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Stylish Movies: Sinbad the Sailor (1947)

August 21, 2016 by Allison Leave a Comment

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) has something for everyone: swashbuckling romance, action and adventure, mystery, fantasy, and lavish costumes and sets. This RKO Radio Pictures release stars Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Maureen O’Hara in a good, old fashioned popcorn movie filmed in eye-popping, glorious Technicolor.

In Persia, during the time of the Caliph Harun-Al-Rashid, lived Sinbad the Sailor (played with great style and verve by Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) As the film begins, Sinbad regales a group of men with tales of his many adventures. When they grow tired of listening to the same old stories, Sinbad spins a yarn about his “eighth voyage.”

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

The Story of Sinbad the Sailor

One day near Basra, Sinbad and his friend Abbu (the amusing George Tobias) salvage a baggala (or ship) whose crew has been mysteriously poisoned. Exploring the baggala, Sinbad discovers a map with directions to the lost treasure of Alexander the Great located on the island of Deryabar.

He also notices that one of the ship’s stained glass windows contains the royal seal of Prince Ahmed, the lost ruler of Deryabar. Since the royal seal matches the pattern on the medallion he has been wearing since childhood, Sinbad (who doesn’t know who his parents are) wonders if he could be Prince Ahmed!

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad decides to follow his fate and sail to Deryabar but the map suddenly disappears.

As the story unfolds, Sinbad becomes involved with other characters that can help him find the way to Deryabar. He falls for the beautiful Shireen (Maureen O’Hara), mistress of the ruthless and powerful Emir of Daibul (Anthony Quinn), but she and Emir both want to claim the treasure.

Sinbad The Sailor (1947) Anthony Quinn Maureen O'Hara Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Shireen, The Emir of Daibul and Sinbad

Shireen has shifting loyalties, between Sinbad, the Emir and her own self interest, and can Sinbad really trust her?

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad’s barber Melik (played by Walter Slezak in a skillfully acted supporting role) claims to have seen and memorized the stolen map to Deryabar. Melik also wants to get his hands on the fortune. Then there is a shadowy murderous figure known only as “Jamal” who will stop at nothing to seize the treasure of Alexander the Great (Jamal is revealed near the end of the movie.)

Sinbad The Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Walter Slezak

Sinbad on the baggala with Melik

The storyline revolves around this quest for lost riches. The film culminates with the main characters arriving in Deryabar at the ruins of Alexander the Great’s palace. There Sinbad meets his father the Aga and learns his true identity, Shireen must decide between the Emir and Sinbad, and Melik and Emir seek tremendous wealth.

Sinbad’s father says that true happiness (the real “treasure”) is found in the mind and the heart, not in material things, and that’s the moral of the story. Indeed, we see that characters greedy for money and power are destroyed, while those who love unselfishly without a thought to gold and priceless treasures are rewarded with joy and fulfillment.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) was Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s first film after five years in the Navy. With The Prisoner of Zenda, The Corsican Brothers and Sinbad the Sailor on his acting resume, he moved firmly into swashbuckling territory. However, box office results for Sinbad were modest, reflecting the post war audience’s declining interest in the type of swashbuckler films that made his father Douglas Fairbanks a superstar.

Sinbad has some swashbuckling, but it’s hampered by a script that emphasizes verbosity over thrilling action, so it never reaches the level of a masterpiece like Fairbanks Sr.’s The Thief of Baghdad (1924).

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Doug Jr.’s Sinbad is an homage to his famous father Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

Some aspects of the film feel uncomfortable: the stereotypes, the whipping of galley slaves and scenes of women confined to a harem. Emir treats feisty Shireen like a possession. It’s ludicrous the way the actors are done up in heavy dark makeup to play Arabs and an Asian.

Despite these problems, I still recommend this film.

If you can overlook its flaws, this is an interesting movie which glides along as silky smooth as Sinbad the Sailor’s satin cape.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Directed by Richard Wallace, this film offers stunning cinematography by George Barnes, a lush, sweeping score by Roy Webb, dazzling set design and glorious 40s Technicolor!

The production values are astonishing yet a little quaint, which adds to its appeal, as the film’s atmosphere couldn’t be duplicated with modern digital effects.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

From the sapphire tones of the sea to Ms. O’Hara’s bright red hair, the vibrant, saturated colors and images are unforgettable.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. radiates elegance and charm as Sinbad: lover, showman, adventurer, teller of tall tales. He has wonderful chemistry with Maureen O’Hara, who makes a fine Shireen, strong and gorgeous (O’Hara was the Queen of Technicolor!) Jane Greer shines in a small role as Shireen’s servant. It’s fun to watch veteran character actors like Alan Napier, George Tobias and Walter Slezak make the most of their supporting roles.

