Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves (film)

Adventures of Ali-Baba and the Forty Thieves is a 1944 American adventure film directed by Arthur Lubin and starring Maria Montez, Jon Hall, and Turhan Bey. It is loosely based on the story of Ali Baba from One Thousand and One Nights. The film, produced by Universal Pictures, is known for its Technicolor cinematography and elaborate sets.

The plot deviates significantly from the original tale. Ali Baba (Hall) is raised as a prince after his father, the Caliph, is murdered by his treacherous advisor, Prince Cassim (Kurt Kreuger). When Cassim usurps the throne, Ali Baba flees and eventually becomes the leader of forty thieves who operate in the surrounding desert. He falls in love with Amara (Montez), a dancer who is actually a spy for Cassim. After facing betrayal and battling Cassim’s forces, Ali Baba eventually reclaims his rightful place as Caliph, with the help of the forty thieves, and marries Amara.

The film is considered a classic example of escapist Hollywood fare popular during World War II. While not always faithful to the source material, it provided audiences with a lavish and action-packed spectacle. Despite the title, the film focuses more on the adventure aspects and romantic storyline than on the traditional themes of morality and greed found in the original story of Ali Baba.