User Reviews

The storyteller Sinbad the Sailor (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) is gathered with other men in the harbor telling his adventure seeking the island of Daryabar, where the treasure of Alexander the Great is hidden. In his journey with his friend Abbu (George Tobias), Sinbad rescues and claims property of a drifting boat; he meets the ambitious and gorgeous Shireen (Maureen O'Hara) and falls in love for her; he is chased by the evil Emir (Anthony Quinn) that is seeking the treasure to become one of the most powerful men in the world; and he meets the dangerous Melik (Walter Slezak) that also wants the treasure.

"Sinbad the Sailor" is a delightful adventure, in a type of naive movie that Hollywood seems to have forgotten in the present days. However, the success of the franchise "Pirates of Caribbean" proves that this genre is still attractive for the younger generations. The athletic Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is excellent in the lead role, showing a great chemistry with the gorgeous Maureen O'Hara and Anthony Quinn and Walter Slezak are great villains. The final twist in the very end is extremely pleasant, closing with golden key this entertaining movie. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Simbad, o Marujo" ("Sinbad the Sailor")

Simply stated, Douglas Fairbank, Jr. makes this film an effective tribute to his father's much more enjoyable classic "The Thief of Bagdad". Everything from the setting, the story, and the characters mirror that classic silent film. Fairbank, Jr.'s gestures, movements, and most notably his mock laughter towards his adversaries denote his father's performance.

Sadly, the film itself does not so nobly mirror "Thief". From bad dialog, poor effects, and an uninspired story we're left with an average adventure film. Only the performances of the actors and the beautiful Technicolor photography raise this film from mediocrity.

Maureen O'Hara as the "princess" provides a strong, sexy female lead to this male dominant cast. Walter Slezak chews up the scenery as a slimy heavy. Even Anthony Quinn gets into the act as a competitor to Fairbanks for O'Hara and the inevitable "treasure".

Fairbanks provides the best performance of the cast, one more compelling if you've seen any of his father's films. He captures his father's charm brilliantly. Unfortunately, he lacks his father's physical prowess as is evident by the abundant use of stunt doubles.

I casually recommend this film to anyone who enjoys Fairbanks, Sr. films, pirate films, or to anyone who just likes looking at Maureen O'Hara--in Color! If you can find a copy of this film on video check it out.

"Sindbad the Sailor" is a lovely film to look at and it's obvious that RKO really pulled out all the stops to get this made. While this was a lesser studio in Hollywood, here they use nice garish 1940s Technicolor (the type classic movie fans love--despite its being very unrealistic), lavish sets and tons of costumes. It was obviously a prestige picture--and one on which the studio lavished a lot of attention. Because of this, it's odd that the dialog totally stank. All too often, people talked like they were either making speeches or doing an antiquated play--and in the process, the whole thing came off as stilted and silly. It's a shame, really, as I wanted to like this film a lot, but with B-movie writing, it only was mediocre.

In the lead was Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and I assume he was chosen because of his father. Fairbanks, Sr. made a huge mark in the 1920s starring in fabulous action-adventure films like "The Thief of Bagdad" and "The Mark of Zorro" (among many others). His athleticism and wonderful screen presence must have played a huge part in their selecting his son for this 1947 film--especially since Fairbanks, Jr. was a very good actor but really was NOT known for this sort of film. However, despite being far less athletic than Dad, he was quite handsome and very good here...but his dialog....yecch! Overall, the film is an enjoyable escapist film with dialog that will make decent writers cry. The film has action, lovely sets, Maureen O'Hara (playing her rather clichéd petulant woman once again) and is pure escapism. But it plays like a B-movie with a great budget.

