Product Details

• Actors: Howard Keel, Ann Blyth, Dolores Gray, Vic Damone, Monty Woolley
• Directors: Stanley Donen, Vincente Minnelli
• Writers: Charles Lederer, Edward Knoblock, Luther Davis
• Producers: Arthur Freed
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
• VHS Release Date: February 24, 1995
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302962056
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,743 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Hollywood's excursions into Arabian Nights exotica don't come much daffier than Kismet, a 1955 MGM adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The score includes two standards, "Baubles, Bangles, and Beads" and "Stranger in Paradise," but the blend of Broadway razzmatazz and Middle Eastern culture is, to say the least, awkward. (One comic number revolves around a man about to have his hand chopped off for thievery.) There's plenty here for musical fans to enjoy, and a well-cast Howard Keel does his chesty best as an itinerant poet who fast-talks his way to riches; this was Keel's last starring role in an MGM musical. Unfortunately, Vic Damone is a wet rag as the young prince, the garish Eastman Color photography has not aged well, and director Vincente Minnelli seems not entranced by the material. Still, there is something fascinating about Dolores Gray belting out "Baghdad, this irresistible town!" as though singing the praises of Vegas or Monte Carlo. --Robert Horton

From the Back Cover

From opulent palaces to teeming bazaars to lush, moonlit gardens, Kismet is an enchanting fairy tale about a vagabond poet and his beautiful daughter who set the ancient city of Baghdad on its ear. The music includes the famous "Stranger in Paradise," "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" and "This is My Beloved." Howard Keel plays the witty poet-beggar whose quick tongue is forever getting him into trouble-and out again. Masquerading as Hajj, a famous sorcerer with magical powers, he had just the right amount of charm and bravado to fool a wicked Wazir (Sebastian Cabot) and turn a fair lady's head. She's flirtatious Dolores Gray, a wry and worldly woman who also happens to be the Wazir's number one wife. Enchanting complications abound for Ann Blyth and Vic Damone as young star-crossed lovers who are reunited in the film's grand finale. One of the most lavish musicals ever seen on screen, one viewing will seal your fate-it's Kismet!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great songs, great cast! You won't be disapointed, August 20, 1999

By A Customer

Howard Keel, Ann Blyth and Sebastien Cabot are wonderful in this version of "Kismet." Delores Gray is simply magnificent as the sultry Lalume, and I just loved Vic Damone's lovestruck Caliph. The dialogue is witty and quite ahead of its time. Songs like "Stranger in Paradise," "Night of My Nights" and "Not Since Nineveh" are unforgettable. The costumes and sets, though not historically accurate, are lovely - the lavish wedding procession remains one of my favorite film scenes.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a fabulous fantasy, November 8, 2001

By	Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

I've seen this musical countless times...it's always entertaining, and my appreciation for the performances increases with each viewing. Vocally and as a screen presence Howard Keel is superb, Ann Blyth and Vic Damone wonderful as the young lovers, and Dolores Gray sings up a storm and steals every scene she's in...her Lalume is sensational.

The sets and costumes are rich, colorful and imaginitive, and Jack Cole's choreography is terrific. The "Not Since Ninevah" number is a favorite...a big band jazz version of a Balinese dance. Robert Wright and George Forrest adapted the lovely music from themes by Borodin, and added some clever lyrics, but it's Keel and Gray that make this an irresistible treat.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars MGM's FInest!, May 21, 2003

By	Norma Pressimone (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Reviews...reviews....what's in a review ? My unprofessional opinion may not count as well as the super paid pros, but each knows what makes him/her FEEL GOOD ! And this MGM lavish musical does make the grade.

Howard Keel is as usual, his vibrant self and carries out some of the lesser known tunes quite appealingly. Both Ann Blyth - luscious and Delores Gray - superb. But my "right for casting" hit ( despite a few critics ) goes to Vic Damone. He portrays the sober young Caliph with more insight and sex appeal than most (including himself) give him credit. Bravo Damone! "This is My Beloved" and "Stranger in Paradise" rate MGM it's flair for musical film. But his "Night of My Nights" - bedazzling. You've won my Mesopotamian HEART!