A 1928 French romantic epic where captivity becomes courtship and the harem holds unexpected power.
An emir wants revenge on a secretary who posed as a rival to a beautiful woman. He holds in his palace which refers to himself as a trap, the wife of the secretary, and thinks of becoming her lover. The charm and nobility of the young woman end up softening the emir. He bows, returns her to her husband, and forgives the beauty.
Production
Lavish palace sets evoking 1001 Nights fantasy aesthetics.
Acting
Jackie Monnier's wordless conveyance of princely dignity and restraint.
Director
André Liabel
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of 1920s French 'cinéma oriental' exploiting North African fantasies while France tightened colonial control over Morocco and Algeria.
Director Léon Mathot also starred as the emir—directing yourself in a romantic lead was peak 1920s multitasking.
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