Ali Baba et les quarante voleurs (1954)
Directed by Jacques Becker

Film Review

It has to be said that this is not Jacques Becker's best film.  At worst, it is a pretty bland re-telling of a very familiar fairy tale, with lukewarm comedy, drawn-out dance routines, and a rather tatty ending.  However, for all that, the film does show some signs that this is the work of a great director.

The action is often fast and fierce, and strong characterisation is reinforced by good acting performances. Fernandel is (typically) magnificent, despite a lacklustre script which goes nowhere near to exploiting his comic potential.  Above all else though the true genius of this film - if indeed there is any - lies in the staging and photography.  The sets are meticulously detailed and constantly busy.  There are beautiful panoramic shots of Arabian landscapes which are impressive even by today's standard.  And some of the crowd scenes are truly awe-inspiring, just in terms of the numbers of people involved.   As a comic drama, the film leaves a lot to be desired.  But, concentrating on the visuals, one senses that this is a little work of art.

Film Synopsis

Once upon a time, in a small town in the East, there lived a man named Ali-Baba, a friend of the poor...  One day, Ali-Baba goes to the market on an errand for his master, the wealthy Cassim, to buy a new slave for his harem.  He returns with the beautiful Morgiane, and Cassim is more than  pleased with the purchase.  Knowing that Morgiane is unhappy with her present predicament, the well-meaning Ali-Baba sets off to buy her a parrot to lift her spirits.  As he does so, a fierce band of bandits appear and, to save himself, he hides himself in a basket.  Ali-Baba ends up being carried by the robbers back to their secret lair - a cave in the mountains which is filled with their ill-gotten gains.  Once the bandits have gone, Ali-Baba emerges from his hiding place and sees around him enough finery to make him the richest man in the whole of Arabia.  His first deed after this stroke of good fortune will be to buy Morgiane from his master.  Cassim is curious to know where his servant has acquired his sudden wealth...