Lo sceicco

The Sheik. Like it or not it is part of film history and as such deserves at least a look. The plot is pure romance novel, the budget was microscopic and it's true about it not being Valentino's best film. In spite of all this, the film manages to be a neat bit of escapism.

No one expected this film to succeed in spite of being based on a wildly popular best seller. But the female film going population had other ideas and The Sheik made a mint, spawned many imitations and caused an Arabia craze.

The plot involves the lovesick Sheik Ahmed abducting an English beauty to be his wife. Clearly, this is not the sort of movie that would get released today except as a direct to video. Because of this, rather than in spite of, this movie is very fascinating to modern viewers.

The Sheik is strangely enjoyable if one puts aside modern inhibitions and gets into the spirit of things. Even with that, this is not a very well made movie, just a fun one. In spite of cries for censorship in the 20's, this movie is very tame by most modern standards. Nothing I would show a child, but most certainly not as wild as what is on an average network sitcom.

If you wish to check out the legendary Valentino, I suggest viewing The Eagle or the Son of the Sheik which feature much better performances.

I can't believe all the apologist critiques. The Sheik is so enjoyable, fun and Valentino is so warm and loving with his co-star, it is a must see! (Plus I love the music that comes with it)

Remember also Valentino at this time in his life, was newly and madly in love with the love of his life, Natasha and he is just radiant throughout this whole film. It's been said that he along with the rest of the cast and crew had the time of their lives romping through the desert making this film. It truly shows.

Valentino is gorgeous in this. I watch it periodically and it leaves the sweetest feeling with me. Go on about the subject matter, about the over emphasis on gestures (it's a silent film, that was the norm) but there is nothing better than to see this gifted and talented man act while he is probably at his most happiest in life.

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.

A significant milestone in movie history and therefore should be watched as such. Viewed only by today's standards it's pretty corny and contrived, chock full of insinuated or probably insulting stereotypes, and also suffered that most terrible of happenings: the sequel was much better!

I last saw it as a teenager in 1975; all I could remember of it was chuckling at the implied strength of Ahmed's tent withstanding the sandstorm. Or of course, Diana's iron will in withstanding Ahmed's potential sexual advances. But that was the discipline that came with being white - if he had been a true Arab, well ... As usual back then, Blood is thicker than education.

Seen again, it's a reasonably well produced romantic action film, which carries you along (if you let it) to the corny and contrived ending. I may sound a bit too sarcastic, but I assure all that I thoroughly enjoyed The Sheik and thus recommend it, only don't take it too seriously.

Was Menjou on a diet in '21? I don't remember him skinnier than in this!

Sheik, The (1921)

*** (out of 4)

Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan (Rudolph Valentino) is accustom to having his wishes fulfilled by whoever he asks but he gets a challenge from an English woman (Agnes Ayres) who is more freewheeling and doesn't believe that a man owns a woman. The Sheik eventually kidnaps the woman, forcing her to his retreat in the desert where he slowly tries to force his will on her. This film has certainly become one of the landmarks of cinema as it created a brand new type of sex symbol and it forever made a legend out of star Valentino. It's strange because I really enjoyed this movie yet I really can't say why I did because there's so many negative things in the movie. For starters, you could easily call this movie both sexist and racist yet I guess no one in 1921 cared. I guess the woman who made this movie a hit didn't mind the fact that the Sheik was not only a kidnapper but also a rapist and an all around bad guy. I guess a little dark side didn't turn anyone off. I'm rather amazed at watching this film that it was such a hit and that women would drop head over hills for a man like the character here. I really don't know what it was but I guess Valentino managed to put a spell on the women in the crowd just like his character in the film. I will add that I've seen several Valentino pictures before and after them and the majority of them feature a better performance but I guess that really doesn't matter too much. I found Valentino here to be way over-the-top during certain scenes but this might be due to the rather poor direction. We have way too many silly shots of Valentino giving silly looks at the camera and it's easy to see why some critics attacked this film in 1921 because shots like these do make it come off campy. Valentino certainly knows how to play up the sex appeal but again, I'm still somewhat shocked this went over so well with women. Ayres isn't all that impressive as the female lead but we do get strong supporting performances by Adolphe Menjoy, Walter Long and Lucien Littlefield. I've read different reports of where the exteriors shots were actually filmed but wherever they were they do look terrific and add a lot to the film. The tints on the print I viewed also helped things quite a bit. I'm not sure what movie people in 2010 will make of this movie but I'm sure many would either laugh it off or be offended by it. I'm really not sure why it kept me entertained so but I had a pleasant time with the picture no matter how many flaws it did have.