Thief of Bagdad (The)

This multiple Oscar-winning film is a magical, atmospheric, epic - its sumptuous art direction and beguiling special effects making this the definitive vision of the famous Arabian Nights tale.

Imprisoned by the evil Grand Vizier Jaffar, Ahmad - the rightful King of Bagdad - meets young Abu, the greatest thief in the land. Together they escape from the dungeon and travel to Basra where Abu falls in love with the Sultan’s daughter. Jaffar casts a spell on the two lovers and the Princess reluctantly succumbs to Jaffar’s advances in order to release them. To rescue her, Ahmad and Abu embark on a series of fantastical adventures, only just surviving a terrifying encounter with a Djinn, from whom Abu manages to extract three wishes...

Starring Sabu - the first Indian actor to make a name for himself in Hollywood - and directed by no less than six people (including Oscar-nominated director Michael Powell (Black Narcissus), The Thief of Bagdad won three Oscars (Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography and Best Special Effects) as well as a nomination for Best Original Score. Filmed in Wales, Cornwall and the Grand Canyon, it premiered on Christmas Day 1940 to universal and lasting acclaim.