Caravans (1978)

In 1948, at the U.S. embassy in Zadestan, a young diplomat is ordered to find the missing daughter of an influential U.S. Senator.

Director:

James Fargo

Writers:

James A. Michener (novel), Nancy Voyles Crawford (screenplay)

Stars:

Anthony Quinn, Michael Sarrazin, Christopher Lee

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Quinn	...	Zulffiqar
Michael Sarrazin	...	Mark Miller
Christopher Lee	...	Sardar Khan
Jennifer O'Neill	...	Ellen Jasper
Joseph Cotten	...	Crandall
Behrouz Vossoughi	...	Nazrullah
Barry Sullivan	...	Richardson
Jeremy Kemp	...	Dr. Smythe
Duncan Quinn	...	Moheb
Behrouz Gramian	...	Peasant Boy (as Behrooz Gueramian)
Mohamad Ali Keshavarz	...	Shakkur
Parviz Gharib-Afshar	...	Nur Mohammad
Fahimeh Amouzandeh	...	Mira
Mohammad Taghi Kahnemoui	...	Maftoon (as Mohammad Taghi Kahnemout)
Khosrow Tabatabai	...	Dancing Boy

Storyline

The story happens in 1948, in a fictional country, called Zakharstan (in the novel "Caravans" is probably Afghanistan). Mark Miller (Michael Sarazyn) is a young U.S. Embassy employee who is responsible to follow Ellen Jasper (Jennifer O'Neill), the daughter of Senator Jasper, who later has married Colonel Nazrullah (Behrouz Vossoughi) and disappeared. During the investigation, Mark Miller (Michael Sarazyn) realizes that Ellen Jasper (Jennifer O'Neill) has escaped from her husband, Colonel Nazrullah (Behrouz Vossoughi), living among a tribe whose leader is Zulffiqar (Anthony Quinn). He will fail to convince her to be reunited with his father. But, Mark Miller (Michael Sarazyn) has realized that the leader of tribe is an outlaw who resists against the government's proposals for a permanent settlement of his tribe and also with cooperation of another rebel man, Shakkur (Mohamad Ali Keshavarz), are engaged to Russian arms trafficking ...

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Plot Keywords:

tribe | russian | caravan | rebel | afghanistan | 

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Taglines:

The Power, the Sweep, the Spectacle of James Michener's Epic Desert Adventure!

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | History

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Reportedly, this movie's source author James A. Michener did not like this filmed version of his novel and took legal action against the production. The adaptation strayed a long way from the novel's storyline. The book's main character, a fugitive Nazi war criminal, was removed completely, and did not appear in the movie. There were numerous other story elements which were left out from the novel, these inciting a response from Michener.

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Alternate Versions

ABC edited 27 minutes from this film for its 1982 network television premiere.

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Connections

Referenced in MGM 40th Anniversary (1964)

User Reviews

Set in 70's pre-revolution Irain. Anglo-centric drama.

This is a rare look into the Islamic world just before the Iranian revolution, that virtually cut-off all communication with Western cultures. International intrigue, and the complexities of "cold-war" politics are just below the horizon in this all too "Ugly American" tale of the last caravan.

The tribal scenes are unequaled in their energy and authenticity. The inclusion of local clans and their customs bring forth a realism unique to modern films. Unfortunately, this cannot be said of the screen play, which is shallow and reflects western values at their worst. Acting is staged at best. No attempt at character development, much less motivation.

Spectacular filming of Iranian ruins. Biblical visions, for those with open minds,are stunning. We can only hope for a deeper glimpse.

Details

Country:

Iran USA

Language:

English Persian

Release Date:

2 November 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

Caravans

Filming Locations:

Isfahan, Iran

Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$3,930,501

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,930,501

Company Credits

Production Co:

FIDCI, Ibex Films, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

127 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1