The Desert Song [VHS]
![The Desert Song [VHS]](/images/The-Desert-Song-VHS-6303017991-L.jpg)
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VHS Movie Reviews of The Desert Song [VHS]
Movie Review: Thrilled again!
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie was as I remembered seeing it in the 1950's. Gordon Macrae is the handsome dashing hero, who happens to have one of the greatest singing voices ever. (He was Curly in Oklahoma.) So the movie is a bit smuchly! It is still one of the most romantic movies ever. If you want all the music of the operetta, you'll have to buy an audio recording. But still all the favorites are here. Pop some popcorn, light the fire, put your feet up, and enjoy.Movie Review: a great musical
Summary: 5 Stars
Katheryn Grayson and Joel Mcrea are delightful in this musical.It's romantic with some great songs and costu,es. It has the lovely desert scenes. It's a must see musical film to see over and over.
Movie Review: Only passing resemblance to the stage version
Summary: 1 Stars
The movie version of "The Desert Song," with Gordon MacRae and Kathryn Grayson, is an okay musical movie, but in many significant respects it bears only a passing resemblance to the stage version. Having participated in the chorus of a high school production of Desert Song in 1953, I was very much disappointed in the movie. The name of the female lead in the stage version is Margot Bonvalet, and the name of her opposite number is Pierre Birabeau, son of the French General. The name of his rival for the affections of Margot is Paul Fontaine. Pierre is portrayed as a weak, indecisive individual. However, he also masquerades as The Red Shadow, leader of the Riffs, a group resisting the French colonial government.
The movie distorts these relationships by making Margot the daughter of the General and eliminating Paul Fontaine altogether. Unfortunately, the important and amusing musical byplay between Paul, Pierre, and Margot also vanishes.
Ali ben Ali and Sid El Kar, who sing "Let Love Come As Some Rare Treasure" and "If One Flower Grows Alone In Your Garden" are absent, as is the scene where they sing those selections and Pierre responds with one of the great love songs of American musical theater, "One Alone."
The rousing chorus numbers when the French troops return home are absent, as is any evidence of the treachery of Azuri, the native girl who is in love with The Red Shadow.
The movie version is passable entertainment for one unfamiliar with the stage version, but it is a pale shadow of the stage masterpiece.
Movie Review: The Desert Song Fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie I enjoyed the most the songs are wonderful, The color great, Fun musical for the whole family. Love the music, costumes and the dancing. GREAT! GREAT!Movie Review: Love those old musicals!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love those old musicals, and Gordon Macrae's wonderful baritone makes this one of my favorites. Macrae is a Clark Kent-ish anthropologist: mild, scholarly, and uninterested in love, also disguised as "the man of action" El Khobar, the secret Riff leader, dedicated to protecting the desert people in time of need. To spice up the plot enter Margot: the vibrant and capricious general's daughter who is searching for excitement and love. Add to this the hilarious gossip columnist who will risk anything to get his story, a jealous palace dancer rival for El Khobar's love, a dastardly villain, and a hauntingly beautiful musical score, along with the backdrop of the beautiful African desert. This operetta acheives a wonderful balance of romance, comedy, action, and music that you just don't see anymore!