When I first saw this docudrama in 1980, I was intrigued by the story. I was very much surprised that the Saudi government made an issue of this film. In essence, what goes in their country stays in their country.I will agree that keeping internal matters is a private affair for a country. However, I will also agree that we can disagree in what goes on in that country.Saudi Arabia is telling us to mind our own business when it comes to the moral affairs within that kingdom. But, Saudi Arabia should mind its own business in telling us -- the Western world -- how to conduct ourselves when it comes to freedom of expression.If there is a story to be told, then we will tell it.

What struck me most was how little has changed, here and there. Twenty-five years ago I was living in Birmingham, AL. I was aware of the program only because of the ads against it and some mild coverage in the local press about the decision of the local PBS station's decision not to air the program. Apparently, there was enough Saudi money within our local community that put enough pressure on our own PBS station to pull the plug. Anyway, the concepts and ideas in this presentation still stand the test of time. If anything, they foreshadow what has taken place all these years later. All faiths and religions are corrupted by fundamentalist interpretations. The MSM is even more vulnerable to corruption than that PBS affiliate was all those years ago.One thing that has changed is that I am now a proud citizen of New York City and I finally got to see it on Frontline. I have to wonder if Birmingham was finally lucky as well.

What struck me most was how little has changed, here and there. Twenty-five years ago I was living in Birmingham, AL. I was aware of the program only because of the ads against it and some mild coverage in the local press about the decision of the local PBS station's decision not to air the program. Apparently, there was enough Saudi money within our local community that put enough pressure on our own PBS station to pull the plug. Anyway, the concepts and ideas in this presentation still stand the test of time. If anything, they foreshadow what has taken place all these years later. All faiths and religions are corrupted by fundamentalist interpretations. The MSM is even more vulnerable to corruption than that PBS affiliate was all those years ago.One thing that has changed is that I am now a proud citizen of New York City and I finally got to see it on Frontline. I have to wonder if Birmingham was finally lucky as well.

Movie goes a long way to understanding the Mid-East frame of mind. It is still very relavant today. If anyone knows where I can still get a copy of this movie please e-mail me.