Cairo (1963 film)

Cairo is a 1963 American crime caper film directed by Wolf Rilla, starring George Sanders, Richard Johnson, and Faten Hamama. The plot revolves around a meticulously planned robbery of ancient treasures from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

George Sanders plays Major Ronald "Ronnie" Craig, a disgraced British army officer who masterminds the elaborate heist. Richard Johnson portrays Omar, an Egyptian engineer who is recruited to help with the technical aspects of the plan, given his knowledge of the museum's security systems. Faten Hamama, a prominent Egyptian actress, plays Amina, an employee at the museum who becomes entangled in the plot, both romantically and professionally.

The film follows the planning and execution of the robbery, highlighting the challenges and unexpected events that threaten to derail the operation. The robbers must navigate complex security measures and outsmart the authorities to succeed in their ambitious goal.

While not critically acclaimed, Cairo is notable for its depiction of Cairo and Egyptian culture in the early 1960s, and for starring a well-known Egyptian actress alongside international stars. The film blends elements of suspense, adventure, and romance, making it a representative example of mid-century crime cinema. It also represents an early instance of an international co-production involving an American studio and an Egyptian cast and setting.