I saw this film perhaps three times on TV, as a kid in the 1950s. I always thought it was black & white, because I saw it only on a B&W TV. I rewatched it recently for the first time in over 40 years, & it sure has changed! Or more likely, I sure have changed. Of course, it's in color, not B&W. What seemed like a great mystery to me then is now fairly obvious. And Fairbanks Jr., who seemed to me the best of all Sinbads, now seems a bit over the top in his role. Not that those are bad comments, they're just different than I had remembered. The colors are amazingly bright & vivid for a 1947 film, which both adds interest & takes away from the mystery of what I had seen in B&W. Fairbanks grandiose character portrayal (arm flourishes & almost ballet-like movements) actually works well, because Sinbad is a braggart who is disbelieved by many, & has a self- confident air; he's also a fellow who's had eight amazing voyages & has escaped dozens of monsters & difficult situations. Sinbad refers to some of his previous exploits (the Roc & the Cyclops, for example); it would have been nice to see a couple of monsters or mythical beings in this film. With minimal special effects, the plot becomes rather talky, & there's a repetition of escapes & fight scenes that lack variety & seem too staged. I would call this a kid's film, although the dialog is a bit too poetic & difficult for many kids. As a film for adults, it's a bit too soft with too little action, although there's lots of romantic elements for those viewers who enjoy that. There are three nice surprises to the plot which still hold up well, so stick with it to the end. I would no longer call this my favorite Sinbad film, but it's still enjoyable as a light adventure-romance. I rate it 6/10.

This ¨Sinbad the sailor¨ (1947) displays an all-star-cast formed by Douglas Fairbanks Jr , Maureen O'Hara and Anthony Quinn , among others . Riveting and swashbuckling film with amazing adventures in which Sinbad searches for a valuable treasure located in the Sea of Oman , the course followed by Alexander the Great . The picture talks about the hero Sinbad and his extraordinary and surprising adventures ; being based on loose recounting of ¨The 1.001 Arabian Nights¨ tale . O Masters , o noble persons , o brothers , know you that in the time of the caliph Harum-Al-Rassihd , there lived on the golden shore or Persia a man of adventure called Sinbad . Strange and wondrous were the tales told of him on his voyages . But who, shall we surmise gave him immortality ? . Who , more than all other songs of Allah , spread glory to the name of Sinbad? Who else , o brother but . And now , know ye , all believers of the world of Sinbad , that light voyage , this is the end . This imaginative flick based on ancient legends , deals with Sinbad The Sailor (Douglas Fairbanks) who travels until an island called Deryabar to discover a fantastic treasure of Alexander the Great . Simbad sets off in search for the magnificent treasure and aboard a ship along with a motley crew (Walter Slezak , George Tobias , Mike Mazurki) , but he evil Amir (Anthony Quinn) wants the treasure for himself to own the world. They will have to face off several dangers , villains and henchmen .

In the movie there are mythology , emotions , adventures , fantasy , swashbuckling and it's pretty bemusing . It is an exciting fantasy-adventure and pretty amusing . Self-mocking and hamhanded , but some brief moment boring for its confusion . Don't see this one for the script , which almost doesn't exist ; otherwise mildly fun . Douglas Fairbanks Jr fits perfectly in his eminent daddy's swashbuckling shoes . Support cast is frankly good such as Walter Slezak , George Tobias , Jane Greer , Mike Mazurki , among them .The runtime is adequate with various incidents and sub-plots . Director Richard Wallace works his magic around a well-developed screenplay and engaging acting by the entire performers . The confrontation amongst the protagonist and enemies is mesmerizing and fascinating , plenty of leaps and bounds in which Sinbad runs , hits , fights and smiles . Cinematography by George Barnes is colorful , brilliant and shining . classic music composer Roy Webb creates a magnificent and astounding score . The motion picture was rightly directed by Richard Wallace , though confusing and sometimes dull . It's all in fun , and it is fun . The film obtained much success and achieved enough Box Office . The yarn will appeal to fantasy and fancy imagination buffs , well catching .

