The Arab
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Cecil B. Demille
Edgar Selwyn
Horace B. Carpenter
Milton Brown
Billy Elmer
Sydney Deane
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
After the Bedouin sheik gives his son Jamil's beautiful white horse to an enemy whom Jamil's followers attacked on a holy day against Jamil's orders, the son leaves, vowing to retrieve the horse. Meanwhile, the Sultan's messenger sends word to Kyamil Pasha, the Turkish governor in Syria, of plans to massacre local Christians. The governor, who loves Mary Hilbert, a missionary's daughter, has given her Jamil's horse, which he bought. Fearing retribution from the American government, the governor gets the Bedouins to invade, to put the blame on them, on the condition of the Bedouins that he bring Jamil home. Jamil discovers Mary riding his horse and, falling in love with her, offers to become a Christian. During the massacre, Jamil breaks into the castle where the governor has taken Mary for his harem and is forcing himself on her. The governor shoots Jamil and tries to blame Mary, but Jamil regains consciousness and relates the truth to Jamil's vengeful Bedouins. Because the sheik has died, Jamil assumes leadership, and although Mary leaves for America, she promises to return.
Director
Cecil B. Demille
Cast
Edgar Selwyn
Horace B. Carpenter
Milton Brown
Billy Elmer
Sydney Deane
Gertrude Robinson
Park Jones
Theodore Roberts
Raymond Hatton
Irvin S. Cobb
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
This was Edgar Selwyn's first film. According to modern sources, in addition to directing, Cecil B. DeMille produced and edited the film, and collaborated with Edgar Selwyn on the scenario; Alvin Wyckoff was the cameraman; and Wilfred Buckland was the art director. In 1924, a film from the same source was produced by Metro-Goldwyn Pictures, directed by Rex Ingram and starring Ramon Novarro and Alice Terry. (See AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1921-30; F2.0157.) In 1933, M-G-M produced The Barbarian from the same source, which was directed by Sam Wood and starred Ramon Novarro.
