Our flash back to the past for this month is THE SHEIK a romance film with some action that was made in 1921. The silent film features Rudolph Valentino who came to fame in the movie All Night that he co-starred with the glamorous Carmel Myers. It was a start for the man who would be known as the Latin Lover. Although he appeared in that movie and 15 others prior to The Sheik, it was this film for which he will be most remembered. The Sheik was originally released in Black and White, but the film now on its 100th Anniversary Blu-ray release has a sepia tone to give the desert a better visual.
Opposite Valentino and playing the fetching Diana Mayo, Agnes Ayres makes the perfect balance with Rudolph’s Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan. I can see why she was chosen to be opposite the wiry desert vagabond, as her eyes are an important part of a silent film movie star. Her eyes are as big and expressive as her co-star and each action and facial expression easy shows what’s on their minds. For Ayres, The Sheik was a stepping stone to a fine career that included 93 credits and a star on the “Walk of Fame”.
“The Sheik” tells the story of a young powerful lord of the desert, Sheik Ahmed Ben Hassan, who controls most of the land close to the city of Briska on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Algeria. He is well known and liked by the people and is welcomed wherever he goes. He is also a ladies man who has an eye for the pretty dancers at the local Monte Carlo Casino.
Lady Diana Mayo, an adventuress, has come to Briska to explore the desert and its people. An aristocrat, her money is highly welcome in the town. On this day she has hired a local guide to take her to an oasis that’s located well inside the dunes far from town. A feisty demanding woman, she has declined the advice of her brother that it will be a dangerous adventure.
That same night, Sheik Ahmed comes to the casino to party where he gets a glimpse of Diana and their eyes meet. So begins a wild story of kidnapping, captivity and an untamed romance. George Melford was a seasoned director when he took on the project having completed over 100 short films from 1911 to 1913 (movie houses could not play long films with their projectors at the time) and nearly 50 full features before making The Sheik in 1921. His use of black and white is magnificent and the stories ranged among many genres. He made his last film in 1946 at the age of 69 and it was his number 231.
Included in the 100th Anniversary Blu-ray release is packaged in a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments. The Extra that accompanies the Blu-ray is “DESERT HEAT: 100 YEARS WITH THE SHEIK with Professor Leslie Midkiff Debaliche, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Film Historian and author.
While the film is not rated, it does contain some violence and sensuality. Women will like Diana’s desire for independence and other feminist virtues. The length of the film is about average for the 1920’s at one hour and 26 minutes. The placards are easy to read and being on Blu-ray pause and rewind are always available. I have added the BRD to my collection of art and historical film videos.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres
Directed by: George Melford
Genre: Drama, Adventure, Romance
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains violence and sensuality
Running Time: 1hr. 26 min.
Video Release Date: October 19, 2021
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Number of Discs: Blu-ray 100th Anniversary
Distributed by: Paramount Home Entertainment
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Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for youngsters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