Other pictures about the great hero Simbad are the followings : ¨Harryhausen's Sinbad trilogy¨ , all of them full of special effects with great monsters and breathtaking scale models that are made by the Dynamation system and stop-motion created by means of stop-motion technique by the magician Ray Harryhausen , Ray can once again claim credit for the unusual and marvelous mythical creatures springing to life , as : ¨The 7th voyage of Simbad¨ , directed Nathan Juran with Kerwin Matthews and Kathryn Grant ¨ , ¨Simbad and the eye of tiger¨ directed Sam Wanamaker with Patrick Wayne and Jane Seymour , ¨The Golden voyage of Sinbad¨ by Gordon Hessler with John Philip Law , Caroline Munro and Tom Baker . Furthermore , an Italian muscle epic titled ¨Sinbad of the seven seas¨ by Enzo G Castellari with Lou Ferrigno , Alexandra Martines and John Steiner . In addition , Hollywood cartoon movie ¨Simbad the legend of seven seas¨ (2003) produced by Dreamworks , a combo of computer generator and hand-drawn animation by Patrick Gilmore and Tim Johnson with voices from Brad Pitt and Catherine Zeta Jones .

This is a cinematic realisation of the lavish Arabian Nights storybooks you read as a child. They don't put a foot wrong: it's all very predictable and undemanding, and everyone plays their appointed parts very satisfactorily. Enjoyable nonsense.

When I was a kid I saw this and thought it was great fun. I especially loved the gorgeous technicolor and Walter Slezak's hammy but enjoyable performance as the villain.

Seeing it again recently on TCM, I was not quite as enchanted with the whole thing. It's really much too talky, especially in the early scenes which set up the story--and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., a charming guy, tends to overact enthusiastically to overcome the fact that he is just a wee too old to be playing this kind of role. He leaps about with abandon but is never quite convincing as the daring pirate.

Maureen O'Hara was certainly a beautiful woman--but beyond that, there is little in her performance to admire. She maintains a poised, intelligent look throughout while the camera worships her, but her demeanor gives one the impression that she yearns to be elsewhere rather than being a mere decoration for the Fairbanks heroics. Likewise, lovely Jane Greer is wasted in a brief role as a servant lady.

As such, it's up to the more colorful support of Anthony Quinn, Walter Selzak and an amusing bit by Sheldon Leonard--along with George Tobias as Sinbad's sidekick--to really give the story some zest and credibility. They almost succeed--but in the end, it's merely an amusing romp with an unconvincing Sinbad and a rather dull screenplay bogged down by too much talk and little action.

The chief compensations are the gorgeously photographed stylized sets bathed in some of the best technicolor of the '40s.

Summing up: Kids will probably adore the film despite its faults.

Although beautifully photographed on highly stylized and colorful sets, the film is strangely talky and unexciting. The distinguished cast gives a lackluster performance, except for Walter Slezak. Maureen O'Hara is certainly a lovely vision, but she is as mouthy as the rest, and Jane Greer, alas, has very little to do. Doug, Jr., despite his action scenes, is not his father. The intention, perhaps, was to produce a tongue-in-cheek rendition of the tale, but it seems to be mostly tongue and not much cheek. The editing is nicely smooth, though, and one can enjoy all the colors.

At first glance, this film comes off as a pure example escapism, something that may be extremely dated, but is just plain fun. Add to that, it stars great actors like the enormously underrated Douglas Fairbanks Jr (see Little Caesar, the 1937 Prisoner of Zenda, and Angels Over Broadway to see what I mean), Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak, Anthony Quinn, and Jane Greer, AND it is in that "glorious Technicolor".

What a disappointment, lets get the redeeming qualities over with first.

Maureen O'Hara, who I'm surprised has received negative reviews for her performance, is very good in this role. Like many of her roles, her character is ahead of her time. In this film she's strong, independent, ruthless, and never once in the film shows any real vulnerability. Despite her negative qualities (she at times comes off as vain, selfish, and really only caring about number 1), she never came off as unlikable.

The sets are nice too, and they sure don't make color films like they used too.