Sinbad the Sailor: Film Fashion

Sinbad the Sailor features beautiful costumes by Edward Stevenson. The actors and actresses wear dazzling Joseff of Hollywood jewelry. Here are some of Sinbad’s stylish film moments:

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) Stylish Movies Maureen O'Hara

The silk gown worn by Maureen O’Hara sold at auction for $4,480.

Sinbad the Sailor (1947) is available to buy at Amazon and shop.tcm.com.

(Images: The Movie Stills Database, Doctor Macro, eBay. All screen captures by Allison at CelluloidandLipstick.com)

Filed Under: Classic Films, Favorite Films, Featured Tagged With: action adventure, actors, actresses, Anthony Quinn, costume design, costume dramas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., jewelry, Joseff of Hollywood, Maureen O'Hara, movie reviews, movies, Sinbad the Sailor (1947), stylish movies, swashbuckling, Walter Slezak

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

August 11, 2015 by Allison 1 Comment

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)  Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Ronald Colman

“Somebody once called fidelity a fading woman’s greatest weapon and a charming woman’s greatest hypocrisy. And you’re very charming…” –Rupert of Hentzau, from the film The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

I love a good swashbuckling adventure, done up in romantic 30s celluloid style. As a girl, I adored young Cary Grant in Gunga Din, which starred another beautiful actor who caught my eye, the dashing Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. When The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) also starring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was playing on TCM, I tuned in to see Doug. I’m so glad I did, as this film has it all: talented and charismatic actors, a well crafted script, stylish costumes and sets, breathtaking action sequences and a wry sense of humor.

Then why is The Prisoner of Zenda overlooked and underrated?

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Review

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Poster

The film’s plot revolves around the power struggle for the throne of an unnamed European kingdom. As the movie begins, English gentleman Rudolf Rassendyll (played by Ronald Colman) goes on a fishing trip where he encounters Fritz (David Niven) and Colonel Zapt (C. Aubrey Smith), two aides to the about to be crowned King Rudolf V (also played by Colman).

The men are astounded by the striking resemblance between the king and Rassendyll (who turns out to be King Rudolf’s distant cousin). The night before the coronation, King Rudolf is drugged by his half brother Michael (Raymond Massey), so Fritz and Zapt convince Rassendyll (the doppelganger) to be crowned in King Rudolf’s place, impersonating the king until the rightful royal can be restored to the throne.

All sorts of complications arise, as black hearted Michael schemes to eliminate King Rudolf, seize the throne for himself, and marry King Rudolf’s intended bride the Princess Flavia (Madeleine Carroll). When Michael’s henchman Rupert of Hentzau (the delicious Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) kidnaps the drugged King Rudolf and hides him in Zenda Castle (where he’s now the “Prisoner of Zenda”), Rassendyll must find a way to penetrate the castle, free the king, and fend off Hentzau, in one of the most thrilling sword fights ever filmed…

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Movie Poster

There have been several filmed versions of the popular “Prisoner of Zenda” story, but this 1937 movie is the best, due to the pitch perfect casting and excellent performances.

Much of the film’s success hinges on the work of Ronald Colman, who’s a pleasure to watch as he handles the dual role of Rudolf Rassendyll/King Rudolf with ease. Rassendyll’s amused, sardonic air keeps the film from becoming too heavy handed.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Ronald Colman

The same can be said for two supporting players, David Niven and C. Aubrey Smith. The Prisoner of Zenda was a breakthrough role for Niven and he relishes all the dialogue and comedic bits he is given throughout the movie. C. Aubrey Smith is always a welcome sight; he’s an old hand at performing, the ultimate character actor, and a treasure. These British actors bring such flair and elegance to the film that it’s hard to imagine Zenda without them.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) lobby card 5

British actress Madeleine Carroll, another underrated and all but forgotten performer, exudes star quality as Princess Flavia, the woman destined to marry King Rudolf but who falls in love with his twin, Rassendyll. She’s not an accomplished actress; she doesn’t have to be, she’s a natural.

Carroll, one of the most beautiful silver screen actresses, doesn’t need to “act” the purity, morality, and radiance of Flavia, she simply embodies it, gracing the film with her presence in sweet love scenes with Rassendyll. The camera loves her, and when she gazes up while wearing a glittering crown, I get chills. It’s an unforgettable classic cinema moment.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Ronald Colman Madeleine Carroll

The other female lead, Mary Astor (playing the role of Black Michael’s mistress Antoinette) always impresses me with her beauty, range, warmth and intelligence. Astor’s character is described as a “woman of the world” who is hopelessly in love with Michael, imploring him to marry her instead of seeking the throne and a marriage of convenience with Flavia.

I admire Astor’s versatility. In Red Dust, she played the ingenue like Madeleine Carroll, but here she makes the most of a small but significant role. She must be a gifted actress to make us believe her knowing, mysterious character could be so devoted to a dud like Michael (played by Raymond Massey, the film’s only lackluster performance).

