Kismet (1955)

Director:

Vincente Minnelli

Writers:

Edward Knoblock (non-musical play "Kismet") and
Charles Lederer (musical libretto) ...

Release Date:

8 October 1955 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Musical | Fantasy | Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Like a tale spun by Schehrazade, Kismet follows the remarkable and repeated changes of fortune that engulf a poor poet...

Plot Keywords:

Arabian Nights | Beautiful Woman | Royal Romance | 1001 Nights | Based On Musical

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

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System) | Stereo

Certification:

Finland:S

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

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.

Quotes:

The Poet: May your taxes increase!
[Said when acting as a beggar to get the Baghdad merchants to give him alms]

Movie Connections:

Featured in "MGM Parade: (#1.14)" (1955)

Soundtrack:

Rahadlakum

This musical is so underrated!

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.