THE DESERT SONG

US, 1953, 110 minutes, Colour.
Kathryn Grayson, Gordon Macrae, Steve Cochran, Raymond Massey, Dick Wesson, Allyn Ann Mc Lerie, Ray Collins, William Conrad.
Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone.

The Desert Song has had several versions - an early sound version, an up-to-date version with Nazis as villains, starring Dennis Morgan, and this 50's version with Gordon Macrae and Kathryn Grayson. The music and lyrics are by Sigmund Romberg, adapted by Max Steiner and the film is directed by Bruce Humberstone who made so many musicals at 20th Century Fox during the forties. It is conventional musical comedy material popular in its time but seems rather dated now.

1. An enjoyable musical? the reputation, the various versions? A classic musical comedy?

2. How much did the film rely on the songs, the music and the lyrics? nostalgia for this kind of musical comedy?

3. The quality of the treatment, the adaptation to the 50s, colour, artificial desert locations, costumes and style? Acceptable conventions for this kind of film?

4. Gordon Mc Crae and Kathryn Grayson as musical comedy stars, the quality of their singing and acting? Style?

5. Critics commented on the creaky plot. How appropriate a description? Nevertheless, how enjoyable these Arabian nights intrigues dressed up for the modern day? How important is the plot in a musical comedy? The blend of songs and plot, the use of background music?

6. The presentation of the Riffs, Yusef and his oppression? A comic book presentation of African locations, social questions, oppression and bloodshed? El Khobar as a Robin Hood figure and a mysterious figure leading the Riffs? How credible a character was Paul Bernard? The strengths of his character, his presence, his absences, advice to the military, willingness to undergo dangers? His heroism? How important that the audience knew that he was El Khobar?

7. Margot as heroine, her presence in Africa, her attitude towards her father? The music among the initial songs? Her reaction to advice, to Yusef and the critique of his hypocrisy? Paul Bernard as tutor? The fascination with El Khobar, her capture, falling in love with him? Happy ending? The heroine for this kind of musical comedy?

8. The contrast of Fontaine and his stiff soldiery, his work, ambitions to marry Margot? His stupidity? If is relationship with Birabeau? With the other men? The siege of the Riff town? The comment on the artificialities of soldiering?

9. The contribution of Benjy and Azurri to the plot, to comic relief, the satire on American correspondents, to the jealous dancing girl? The contribution of the exotic dances for entertainment?

10. The presentation of the Africans, the rich, the poor, the way of life? intrigue, palace plots, private armies etc?

11. How interesting is this kind of film, enjoyable? Exciting and relaxing? The ingredients for modern fairy tales?