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IMDb > Kismet (1955)

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Overview

User Rating:
6.1/10   457 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 35% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Writers:
Edward Knoblock (non-musical play "Kismet") and
Charles Lederer (musical libretto) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Kismet on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
8 October 1955 (USA) more
Plot:
Like a tale spun by Schehrazade, Kismet follows the remarkable and repeated changes of fortune that engulf a poor poet... more | add synopsis
NewsDesk:
Musical Star Howard Keel Dies at 85
 (From WENN. 8 November 2004)

User Comments:
This musical is so underrated! more (29 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)

Howard Keel ... The Poet
Ann Blyth ... Marsinah
Dolores Gray ... Lalume

Vic Damone ... The Caliph
Monty Woolley ... Omar
Sebastian Cabot ... Wazir
Jay C. Flippen ... Jawan
Mike Mazurki ... Chief Policeman

Jack Elam ... Hassan-Ben
Ted de Corsia ... Police subaltern
Reiko Sato ... 1st Princess of Ababu
Patricia Dunn ... 2nd Princess of Ababu
Wonci Lui ... 3rd Princess of Ababu
Julie Robinson ... Zubbediya
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Additional Details

Runtime:
113 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.55 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System) | Stereo
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Another number excluded from the movie was the Vizier's theme song, "Was I Wazir." It was probably not used in the movie because of the bizarre punishments described in the song, including that of a royal flute player who lost his grasp on his instrument, and who the Vizier had bitten by an asp. more
Quotes:
The Poet: May your taxes increase!
[Said when acting as a beggar to get the Baghdad merchants to give him alms]
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in "MGM Parade: (#1.14)" (1955) more
Soundtrack:
Rahadlakum more

FAQ

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful.
This musical is so underrated!, 29 May 2009
9/10
Author: unclesjodaddy from United States

If you want a classic movie that is exotic, romantic and even hypnotic, Kismet fits the bill. Set in ancient Baghdad, Kismet gives us a much different perspective than we have today (even if it is a movie set). First and foremost, it gives us that classic duet, 'Stranger in Paradise.' Second, it stars Howard Keel. Third, the romanticized Arabesque cinematography is superb. A 50's-style romantic 'Arabian Nights' setting sets the stage for a comedic/dramatic romance/love story in the tradition of ancient fable akin to Alladin and the Magic Lamp. Even the fact that almost everyone in the movie is a white person painted dark gives it a bygone sentimental appeal. I wish this movie were more available, particularly on DVD. It represents Howard Keel at his best in a role that is a departure from his usual venue.

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more (29 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Kismet (1955)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
goof? writer's mistake? nonchee-1
Dolores Gray was a dynamic performer oldsenior
Keel gives an Oscar worthy performance oldsenior
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