Film Review: Film in 1979–“Arabian Adventure”, One for The Kids Perhaps

Arabian Tales films were a feature of Hollywood production. There have been small revivals such as the 2019 film Aladdin.

Perhaps the last of an era of the Arabian Tales films was British: Arabian Adventure in 1979. This UK family action movie premiered in London, July 17.

The Story

The screenplay, by Brian Hayles, does not seem to be adapted from any previous Arabian adventure. But there is the stock Genie, flying carpets, and it most likely have referenced other Arabian Tales works and plucked ideas from them.

Horror film veteran Christopher Lee played the film’s caliph – the chief civic and religious ruler of Bagdad until the 13^th century – a man bent by black magic to dominate and control his subjects. With a rebellion looming against this civic ruler, it goes unsaid if the story is based on true historical events.

Meanwhile, Prince Hasan (Oliver Tobias) seeks the hand of marriage of the caliph’s stepdaughter, Princess Zuleira (Emma Samms), but must prove worthy of her hand by obtaining the magical Rose of Eli, a very hard to find item.

The Prince goes looking with a servant, and a boy, and on the way, encountering a monstrous Genie (the best special effects in the film, by Richard Conway and David Harris), mechanical fire breathing demons and an island of contrasts.

Potential Problems

The film seems to be a world of ‘magical realism’ in that magic is a natural part of its world. Peach stones can turn into sapphires, magical carpets are a way to travel easy, and the caliph can use magic for nefarious ends.

Magic is potentially one of those controversial matters from a Christian perspective as well as something that does not bother some audiences. Harry Potter is a famous movie example and so is Star Wars. Magic can upset and challenge as well as give an opportunity to hang religious themes in context of the movie. Magic is often one of those things that brings its own set of thematic dynamics and parameters such as good versus evil and the supernatural. Adult films with magic tend to go ‘realistic’ and demonic with the imagery, whereas kids’ films are more reserved with only the conjuring of visual effects heightening the magic. In reality, it is all unchristian this magic, but some can get around it to produce meanings.

Positives

At a basic level, Arabian Adventure is a simple good versus evil tale. There is something visceral about pretending in your mind’s eye battling the foes. It seems the right position to assume. Although some people prefer the baddies, who are at a least a bit of innocuous fun in some good versus evil movies.

Qualities or Lack Thereof

As entertainment, director Kevin Connor has a flair for mounting action scenes of some variety, the music by Ken Thorne is rousing and stays in the memory sometime after viewing, and the cast of characters are of appeal. I noted that the film introduces us to Emma Samms (the princess). John Ratzenberger, from 1980s TV comedy series Cheers, got a role in a bevy of heavy rebels. Classical era actors Mickey Rooney and Peter Cushing also appear. Puneet Sira is a warm presence as the ever smiling, resilient boy, who gets caught up in the adventure. I loved the genie as a kid. It was his sense of size that brought out the wonderment in me. Just awesome.

However, not a great film, but like Arabian Tales films before it, it tended to be more underwhelming than what one expected from a fantasy action film of this stripe, but it all came together for some good entertainment on the day.

 

Cast: Oliver Tobias, Christopher Lee, Emma Samms, Milo O’Shea, Punnet Sira, John Wyman, John Ratzenberger, Mickey Rooney, Capucine, Peter Cushing. Screenplay: Bryan Hayles. Special Effects Supervisor: George Gibbs. Special Effects: Richard Conway and David Harris. Music: Ken Thorne. Director: Kevin Connor.