Now on to the rest. First, there is little action, and what is offered is nothing to brag home about. This is all dialogue, there is rarely a moment when any character doesn't yap excessively. I can always handle films, even "adventures" such as these, to be more dialogue and no action, but here, all the characters (except O'Hara's) are VERY poorly developed and one dimensional, and the story is bland. And to make matters worse, the film runs about 20 minutes too long.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr, and Anthony Quinn, otherwise good actors, REALLY chew up the scenery in this one. Fairbanks seems to be impersonating his dad, and what that means is an extremely expressive and stagey performance. Quinn, on the other hand, looks constipated for the first three quarters of the film and hams it up big time as the film reaches its end.

Director Richard Wallace really made a mistake for underusing two very talented actors of the cast. Walter Slezak (who had a great character role in Wallace's "The Fallen Sparrow", you'd think the guy'd give him the same sort of attention in this one) is, like almost everyone, one dimensional, and smoldering Jane Greer is given nothing more to do then to play servant girl to O'Hara, with about ten seconds in which she gets to show some sort of character. I wouldn't have minded staring at her (looking very sexy in the background) during the whole movie, my grade may have even gone up a star or two, but she unfortunately disappears 50 minutes into the film.

If it were shorter, the hammy performances of Fairbanks and Quinn and O'Hara's presence would have made this much more entertaining, but sadly, its 2 hours too long with a weak script and a slow pace.

Not worth watching.

This Arabian Nights swashbuckler was another revisit to a film I had first come across during childhood. Considering the popularity of its titular figure, it’s odd that it has yet to be released on DVD; in fact, I had to make do with a soft and washed-out print (sourced from VHS) for this viewing. Incidentally, I had intended to schedule the film over Christmas to go with the other Arabian Nights stuff I watched back then – CHU CHIN CHOW (1934), etc. – but ended up postponing it. Now seemed like a good time to get to SINBAD due to the overlapping of various cast and crew members with such recently-viewed titles in the same vein as FRENCHMAN’S CREEK (1944), THE Spanish MAIN (1945) and AGAINST ALL FLAGS (1952).

Anyway, the film is colorful entertainment – albeit overstretched at nearly two hours – in which Douglas Fairbanks Jr. admirably emulates his iconic father’s flamboyant style, particularly his craving gestures from THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (1924). For the record, the younger Fairbanks himself appeared in a number of other swashbucklers: these include adaptations of such literary classics as THE PRISONER OF ZENDA (1937; the definitive version and, interestingly, in a villainous role – Rupert of Hentzau) and THE CORSICAN BROTHERS (1942; obviously in a dual role) as well as Max Ophuls’ typically stylish solitary excursion in the genre, THE EXILE (1947). By the way, given that this was the first cinematic Sinbad, his characteristics aren’t as yet those of the wholesome yet stoic hero featured in the later Ray Harryhausen effects-laden extravaganzas – rather he’s depicted as a rogue and a charlatan, albeit a lovable one.

Maureen O’Hara is, once again, the leading lady – even if her character isn’t as well-developed as the ones she played in either THE Spanish MAIN or AGAINST ALL FLAGS. Anthony Quinn is rather dull as an Arab potentate after a fortune in jewels and gold, the legacy of Alexander The Great lost to the ages. Walter Slezak’s character, however, is a memorable one – with a cowardly and eccentric exterior concealing his true self, a legendary ruthless villain named Jamal. Also in the cast are George Tobias as Sinbad’s comic-relief sidekick, Sheldon Leonard as a flustered auctioneer and Alan Napier, turning up towards the end as the guardian of the coveted treasure chest.

SINBAD, THE SAILOR is a gloriously colourful Arabian adventure that, as per Hollywood tradition, casts a number of western actors in Arabic parts. As somebody who grew up on the Ray Harryhausen Sinbad films, I was hoping for something in a similar vein - or indeed of the same spirit as Sabu's THIEF OF BAGDAD.

Sadly, this turns out to be nothing of the type. Instead it's a romantically-flavoured saga of tall tales and upright heroes, and of course all manner of dastardly Arabic types (including Anthony Quinn's evil emir). Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is a handsome but rather one-dimensional hero, and Maureen O'Hara his stilted love interest.

