The Thief Of Baghdad (1961)

A thief (Steve Reeves) falls in love with the Sultan's (Antonio Battistella) beautiful daughter (Giorgia Moll) who is betrothed to the evil Prince Osman (Arturo Dominici). When she becomes seriously ill, only a rare blue rose will cure her. So off the thief goes to find the blue rose but he will find danger and adventure in his quest. Although an Italian film, it is directed by the Hollywood veteran Arthur Lubin (BUCK PRIVATES). The film appears to have a bigger budget than the usual Steve Reeves films of the period allowing for better production values including the handsome Tunisian locations shot in CinemaScope by Tonino Delli Colli (ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST), beautiful costumes, art direction and design and good special effects. While it lacks the charm of the 1924 and 1940 versions, it is still a grand and colorful adventure that should make fans of fantasy cinema pleased. With Daniele Vargas, Edy Vessel and Fanfulla (FELLINI SATYRICON).