I've never read any of the Arabian mythology, only seen adaptations of it. "The Thief of Baghdad" is one such adaptation, and it delivers exactly what it promises. If you're looking for action and adventure, this is the movie for you. There aren't any genies, mind you. Just the typical things that we find in sword-and-sandal flicks.The says at the beginning that it got filmed in Tunisia. Tunisia of course made news in 2011 as the birthplace of what became known as Arab Spring. Around the time that they were making the movie, both Tunisia and Iraq - that is, Baghdad's location - had had coups in the past few years, and had more in later years. But Iraq didn't come to the world's attention until the Gulf War (and even during the second Gulf War large numbers of Americans couldn't find Iraq on a map), and Tunisia didn't come to the world's attention until its populace overthrew Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Even so, scenes from two of the most famous movies got filmed in these countries: part of "Star Wars" got filmed in Tunisia and the beginning of "The Exorcist" got filmed in Iraq.Anyway, "The Thief of Baghdad" is simply a fun movie. Steve Reeves always played cool roles.

It's been about thirty years since I'd last seen this film, but thanks to the miracle of Youtube I was able to watch a rather cut up version via compressed video.I have to admit right now that the black and white silent version with Douglas Fairbanks is actually a more thorough film, and superior in many respects. But this version has a very delightful charm to it.And truly, that's about all I can say about it. I really don't want to get into the technical aspects of the film because they come from the stone-age of modern special effects. The shots are basic, and the acting (actor depending) is basic.The story itself sticks with the basic Thief of Baghdad legend, but diverges here and there in a unique Italian way.A treasure from the past sees life again via the internet. Still, what I wouldn't give to have the original restored version on DVD. preferably in hi-def.I have a personal fondness for the film. Its beautiful score married to some imaginative imagery makes it sight for sore eyes in today's day and age of CGI SFX and highly-sexed cinema. I only wish I owned a copy.

You have got to give Steve Reeves credit....a small known little fact is that he was the most famous movie star in the US in 1959.....his "Hercules Unchained" and "Last Days of Pompeii" were two of the biggest grossing films of the entire year per Variety. Reeves got his big break playing Hercules and then decided to branch out doing historical characters of all types.....two of his very best were "Morgan the Pirate" and "The Thief of Bagdad".....both films were reportedly made in 1960 and released in 1961. For some strange reason both of those films are nearly impossible to find on DVD or video...back in the early 90s there was an ample supply of "Morgan the Pirate" VHS films available at the video stores and then they disappeared bought up by collectors. "Thief of Bagdad" was one of Reeves most enjoyable films.....beautiful technicolor photography, and that haunting soundtrack at the start of the film and when Reeves was riding Pegasus, the winged horse. Reeves combined with his love interest Princess Amina, played by the gorgeous Georgia Moll are a treat....some might remember they also teamed up in "The White Warrior".....Reeves is totally out of his element playing the rogue thief who prowls over Bagdad making a living out of thievery.....however, he finds his love for Princess Amina too great and must go on a mission with several other brave men looking for a mysterious blue rose that will restore the Princess to health after a mysterious illness plagues her. Georges Chamarat plays a genie who comes and goes throughout the film and is a real delight playing an imp who admires the Thief....some good special effects for that time with trees that strangle men, invisible oafs on a boardwalk, flying horses, and as always a beautiful queen (Edy Vessel) to tempt Reeves with sex and mystery. All in all people of all ages will love this film since it seems to appeal to all ages....tales of the arabian knights have been around for many years, played by Sabu in the 40s and 50s but Reeves gives an upper crust presence to the Thief no other actor could give.....too bad Reeves career did not last longer than it did, but he made his millions and bought a horse ranch in Montana and died in 2000.....he was the most admired bodybuilder of all time and still remains very popular to this day.

I don't often beg but please release it on DVD. Make an old man happy. This is another of the marvellous range of Steve Reeves movies that came out in the 60s. I think this is my favourite because it is almost a comedy. It simply has an air of cheerfulness, joy and happiness about it, which you can't really say about any other of his films. The supporting cast is also excellent with a soundtrack that I remember fondly. Reading these comments, if anyone does, you may realise that I am padding to get in the 10 lines of text that are the minimum. The point of the comment is to try to get someone to release it so to reiterate - some company release it - it's better than some of the dross that comes out.