Death of a Princess

A wonderful and deeply affecting film which is sadly still just as relevant as when it was made. The story highlights just one of the many gaping, cavernous differences in attitudes to women between our supposedly civilised selves and other parts of the world. The extreme reaction of the Saudis to the programme at the time indicates just how much of a sore nerve was touched, and since we insist on continuing to interact economically with this regime (sound familiar?) it is high time we exercised some consumer power as this seems to work much better than (for instance) military might. With the freedom to broadcast which we allegedly enjoy it is unforgivable that this has not been repeated as many times as necessary until the situation changes in this part of the world.

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.

This docudrama proved somewhat controversial in its day. The story follows a journalist as he investigates the case of Saudi Arabian Princess Mishaal who was publicly executed along with her lover for adultery. This tragic true story was made into a film via numerous interviews, many from people from the Arab world. Most of those were too afraid to appear on camera, which led to the decision to make a docudrama as opposed to a straight documentary. Needless to say, the candid nature of the film and the way it openly criticised the Saudi regime, led to calls for it to be banned from their government. Fortunately, it was not and it generated some of the biggest viewing figures of its year. Interestingly, it has never been screened in the UK since. I wonder why?

It's a highly fascinating look at Saudi Arabia and its institutionalised misogyny. The worst of it is that this was over 40 years ago and so little has progressed since. On a more positive note, the actress who played the princess - the very beautiful Egyptian Suzanne Abou Taleb - was subsequently blacklisted by Egyptian authorities but the measure had the exact opposite effect, leading to her becoming one of the most popular actresses of that country.

I waited 25 years to see this documentary. Producers Antony Thomas and David Fanning did a wonderful job piecing all the parts of the puzzle together about Death of a Princess. After 25 years, PBS finally rebroadcast the film on April 19, 2005. Way too long a wait! Little has changed in the life of a Saudi woman since 1980. She must still obtain permission to travel, attend school, and is not permitted to drive a car. Even extending a pleasant "hello" to an unknown male is forbidden. I believe Princess Misha was trying to prove a point. Unfortunately, she lost her life trying to gain be independent. It is unfortunate that she was stoned to death. Yes, I said stoned to death - she was not shot. Her boyfriend was beheaded. How sad! Even after 25 years, from her unmarked desert grave she cries out for justice. Women of Saudi Arabia need to unite against oppression and male dominance. It amazes me that she was murdered on the orders of her grandfather. I thought "family" is an important aspect of Saudi life. Apparently, because she is a woman, that didn't matter. This documentary should be made into a movie for the big screen. Hollywood, take notice!

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.