The problem with SINBAD, THE SAILOR is that it offers little of the escapsim we expect from these Eastern-flavoured tales. The action scenes, while fun, are kept few and far between, and there's a great deal of chinwagging going on. Sure, there are a few plot twists and a nice climax, but it isn't much for a somewhat lengthy film. Even worse, there are no monsters or special effects of any kind. I can imagine kids watching this and getting slightly bored with it; I know I was!

This is not an action adventure movie like the more recent Sinbad the Sailor movies (with the Ray Harryhausen special effects). This is a movie with great wit and outstanding dialog. Grand set design makes it visually exciting; remember, it's from the 40's so don't expect the kind of special effects we're use to today.

This is really a romantic comedy set in the time of the Arabian Nights. Sinbad is more rogue than adventure hero. You get the impression that some of his exploits are more 'tall tale' than fact. Most of all I liked the dynamic between Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Maureen O'Hara. Walter Slezak and Anthony Quinn are also very good. If you like good dialog, and romantic adventure - give it a try.

All during this movie,I was awaiting the special effects,that were not there.I love Arabian night tales,especially Sindbad,but where was the genie in the lamp,the flying carpet,the magical villain.The Thief of Bagdad[1940) is my all time favorites,as it incorporated all of the magic.I did like Walter Slezak in this movie,his tone of speaking is similar to peter Lorre.I did think about this movie long after it was over,so I liked it enough to give it a seven.I loved Maureen O'Hara's makeup and beautiful clothes.Also 40's color has a beauty all of its own.I thought Douglas Fairbanks was weak in this movie,physically speaking,as I envisioned a dark haired more muscular Sindbad.Costumes were outstanding.

I've seen a couple of Sinbad movies and this was the worst,Although it is not really bad.The story is not very entertaining and there are dull moments in it that pull down the tempo.The acting by Douglas Fairbanks is mediocre and the supporting roles by Maureen O'Hara and Anthony Quinn are likewise.What makes up for it are the great settings and the good use of color,yet this was standard for all the Sinbad movies I've seen.

For a real "Arabian Night" watch "The Thief of Bagdad"(1940) with Conrad Veidt and Sabu or "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad"(1958) which has some great special effects.For a good pirate movie watch the brilliant "The Crimson Pirate"(1952) with Burt Lancaster and Nick Cravat under direction of the legendary Robert Siodmak.

"Sinbad the Sailor" is not a recommendation. 5/10

Try as Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., might, he isn't the star of this unexciting epic. It's the vivid Technicolor, which was so prevalent in the 1940s. It really is stunning, especially when compared with the Technicolor of the '60s or '70s, or worse, with the quality shot on video.

It seemed that Doug wanted to pay homage and emulate the fanciful flair of his famous father, the first and one of cinema's greatest swashbucklers. If this were a silent film, where Jr's type of exaggerated action and motion were called for, his performance would have been more credible. But here, he just tends to over-do it.

As for me, I'll take Ray Harryhausen's classic Seventh Voyage Of Sinbad (1958) with Kerwin Matthews any day. I'll even go so far as to take John Phillip Law in Harryhausen's 1974 Golden Voyage Of Sinbad.

What about Pat Wayne in the finale of Harryhausen's trilogy, Sinbad & The Eye Of The Tiger (1977)? Come to think of it, I also prefer Wayne and that film to this one - by a mile.

Why? Because they're doing wonderful and amazing things in those films. They're as terrifically escapist as can be. You keep waiting for the magic in Fairbank's film, but it only rarely shows up.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. stars as the legendary "Sinbad" who has sailed the waters of Persia and beyond with many great stories to tell. And that is exactly where this movie begins as he regales his audience with his latest voyage in search of the treasure of Deryabar which Alexander the Great had deposited there many years ago. It all starts with his finding a derelict ship which he sails to Basra to claim under the law of salvage. Alas, upon arriving there he has the ship taken from him and put up for auction to the highest bidder. Fortunately, Sinbad is quite clever and uses his wits to keep possession of it. In the process he meets a beautiful noble woman by the name of "Shireen" (Maureen O'Hara) who captivates his heart but also creates some minor problems for him along the way as well. Now, rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this turned out to be an okay movie for its time. Although Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was clearly the lead actor and certainly played his part well enough I happened to like the performances of Walter Slezak (as "Abdul Melik") and Maureen O'Hara slightly better. Along with that I also enjoyed the beautiful cinematography. On the other hand, there were some scenes which were quite dull and seemed to go on for much too long. In short, this was a fairly good movie which could have been better. That said, I rate this film as slightly above average.

