Complete credited cast: | |||
Bud Abbott | ... | Peter Johnson | |
Lou Costello | ... | Harvey Garvey | |
Marilyn Maxwell | ... | Hazel Moon | |
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John Conte | ... | Prince Ramo |
Douglass Dumbrille | ... | Nimativ | |
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Lottie Harrison | ... | Teema |
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Lock Martin | ... | Bobo (as J. Lockard Martin) |
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Murray Leonard | ... | The Derelict |
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Adia Kuznetzoff | ... | Chief Ghamu |
Milton Parsons | ... | Crystal Gazer | |
Ralph Sanford | ... | Mr. Ormulu | |
Jimmy Dorsey | ... | Jimmy Dorsey | |
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Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra | ... | Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra |
Pete Johnson and Harvey D. Garvey, two inept magicians on tour in the Middle Eastern kingdom of Barabeeha, help disenfranchised young Prince Ramo regain his throne from his devious Uncle Nimativ, who uses two magical hypnotic rings and ruthless methods to maintain his power. By posing as Hollywood talent scouts the boys break out of a dank dungeon with a deranged derelict, evade palace guards, elude the palace executioner, and avoid detection in the forbidden royal harem. Written by Gabe Taverney (duke1029@aol.com)
Silky Smooth Looking A & C Movie from MGM (one of three). Of Course, True to Form, the Studio with "More Stars than in the Heavens", were Myopic and Misused Many that They Put Through the Lens at the Tinseltown Behemoth.
Nowhere Near as Bad as Rio Rita (1942 an MGM flop), because for One Thing the Mid-East Setting is Used to Advantage, and the Musical Numbers are Thankfully Removed from Operatic to Swing, with Jimmy Dorsey On Hand to Present a Couple of Neat Ditties.
Some of the Routines are Peppy and the Story is Rich Enough to Sustain the Shenanigans, the Wordplay is Welcome, and Marilyn Maxwell is a Beauty. The Somewhat Secular Setting Would Draw Religious Criticism from Muslim Fundamentalist Today, but This Was a Different Time.
There are No Close-Ups or Lingering on the Harem Girls as They are Regulated to Background and Musical Numbers. Another Clueless MGM Misfire. The Studio Sets are Leftovers, but are Impressive. Mid-Range Abbott and Costello Movie (they made dozens). Worth a Watch for Fans and Non Fans Alike.