The Thief of Baghdad (1961)

Thanks for the memories!

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Don't listen to the negative reviews

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Many reviewers have expressed a quiet affection for this film. And rightly so.Steve Reeves does well and seems to be enjoying himself.I liked the quest for the blue rose: the seven gates with the strangler trees, the cloak of invisibility, the dangerous lady in white, etc.The special effects were credible considering that the film is more than fifty years oldI enjoyed the pearls-from-shooting-stars ruse.Carlo Rustichelli's score supported the action without resorting to Arabian Nights clichés.A colourful, entertaining film reminiscent of those Saturday matinees.

This is the only version of "The Thief of Baghdad" that I have fond memories watching as a child. The 1940's version is fine, but if you want to get caught up in the adventure this is the direction you want to go!!! Steve Reeves performance was excellent! I remember cheering him on as he tried to find the blue rose! My only regret is that this version is very difficult to find. I have not been able to find it on DVD, Blu-Ray, or even VHS!!! When I ask for the 1961 "Thief of Baghdad," most people don't even know it exists! If anyone has seen it, please post a review & request a DVD or Blu-Ray of the film to be released! More people need to be introduced to this HANDS-DOWN best & only "Thief of Baghdad" worth watching!

You have got to give Steve Reeves credit....a small known little fact is that he was the most famous movie star in the US in 1959.....his "Hercules Unchained" and "Last Days of Pompeii" were two of the biggest grossing films of the entire year per Variety. Reeves got his big break playing Hercules and then decided to branch out doing historical characters of all types.....two of his very best were "Morgan the Pirate" and "The Thief of Bagdad".....both films were reportedly made in 1960 and released in 1961. For some strange reason both of those films are nearly impossible to find on DVD or video...back in the early 90s there was an ample supply of "Morgan the Pirate" VHS films available at the video stores and then they disappeared bought up by collectors. "Thief of Bagdad" was one of Reeves most enjoyable films.....beautiful technicolor photography, and that haunting soundtrack at the start of the film and when Reeves was riding Pegasus, the winged horse. Reeves combined with his love interest Princess Amina, played by the gorgeous Georgia Moll are a treat....some might remember they also teamed up in "The White Warrior".....Reeves is totally out of his element playing the rogue thief who prowls over Bagdad making a living out of thievery.....however, he finds his love for Princess Amina too great and must go on a mission with several other brave men looking for a mysterious blue rose that will restore the Princess to health after a mysterious illness plagues her. Georges Chamarat plays a genie who comes and goes throughout the film and is a real delight playing an imp who admires the Thief....some good special effects for that time with trees that strangle men, invisible oafs on a boardwalk, flying horses, and as always a beautiful queen (Edy Vessel) to tempt Reeves with sex and mystery. All in all people of all ages will love this film since it seems to appeal to all ages....tales of the arabian knights have been around for many years, played by Sabu in the 40s and 50s but Reeves gives an upper crust presence to the Thief no other actor could give.....too bad Reeves career did not last longer than it did, but he made his millions and bought a horse ranch in Montana and died in 2000.....he was the most admired bodybuilder of all time and still remains very popular to this day.

Funny, exciting, visually impressive and a darn good story, too. Most people remember Steve Reeves for his many incarnations as 'Hercules' - but this time he is a totally different character. Karim falls in love with the Arabian princess and sets out on a quest for the Blue Rose which will cure her illness. Along the way he faces trolls, wizards and a flying horse. He finds the rose, but loses it during an epic battle. Faced with the loss of the magic flower, he picks a red rose from a vase and says: "If you love me as much as I love you, the THIS is a Blue Rose..." The rose changes color - not nearly as impressive on the B&W TV I first saw the film on. I would love to own this, or at least see it again.