Postwar RKO produced some classic film noirs, but this - their second postwar Technicolor feature - was more like the nonsense they churned out after Howard Hughes bought the studio. It cost nearly two & a half million dollars but looks and sounds like a Sam Katzman quickie, populated by well-known Arabian types like Walter Slezak, Anthony Quinn, Alan Napier, George Tobias, Mike Maxurki and Sheldon Leonard; with a gallumphing score by Roy Webb.

Fairbanks Jr sails the seven seas under immobile painted clouds without ever leaving the studio, and prances about in his father's footsteps in front of sets so stylised they look Germanic; but being a talkie too much is discussed rather than shown.

Maureen O'Hara, meanwhile, (who only made it "because I couldn't afford a suspension - not with a daughter, a husband, and a household to support") wearing a harem girl outfit with big padded shoulders is more than usually incongruous as "the sweetest sweetheart of the Emir of Daibul".

Sinbad the Sailor is directed by Richard Wallace and written by John Twist and George Worthing Yates. It stars Douglas Fairbanks Junior, Maureen O'Hara, Walter Slezak, Anthony Quinn, George Tobias and Jane Greer. Music is scored by Roy Webb and Technicolor cinematography by George Barnes.

Sinbad (Fairbanks Jr.) regales all about his Eighth Voyage, where he went to the fabled island of Deryabar in search of the lost treasure of Alexander the Great.

There's so much good about Sinbad the Sailor, the lush colour photography, the skilfully constructed sets and paintings, Roy Webb's evocative score, costuming to dazzle the eyes and Fairbanks Junior with energy and athleticism to burn. The trouble is that RKO only push the boat out half way, for they have let the writers come up with a very verbose screenplay, one which is painfully stretched to nearly two hours of film! For a family fantasy adventure film there is a surprisingly small amount of action to entertain the masses. When it comes, in dribs and drabs, it's well put together and a merciful relief, but alas, more elongated passages of barely worthwhile dialogue is just around the corner.

Still, the good points in the production are reason enough to sit through the two hours. Even the casting decisions, that sees American, Irish, Austrian & Mexican actors playing Asians, are forgiven given the gusto and charm they put into their respective roles. But don't be fooled, the poster proclaimed it as "One Of The Greatest Adventures Of All Times", that would be true, if only they had shaved about 30 minutes off of the first hour! 6/10

I won't be long. Just to say that's the only movie in the Douglas Fairbank's filmography which brings him the closest to his father's one. Only in this movie, you think of Douglas Fairbanks Sr when you see Jr jumping, running everywhere as daddy did two decades earlier. It is important to notice this point, I think. For the rest, Jr played all kinds of characters. In a way, he was more complete than his father. But that's a shame that he did not make more movies like this one. He was really gifted; thanks to the genetics I guess. Watch THIEF OF BAGDAD again, the silent movie made by Raoul Walsh, then see this one again, and you'll see what I mean. He refused to play in ADVENTURE OF ROBIN HOOD and Errol Flynn became the new Douglas Fairbanks, thanks to Jr. Maybe that's the reason why Jr did not even try to imitate his dad. Flynn was there.

Sinbad the Sailor sees Douglas Fairbanks Jr in dashing form moving around with gusto and grace telling stories of his voyages to a audience in a bazaar in Basra that mixes it with tales of the Arabian nights. In a sense there is a hint of the German film of Baron Munchausen with his telling of tall tales.

The film is told in Technicolour flashbacks involving a scheming Emir (Anthony Quinn), another schemer (Walter Slezak) who along with Sinbad are looking for the lost treasure of Alexander the Great in the fabled island of Deryabar. A sultry Maureen O'Hara plays Shireen a member of the Emir's harem but who falls for Sinbad.