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Mary Astor Ronald Colman

The amazing Mary Astor behind the scenes with Ronald Colman

In classic films, I notice “good girls” and “bad girls” and a woman had to choose a side. Astor falls into the latter category; she wears a lot of dark clothing and veils and hangs around murky castles conducting clandestine meetings, rebuffing Hentzau’s advances (he wants to come to her room…) Quite a contrast to the “good girl” Princess Flavia, who wears white a lot and is referred to as an “insipid flaxen haired doll.”

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) lobby card 2

I love both the ladies in this film. Carroll is breathtaking but in my opinion, Mary Astor almost steals the show from Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. as Hentzau. In fact, I’d love to see a movie starring the two of them, all about their Zenda characters!

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) lobby card

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is the best thing about The Prisoner of Zenda. His Rupert of Hentzau is one of the great cinema villains, all epaulets, white gloves and cigarettes.

Fairbanks, Jr.’s performance is vital to the film; without him, Zenda wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun.

He’s delightfully mercurial, steel wrapped in velvet, romancing Mary Astor’s character one minute, menacing Rassendyll the next, keeping us off balance, always wondering what his evil henchman will do next.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) Douglas Fairbanks Jr Hentzau

Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man…

And he looks amazing too! With his lithe dancer’s body and urbane manner, Doug displays incredible, swashbuckling style. He was born to wear all the Zenda costumes. What a matinee idol, something to dream on! (One of the most beautiful men ever…)

Fairbanks, Jr. creates such a multidimensional villain that it’s unsettling: he confuses our sensibilities by making a morally reprehensible character so seductive and appealing.

(What does it say about us if we’re secretly attracted to Doug as Hentzau? What if we find him more desirable than Rassendyll? Maybe characters like Rupert of Hentzau and films like Zenda allow us to explore our shadow side in a safe, cinematic way…)

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. The Prisoner of Zenda

I’m amazed at how Fairbanks, Jr. comes up with so many layers that aren’t in the wonderful script. The subtly exaggerated eye rolling and body language are reminiscent of the old days of silent film, but he makes it all work. Rupert seems sweet enough on the surface, always laughing, smoking, throwing barbs and trading quips, but don’t cross him or he will strike! Hentzau’s sunny side makes his heinous deeds seem all the more dastardly, because we simply don’t expect them from such a dashing, beautiful man.

It’s unfair that Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. didn’t receive more acclaim for playing Rupert of Hentzau and for his entire body of work. Maybe it’s because he makes it look so easy! He’s so good looking and personable and joyful that all his hard work seems effortless.

Some actors in the celluloid vault are unsung performers who don’t always get the credit they deserve (stars like Monty Clift, Kay Francis, and I could go on and on…) One of the joys of Celluloid and Lipstick is celebrating my favorite overlooked performers.

I hope as new audiences discover Zenda, it will shine a light on Doug and he will be remembered as one of the great actors of the Golden Age of Cinema.

The Prisoner of Zenda: Underrated Film

We don’t have films like The Prisoner of Zenda these days. In Zenda, everything is heightened, like Shakespeare’s classics, and more theatrical than modern, realistic films.

In the digital era, we get our thrills from car crashes, explosions and computerized special effects, and don’t have the patience for something as lyrical and poetic as The Prisoner of Zenda.

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) lobby card 3

In the celluloid age, it took a lot more skill, subtlety and subtext to communicate danger and Zenda did it in such a refined, classy way, through the performances, the dialogue, and the atmosphere. I appreciate the beauty and romanticism of films like The Prisoner of Zenda, qualities often lacking in the digital age.

Watch The Prisoner of Zenda for Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.’s performance as Hentzau, one of the best villains of all time. This movie offers such fine acting, writing and storytelling; I’ve often wondered why it’s not better known. On a cold winter night or a balmy summer evening, escape with me to Zenda, and get swept away to a land of castles, beautiful damsels, mythical kingdoms and handsome gentleman. Give this film a chance and I think you’ll agree: The Prisoner of Zenda is great entertainment and an underrated masterpiece.

(Images: Wikimedia Commons, The Movie Poster Database, The Movie Stills Database, lobbycards.net, and fanpix.net.)

Filed Under: Classic Films, Favorite Films, Featured Tagged With: action adventure, actors, C. Aubrey Smith, costume dramas, David Niven, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Madeleine Carroll, Mary Astor, movie reviews, movies, Ronald Colman, swashbuckling, TCM, The Prisoner of Zenda, The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

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Allison West

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  • Stylish Movies: Sinbad the Sailor (1947)
  • Academy Awards Red Carpet 2016 Best Dressed Actresses
  • SAG Awards Red Carpet 2016 Best Dressed Actresses
  • Golden Globes Red Carpet 2016 Best Dressed Actresses
  • Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Birthday Photo of the Day
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