Open Sesame!

"The legendary tale comes to life in glorious technicolor."  It sure does!  Yet, another fun film from the past to relish.  Made in the mid 1940s, this wonderful film was definitely an escapist film during those horrid WWII days.  A Universal film that had scenes you thought were filmed in the exotic Middle East.  And to "discover" the talents of Maria Montez, Jon Hall and Turhan Bey.  I am pretty sure this was an answer to another studio's film, The Thief of Baghdad, a film that was the high tech SFX film of its day.  Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves did not rely on SFX.  I think the only effect was the cave that opened its door upon the uttering of those immortal words, "Open Sesame!"  The story is full of love, adventure and those 40 thieves.  Apparently the Mongols invade Baghdad, kill the Caliph and all hell breaks loose.  Of course, being the 1940s, the film parallels what is going on in Europe.  Ironically, the actor who is the Khan, has a slight German accent (and the actor has a German surname); the flag of the Mongol hordes is red and black.  Ali Baba and his band of merry men are the resistance.  Of course, good triumphs over evil.  OK, I was at Costco when I was perusing the DVDs, what little they have now.  Nothing of major interest, except the old classics.  Well, it was purchased, opened and enjoyed.  There is nothing more satisfying than a film that relies on dialog and story and very little special effects.  I think kids today would enjoy the antics of this film.  The main actors speak with an accent, except for Jon Hall.  The extras were Mexican- listen to their accents, and ethnically they do look Middle Eastern.  Maria Montez in her lavish costumes that scream 40s fashion.  Miss Montez was actually a beautiful woman and probably helped promote the "good neighbor" policy.  Sometimes it's too bad that during this time accents prevented actors from really good roles- because of an accent, actors were relegated to exotic roles, slaves, domestics or whatever.  Turhan Bey is of Turkish-Czech descent- a handsome actor who in the 1990s was cast as a Minbari ruler in Babylon 5.  And comedic actor, Andy Devine, had his comedy relief moments.  He would be the Jack Black of this time, I think.

It looks like a costly production, based on the sets, costumes and incredible matte work.   You'll love the opening credits how the colors blend...that's a spoiler for you.  Anyway, if it is on Netflix or you find it in a bin, take a chance and get it and watch it.  In fact, start it at 2 in the afternoon...have your own Saturday afternoon matinee!  You won't be sorry!