

Ahmed: When an Arab sees a woman he wants, he takes her.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Wind at My Back: Moonshine Struck (#1.7)" (1997)

super-important historically--awfully silly to some if seen today

This movie is definitely a curio from the past. It was Rudolph Valentino's most famous movie and helped to make him, for a time, the most desired man across the globe. He was, in fact, the first true "male sex symbol" as a result of his performance in this movie. So, historically, it's a very important film. However, many seeing the film today will marvel at how poorly the film translates to modern audiences and sensibilities. First, the acting is overly dramatic--even for most silent films. Second, the sexy star might be seen by many today as a rapist--considering he kidnaps the lady and ultimately forces himself on her. But, despite this, it's still an entertaining if slight piece. I doubt, considering the sex symbols of the 21st century, Valentino will turn any of you on, but it still is interesting to see who grandma and great-grandma were panting over almost a century ago!

NOTE: Since I first posted this review, I have seen quite a few more films starring Valentino. And, overall, I think THE SHEIK is among his poorest films--though his most notable. Tastes do indeed change, as today it isn't all that great. Try seeing some of his other work--it definitely is an improvement in most cases.