O Sheik (1921)

A charming Arabian sheik becomes infatuated with an adventurous, modern-thinking Englishwoman and abducts her to his home in the Saharan desert.

Director:

George Melford

Writers:

Edith Maude Hull (from the novel by) (as Edith M. Hull), Monte M. Katterjohn (adaptation)

Stars:

Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, Ruth Miller

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Rudolph Valentino	...	The Sheik - Ahmed Ben Hassan
Agnes Ayres	...	Lady Diana Mayo
Ruth Miller	...	Zilah - A Marriage Market Prospect
George Waggner	...	Yousaef - Tribal Chieftain (as George Waggener)
Frank Butler	...	Sir Aubrey Mayo
Charles Brinley	...	Mustapha Ali - Diana's Guide (as Charles Brindley)
Lucien Littlefield	...	Gaston - French Valet
Adolphe Menjou	...	Dr. Raoul de St. Hubert
Walter Long	...	Omair - the Bandit

Storyline

Sheik Ahmed (Valentino) desperately desires fiesty British socialite Diana (Ayres), so he abducts her and carries her off to his luxurious desert tent-palace. The free-spirited Diana recoils from his passionate embraces and yearns to be released. Only after being kidnapped by desert bandits does Diana realize how much she has grown to love Ahmed, who comes to her rescue in the nick of time.

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Plot Keywords:

sheik | desert | arab | oasis | englishwoman | 

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Taglines:

A flaming romance of desert love! Flinging away the trappings of civilization! Leaving the "lady" only a woman, the "gentleman" only a man. (Print Ad-The Milwaukee Sentinel,((Milwaukee, Wisc.)) 30 November 1921)

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

O Sheik (1921), Black Oxen (1923), and Flaming Youth (1923) were often cited by contemporary writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald as the three cinematic works which defined the cultural zeitgeist of the Jazz Age. A century later, only The Sheik (1921) has survived in its entirety.

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Quotes

Ahmed: When love is more desired than riches, it is the will of Allah.

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Alternate Versions

The version shown on American Movie Classics had a soundtrack of original music composed and performed by Roger Bellon. The running time was 80 minutes.

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Connections

Referenced in The Bob Cummings Show: The Sheik (1955)

User Reviews

super-important historically--awfully silly to some if seen today

This movie is definitely a curio from the past. It was Rudolph Valentino's most famous movie and helped to make him, for a time, the most desired man across the globe. He was, in fact, the first true "male sex symbol" as a result of his performance in this movie. So, historically, it's a very important film. However, many seeing the film today will marvel at how poorly the film translates to modern audiences and sensibilities. First, the acting is overly dramatic--even for most silent films. Second, the sexy star might be seen by many today as a rapist--considering he kidnaps the lady and ultimately forces himself on her. But, despite this, it's still an entertaining if slight piece. I doubt, considering the sex symbols of the 21st century, Valentino will turn any of you on, but it still is interesting to see who grandma and great-grandma were panting over almost a century ago!

NOTE: Since I first posted this review, I have seen quite a few more films starring Valentino. And, overall, I think THE SHEIK is among his poorest films--though his most notable. Tastes do indeed change, as today it isn't all that great. Try seeing some of his other work--it definitely is an improvement in most cases.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 November 1921 (USA)

Also Known As:

O Sheik

Filming Locations:

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1