User reviews

Considered in France Jacques Becker's worst film,the only one that has nothing to recommend it.The story is not very well told ,which is a shame for a very famous Arabian story.Walt Disney did a whole lot better with his Aladdin.Anyway,the man who could achieve such a task in France had not yet made any movie at the time:of course it was Jacques Demy who worked wonders with "Peau d'Ane" and "the pied piper".

It was to be Becker's only color movie (he was to experiment wide screen in "Le Trou" with stunning results)and it's a pity that it was not ,say,"Casque D'or". Fernandel was too old to be a credible Ali.And the woman's lib will moan and groan when they see him on his donkey,followed by his wife who runs behind him.

This has a pretty realistic thing by that it is just the fantasy elements are pretty much just nothing except for the Open Sesame door opening, for a realism based take on it, it is ok enough since it is French made which is their style. But if they are going to call this Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves you gotta bring it for this tale but I check now it is also known as Dance of Desire, well they are already veering toward other things of focus. Kinda for the adult set.

it is strange to expect more than a nice comedy, not very sophisticated but good occasion for discover the art of Fernandel. in fact, it is one of examples of the seduction of Orient, not very far by the original story but a lovely version, less dramatic and using in smart way the classic clichés. Fernandel is the perfect Ali Baba, giving to his character a sweet vulnerability and a specific charm. and Morguiana, she is the belly dancer who knows to inspire her role from the easy elements of Oriental civilization. so, one of refuge - comedy. after a long work day.

is only actor of this movie. nice, charming, naive. a page from an old book. leaf of a death tree. a film who explore, not very well, the Arabian fascination. the recipes - Hollywood cuisine. the cast - beautiful girls like shadows of autumn. the action - childish and too precious. result - an amusing trip, few nostalgic memories and nothing else. bad thing - the possibilities to make a real interesting movie. and the choice for a sketch about fake universe. film of a legendary comedian, Ali Baba is not just temple on shoulders of Samson. it is only exercise for a public of ""plaisanteries and wist of time. but in every thing is measure. this movie is exception. for few middle expectations. so, the thief is the director. and Ali Baba is only shadow of a great comedian t end of his career.