The film has great production values and looks good in colour but the plot is convoluted, it is also a bit silly and hammy as well. You get the feeling that its less of a swashbuckler with the added knockabout comedy which makes the film drag and the film would had been better if it had been reduced by 30 minutes.

Fairbanks gives the role of Sinbad his all, Quinn plays his part well as the calculating villain whereas other members of the cast look ill suited as darkened up Arabs.

This is a lot of fun to watch - if you like the things that are good in this movie.

It is very much a product of its time: the beginning of television. Since the one thing tv couldn't offer in 1947 was color, this movie has lavish - indeed, sometimes overdone - Technicolor.

It also has two real stars: Douglas Fairbanks Jr., who does everything right here, and Maureen O'Hara, who mostly just stands there and looks breathtakingly beautiful, with her long red hair.

The script is both a strong point and a detriment. At its best, it is very clever, with the sort of humor you find in Warner Brothers' best movies for Eroll Flynn. It is also full of tongue-twisters, which Fairbanks and O'Hara deliver with perfect, but very natural diction at remarkable speed. It's a joy to listen to them deliver their best lines so fast and so clearly. It's certainly not Shakespeare, but it's nonetheless impressive.

On the other hand, some of the script is really hokey, and that is definitely a negative.

The plot is very complicated but, in the end, of no real interest.

So, watch - and listen - to this movie for Fairbanks and O'Hara delivering their best lines, for the technicolor - and interesting sets, and for O'Hara's beauty. When they're not on the screen, you can go to the kitchen for popcorn.

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (as Sinbad) loves to tell stories, like this one. After a ship's crew is poisoned, Mr. Fairbanks Jr.'s "Sinbad the Sailor" hops on board and finds a map to Deryabar; there, he hopes to find the treasure of Alexander the Great. He also believes he may be the rightful Prince of Deryabar. A greedy couple - the alluring Maureen O'Hara (as Shireen) and her turbaned partner Anthony Quinn (as Emir) get in the way…

Colorful lethargy. The stars are much more interesting in other films, although Fairbanks Jr. is somehow engaging; at least, he tries not to look completely bored. The story lacks both focus and humor, and it is way too long. Walter Slezak as "Melik the Hairdresser" is the performance to keep your eyes on, if you watch - he is delicious...

***** Sinbad the Sailor (1/13/47) Richard Wallace ~ Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Walter Slezak, Maureen O'Hara, Anthony Quinn

