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Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves

1944, Movie, NR, 87 mins

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This lavish Arabian Nights fantasy follows the exploits of the Caliph of Baghdad's son, who runs off into the desert after his father is killed by raiding Mongols. There he encounters the legendary 40 thieves and watches in amazement as their command, "Open Sesame," magically parts a solid rock wall, revealing a cavernous hiding place filled with treasures. He is adopted by the thieves, dubbed "Ali Baba," and grows up to be their leader. As an adult, Ali sets out to avenge his father's death and to free his land from the reigning Mongols. While the film is set in the ancient Middle East, there is much in the script that is reminiscent of THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, and some elements which draw on the western genre. Lots of fast-paced action, though the dialogue sometimes gets cumbersome, especially in the mouth of Andy Devine. But what self-respecting cult fan can resist the sultry blandishments and snakelike perambulations of Universal's B queen, Maria Montez? leave a comment
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