Flame of Araby (a.k.a. Flame of the Desert) is a 1951 American Technicolor adventure film directed by Charles Lamont starring Maureen O'Hara and Jeff Chandler. British film star Maxwell Reed made his American film debut in the picture. Locations were shot at three famous film locations: Vasquez Rocks, Bronson Canyon, and the Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, California.[2]

Flame of Araby
Directed byCharles Lamont
Written byGerald Drayson Adams
Produced byLeonard Goldstein
StarringMaureen O'Hara
Jeff Chandler
CinematographyRussell Metty
Edited byTed Kent
Production
company
Universal Pictures
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • December 19, 1951 (1951-12-19) (United States)
Running time
77 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$1.5 million (US rentals)[1]

Plot

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Bedouin chief Tamerlaine (Jeff Chandler) is engaged in the hunt for the legendary black stallion Shahzada. Also chasing the prize steed is Tunisian Princess Tanya (Maureen O'Hara), who desires to capture the horse to race in competition against hated brothers Borka (Lon Chaney) and Hakim (Buddy Baer), so she will not be forced to marry one of them. After a prolonged and deadly rivalry, Tamerlaine decides to join forces with Tanya to trap the stallion – and in the process, the two fall in love.[3]

Cast

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Production

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The film was originally known as Flame of the Desert.[4][5] Maureen O'Hara reportedly requested Chandler as her leading man.[6]

Critical reception

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TV Guide noted a "light diversion in the company of fiery redhead O'Hara, with the evil brothers delightfully played by Chaney and Baer."[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 'Top Box-Office Hits of 1952', Variety, January 7, 1953
  2. ^ "Flame of Araby (1952) – Original Print Info – TCM.com". Turner Classic Movies.
  3. ^ Hal Erickson (2014). "Flame-of-Araby – Trailer – Cast – Showtimes – NYTimes.com". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2014-11-04.
  4. ^ Schallert, Edwin (Apr 17, 1951). "Drama: Raoul Walsh Debates British Contract; Una Merkel in 'Goldeen Girl'". Los Angeles Times. p. B7.
  5. ^ THOMAS F. BRADY (Mar 28, 1951). "WALD AND KRASNA IN DEAL WITH ANTA: R.K.O. Producers to Make 'The Great Moments'--Academy Providing Plays, Actors Film's Title Changed". New York Times. p. 33.
  6. ^ "Drama: Russian Intrigue Will Background Gable Film". Los Angeles Times. Apr 6, 1951. p. B8.
  7. ^ "Flame Of Araby". TV Guide.
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