When I assess the popularity of this film in the postwar period of its release and then compare viewers' reactions recently registered to that approbation, I must assert that U.S. viewers appear to have suffered two serious losses over the last 50 years. First, they apparently can no longer listen to intelligent dialogue nearly as well as they once could; and second, viewers seem to have abandoned categories of fiction for emotional predilections, for or against subject matter, actors, etc. I believe that "Sinbad the Sailor" is an interesting, beautifully-photographed and well-acted film. I suggest Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is very good in the title role, although he adopted a device of moving his hands often that is graceful but distracting. Contrary to some adverse comments, if one ignores Maureen O'Hara's Irish brogue, she is excellent, rising to one of her most rewarding earlier parts, one that taxes her to play several moods and many nuances. Walter Slezak is very fine as always as a charismatic villain, Anthony Quinn underplays a villain who only reveals his depths of evil gradually. Also, George Tobias makes nearly the perfect foil for Fairbanks' agile Sinbad. The production is much-admired, with a rich teal blue to the sea in the process shots that many never tire of enjoying.. The elaborate costumes by Edward Stevenson and Dwight Franklin are a delight; the cinematography by George Barnes and the art direction by Albert d'Agostino and Carroll Clark as well as the set decorations by Claude E. Carpenter and Darrell Silvera are all outstanding. Roy Webb contributed fine original music and the direction by Richard Wallace is to my mind intelligent and swift-paced throughout. In fact, he plays with rates of the passage of time unusually well. The convoluted script for the film retailing Sinbad's "eight' voyage" was written by John Twist from a story created by him with George Worthing Yates. The plot theme involves "being true to the best that is in oneself". To feature this, the story-line retails the finding of a derelict ship with a dead crew. Sinbad, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and his partner Tobias, boarding the ship after being marooned, manage to bring the vessel to port where it is impounded. They had found the crew had been poisoned by the ship's water. But who poisoned it, they wonder. The entire film is told as a flashback by Sinbad, recounting his unknown latest adventure. His hints about plague to potential buyers of the ship, causes no one to buy the vessel--except himself, using money stealthily stolen from the auctioneer's own purse. A beautiful woman, O'Hara, it turns out, wants to marry a wealthy prince and also wants the vessel. Meanwhile Sinbad is trying to solve a riddle, involving the broken half of an amulet that had been found about his neck when he was an abandoned baby. The image found there also appeared on a map to a fabled island where lies the treasure of Alexander the Great--a map that later disappeared from the vessel. O'Hara is being sought by the Emir, Quinn; and believes Sinbad can lead her to the wealth.And he Emir wants it and her very badly. What follows is Arabian Nights adventure I suggest at its best-- captures, ship chases, escapes, arguments between male and female, the revelation that Melik, who has sailed with Sinbad, is the poisoner, a man obsessed with the treasure also, etc. The uneasy allies all arrive at last at the mysterious island of Derriabar. Sinbad is discovered to be the ruler-philosopher's long-lost son. He must somehow save the island from the Emir, who plans to use its wealth to make himself master of the entire world. Melik has a fine death scene.Sinbad prefers honesty and O'Hara as Shireen prefers him and the ending is very obviously satisfying. This is a film about ethics, mystery, romance, adventure, dialogue, humor and misassumptions. I recommend it highly to anyone adult enough to listen to it; it was a big hit for RKO when first released. In the good cast also are Seldon Leonard, John Miljan, Jane Greer, Mike Mazurki, Alan Napier and George Chandler.

The trailer calls Sinbad "gay" and they are dead on.It's very hard to believe that he's interested in the extremely hot Maureen O'Hara. It also calls Maureen "the loveliest prize in Arab". I have no clue where Arab is but she sure is lovely. I assume this is the first Sinbad movie and although there are no Ray Harryhausen monsters,it's still a good movie. Sometimes they ramble and I found myself not paying attention but there's plenty of action to make up for that. As usual,Sinbad assembles a crew(not shown) but this time he has a Chinese barber that he doesn't trust. Why do they need a barber?Why let him shave you if you don't trust him?. It's your typical Sinbad story...adventure,action and plenty of hot girls. This is a movie you should see.

The adventures of Sinbad (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.). Maureen O'Hara plays the love interest and Anthony Quinn plays the villain.

A VERY elaborate film from RKO Radio Pictures. The sets are huge, the costumes beautiful and the color is great...but I really didn't enjoy this.

For starters, Fairbanks is in lousy shape and looks way too old for the role (he was 38). Also he overacts CONSTANTLY to an embarrassing degree. He's supposed to be dashing and charming--he comes across as loudmouthed and immature. And what's with that silly arm gesture he gave during the "fights"? The fights basically had him doing acrobatics and little else. Quinn underacts and plays an Arab (!!!) but he's easily to take then Fairbanks. O'Hara is absolutely gorgeous but she comes across as bad as Fairbanks! She was so obnoxious--I kept wondering what anyone saw in her. And then there's Walter Slezak (who's very good) playing an Oriental (!!!!).

The dialogue is silly and the plot wanders all over the place. I had my finger down on the fast forward button a LOT during this film. Also there really isn't a lot of action in this film--it's mostly talk. The only thing that kept me watching was the truly breathtaking Technicolor. The colors are rich and vibrant and the movie looks fantastic. Too bad the script and acting weren't up to the visuals. Kids might like it but there is some extreme (for the time) violence--whippings, caning, arrows--but never any blood.

I can only give this a 5.