Simbad, o Marujo

I saw this film perhaps three times on TV, as a kid in the 1950s. I always thought it was black & white, because I saw it only on a B&W TV. I rewatched it recently for the first time in over 40 years, & it sure has changed! Or more likely, I sure have changed. Of course, it's in color, not B&W. What seemed like a great mystery to me then is now fairly obvious. And Fairbanks Jr., who seemed to me the best of all Sinbads, now seems a bit over the top in his role. Not that those are bad comments, they're just different than I had remembered. The colors are amazingly bright & vivid for a 1947 film, which both adds interest & takes away from the mystery of what I had seen in B&W. Fairbanks grandiose character portrayal (arm flourishes & almost ballet-like movements) actually works well, because Sinbad is a braggart who is disbelieved by many, & has a self- confident air; he's also a fellow who's had eight amazing voyages & has escaped dozens of monsters & difficult situations. Sinbad refers to some of his previous exploits (the Roc & the Cyclops, for example); it would have been nice to see a couple of monsters or mythical beings in this film. With minimal special effects, the plot becomes rather talky, & there's a repetition of escapes & fight scenes that lack variety & seem too staged. I would call this a kid's film, although the dialog is a bit too poetic & difficult for many kids. As a film for adults, it's a bit too soft with too little action, although there's lots of romantic elements for those viewers who enjoy that. There are three nice surprises to the plot which still hold up well, so stick with it to the end. I would no longer call this my favorite Sinbad film, but it's still enjoyable as a light adventure-romance. I rate it 6/10.

Simply stated, Douglas Fairbank, Jr. makes this film an effective tribute to his father's much more enjoyable classic "The Thief of Bagdad". Everything from the setting, the story, and the characters mirror that classic silent film. Fairbank, Jr.'s gestures, movements, and most notably his mock laughter towards his adversaries denote his father's performance.

Sadly, the film itself does not so nobly mirror "Thief". From bad dialog, poor effects, and an uninspired story we're left with an average adventure film. Only the performances of the actors and the beautiful Technicolor photography raise this film from mediocrity.

Maureen O'Hara as the "princess" provides a strong, sexy female lead to this male dominant cast. Walter Slezak chews up the scenery as a slimy heavy. Even Anthony Quinn gets into the act as a competitor to Fairbanks for O'Hara and the inevitable "treasure".

Fairbanks provides the best performance of the cast, one more compelling if you've seen any of his father's films. He captures his father's charm brilliantly. Unfortunately, he lacks his father's physical prowess as is evident by the abundant use of stunt doubles.

I casually recommend this film to anyone who enjoys Fairbanks, Sr. films, pirate films, or to anyone who just likes looking at Maureen O'Hara--in Color! If you can find a copy of this film on video check it out.

During his film career Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. could probably have done more films along the line of Sinbad the Sailor. But my guess is that he didn't want to be typecast in quite the same way as his father was. Still it's a treat to watch him in this and in other films like The Fighting O'Flynn, The Exile, and The Corsican Brothers where there's more than a hint of his inheritance.

Sinbad the Sailor is the Baron Munchausen of the Islamic world. The stories of his seven voyages are a large part of the Arabian Nights fables.

Fairbanks shows him spinning the tall tales to the listening crowd in Basra and when they tell him to give them something new, Fairbanks relates the latest tale of his eighth voyage. Doing it in flashback that way kind of spoils the ending because it does say that he will survive to tell the tale. Nevertheless it's quite a story involving a greedy emir in Anthony Quinn and an evil magician in Walter Slezak who along with Sinbad is seeking the fabled treasure that Alexander the Great, that noted infidel, amassed during his conquests.

Of course there is that redheaded Kurdish princess played by Maureen O'Hara who has her own agenda working. In her recent memoirs Maureen full realized the ridiculousness of casting her in roles like these. But she said her philosophy was keep working and eventually the good parts will come your way.

It's an enjoyable film however as Fairbanks makes that final journey and finds what true love and happiness are all about.

The storyteller Sinbad the Sailor (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) is gathered with other men in the harbor telling his adventure seeking the island of Daryabar, where the treasure of Alexander the Great is hidden. In his journey with his friend Abbu (George Tobias), Sinbad rescues and claims property of a drifting boat; he meets the ambitious and gorgeous Shireen (Maureen O'Hara) and falls in love for her; he is chased by the evil Emir (Anthony Quinn) that is seeking the treasure to become one of the most powerful men in the world; and he meets the dangerous Melik (Walter Slezak) that also wants the treasure.

"Sinbad the Sailor" is a delightful adventure, in a type of naive movie that Hollywood seems to have forgotten in the present days. However, the success of the franchise "Pirates of Caribbean" proves that this genre is still attractive for the younger generations. The athletic Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is excellent in the lead role, showing a great chemistry with the gorgeous Maureen O'Hara and Anthony Quinn and Walter Slezak are great villains. The final twist in the very end is extremely pleasant, closing with golden key this entertaining movie. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Simbad, o Marujo" ("Sinbad the Sailor")

This is not an action adventure movie like the more recent Sinbad the Sailor movies (with the Ray Harryhausen special effects). This is a movie with great wit and outstanding dialog. Grand set design makes it visually exciting; remember, it's from the 40's so don't expect the kind of special effects we're use to today.

This is really a romantic comedy set in the time of the Arabian Nights. Sinbad is more rogue than adventure hero. You get the impression that some of his exploits are more 'tall tale' than fact. Most of all I liked the dynamic between Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Maureen O'Hara. Walter Slezak and Anthony Quinn are also very good. If you like good dialog, and romantic adventure - give it a try.