The Garden of Allah (1936 film)

The Garden of Allah is a 1936 American romantic drama film directed by Richard Boleslawski, and starring Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer. It was produced by David O. Selznick for Selznick International Pictures.

The film is an adaptation of the 1904 novel The Garden of Allah by Robert Hichens. The story concerns a devout Trappist monk, Boris Androvsky (played by Boyer), who abandons his vows and monastery, and a wealthy socialite, Domini Enfilden (played by Dietrich), searching for spiritual meaning in the Sahara Desert. They meet and fall in love, leading to marriage. However, Boris's secret jeopardizes their happiness and forces them to confront difficult choices.

The film was notable for its early use of Technicolor, specifically three-strip Technicolor, and was the first independent production filmed in the process. The lush visuals, particularly the desert landscapes, were a key element of its appeal.

Despite its lavish production values and star power, The Garden of Allah received mixed reviews upon its release. While praised for its cinematography and color, some critics found the plot melodramatic and the acting uneven. It was a moderate box office success.